The University of Manchester Innovation Festival
Where ideas become impact. From Manchester, for the world.
A week-long celebration of innovation took place from Monday, 5 to Friday, 9 October 2026.
Through hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, awards, talks and networking events, the Festival showcased Manchester's vibrant, globally connected innovation ecosystem and brought together researchers, students, entrepreneurs, partners, investors and civic leaders to explore how ideas become impact.
Aligned with our strategy to 2035 – From Manchester for the world – and our ambition to deliver transformative innovation, the Festival showcased how our people, partnerships and ideas change lives locally and globally.
The University of Manchester Innovation Festival will return in 2027.
Events
Programme of events 2026
Discover our full festival programme of workshops, demonstrations, talks, networking and more.
News
Innovation Festival kicks off
Packed launch event highlights Manchester’s strategy for impact through innovation.
Innovation Festival day two
Student ideas and global ambitions step into the spotlight as the week’s events build momentum.
Innovation Festival day three
Spinouts show their work and the first Partnership Excellence Awards take place on the busiest day yet.
Two cities, one global ambition
Cambridge and Manchester have joined forces to compete with the world.
£100k awarded for Responsible AI
LanthaGen Bio Ltd wins Coller AI Competition, furthering recovery of valuable metals from electronics waste.
Partnership Excellence Awards winners
The awards recognise the people, projects and organisations delivering impact through collaboration.
Founders Fund for future entrepreneurs
£10 million fund to provide pre-seed investment for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
LanthaGen Bio wins Coller AI Competition
£100k equity investment for start-up developing AI-powered technology to recover valuable metals.
Why attend?
Researchers and academic colleagues
Join us to explore routes into enterprise, partnerships, funding and collaboration, while connecting with colleagues, students, partners and funders who can help turn ideas into real-world change.
Students
Meet founders, researchers, entrepreneurs and partners, discover opportunities to develop your career skills, and see how your ideas and ambitions can connect with real-world challenges.
Partners, investors and funders
Gain direct access to research expertise, emerging technologies, entrepreneurial talent, facilities and collaboration opportunities.
Meet the people and teams driving new ideas forward, explore opportunities for partnership and investment, and understand how Manchester works with industry, civic partners, investors and communities to deliver inclusive growth and impact at scale.