University of Manchester Innovation Factory
The University’s dedicated technology transfer organisation, responsible for transforming our world-leading research and ideas into commercial opportunities that deliver real-world impact through spinout, licensing and investment.
The Innovation Factory identifies, protects and develops intellectual property (IP) arising from the University’s research, guiding the journey from initial discovery to market-ready innovation. Its mission is to ensure that the breakthroughs, inventions and insights generated by the University’s research community create tangible benefits for society, the economy and the environment.
Recognised as one of the UK’s leading university technology transfer offices, the Innovation Factory plays a vital role in supporting spinouts, licensing technology and securing investment, ensuring the University’s research excellence translates into commercial and societal benefit.
Visit the Innovation Factory website to learn more.
Key impacts of our work
- Watercycle Technologies: pioneering sustainable lithium and critical mineral extraction to accelerate the transition to clean energy.
- Complement Therapeutics: advancing groundbreaking complement biology research into new gene and protein-based therapies for ocular and systemic diseases.
- Tiny Human Dramas: creating live performances informed by anthropological research that explore the richness and complexity of everyday human experience.
Support for academics, researchers and post-grad students
We support University academics, researchers and postgraduate students to assess ideas, protect IP and explore commercial routes including spinouts and licensing. Our team works alongside researchers at every stage, offering expert advice and practical support to help turn innovative research into impact.
Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange
Whether you’re a multinational corporation, an ambitious SME or a forward-thinking social enterprise, discover the value working with our university can bring.
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