Ever wondered how your research could make a real-world difference? This is where you start.

Research to Reality is a practical, hands-on course for University of Manchester researchers who want to explore the commercial potential of their work. Whether you’re curious about entrepreneurship, considering forming a spinout company, or simply want to build your skills in innovation and enterprise, this course gives you the tools, mindset and support to take the next step.

When and where

Dates: 4 March to 13 May 2026
Schedule: Weekly on Wednesday afternoons (two weeks off during Easter)
Location: Core Technology Facility, University of Manchester

Join a cohort of academic innovators for in-person workshops delivered by commercialisation experts. Lunch is provided each week, and you’ll also benefit from one-to-one mentoring to help shape your ideas. The course concludes with a showcase event where you’ll pitch your project and reflect on your journey.

What you’ll gain:

  • Nine interactive workshops that build your commercial know-how

  • Mentoring to develop your own commercialisation plan

  • The opportunity to pitch your idea to experts in research and innovation

  • A community of researchers developing real-world impact

  • Final presentations and awards to celebrate your progress

If you’re ready to do more with your research, this is the place to start.

Workshop Series: At a Glance

Each session is designed to develop your confidence, sharpen your thinking and turn ideas into action.

1. Programme Induction

Workshop overview.

2. Building Your Business Proposition

Translate your research into a clear, compelling value proposition. Identify stakeholder needs and begin to shape your offer.

3. Evidencing Your Opportunity & Implementing Innovation Tools

1. Explore market research techniques and customer engagement. Learn how to validate demand and refine your concept.
2. Use structured tools and canvases to map your ideas, assess gaps, and plan your next steps.

4. Business 101

Understand how businesses operate, grow and innovate. Learn about company structures, governance, and the role of leadership.
Explore market research techniques and customer engagement. Learn how to validate demand and refine your concept.

5. Business Models and Financials

Demystify business finances. Learn how to build a simple forecast, identify costs, and understand key financial terms.

6. Finding Funding

Understand how to access grant funding or respond to commercial tenders. Learn what funders and assessors look for, and how to stand out.

7. IP: What’s All the Fuss About?

Learn how to identify, protect and leverage your intellectual property. Explore routes to commercialisation, including licensing and spinouts.

8. Negotiating a Spinout & People Focused Innovation

1. Explore what’s involved in forming a spinout company. Gain insight into legal, financial and strategic considerations.
2. Reflect on how personality and communication styles affect team dynamics, leadership and customer relationships.

9. Presentation & Awards

Final event where all cohort participants present a potential commercialisation opportunity based on their research.

Apply Now

Applications close 20th February 2026.

If you’re ready to turn your research into real-world impact, apply now by filling in this form. 

Please contact Eoin Griffin with any additional questions.

Research to Reality is supported by: