Researcher to Innovator (R2I) Programme 2022-3

Calling all aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators!             

You’re invited to join an exciting new training programme for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to trial and prepare business ideas for the commercial environment.             

The programme aims to inspire and accelerate the translation of the knowledge created through your research into products, services or processes to deliver tangible benefit through a series of bespoke workshops and mentoring opportunities. The workshops will help you articulate your science and research by taking you through a lean start-up technology pathway to explore the potential of your idea, culminating in you pitching your idea in Dragons Den style for the opportunity to win financial awards plus expert mentor support and onward access to places on regional and national accelerator programmes.             

The programme was originally launched in October 2021 by Professor Martin Schroeder, Vice-President and Dean, Faculty of Science and Engineering. Watch a recording of the launch event.             

From the previous R2I programme cohort we awarded £35k to researchers to further their ideas . Find out more about the winning projects.       

This is open to all individuals, or teams, of PGR students and ECRs (less than 5 years after graduation) who are working within FSE,  FBMH or Humanities on novel research and is ideal for anyone wishing to explore the commercial viability of their ideas. The programme is a blend of online and face to face practical teaching sessions, expert clinics and mentor sessions that will provide experienced advice and support from leading entrepreneurs and innovators. It will run over ~ 10 weeks and you would need to dedicate ~ half a day per week to get the most out of the programme. You and your research team will benefit by gaining the tools, contacts and confidence to transform your idea into a successful business project or venture and bolster commercial development and deliver impact.    

Lean Canvas Proposal

Individuals, or groups, of researchers can now submit your bespoke Lean Canvas proposal (i.e. outline of your commercial opportunity) to the programme. The deadline for submissions is 4 November 2022.

A Selection Panel (comprised of key Faculty, Innovation Factory, MEC staff and external domain experts) will then shortlist individuals or teams to go on to the next stage of training and you will be informed of the outcome of your application by 8 November 2022.

All shortlisted individuals, or teams, will be will be given Faculty support, permission to attend and awarded up to £500 to spend on justifiable expenses incurred during the programme to support the ongoing development of your opportunities.

There is no better time to take your spark and your ambition and learn how to turn a research idea and innovation into a reality from leading experts and identify the best commercial model for your venture.

Don't miss this opportunity; submit your Lean Canvas Proposal (i.e. outline of your commercial opportunity) by 4 November 2022.

Apply now >>

The Faculty focussed Researcher to Innovator (R2I) programme programme has been coordinated through the FSE Innovation Academy, which is an umbrella initiative and joint venture between the FSE Business Engagement and Innovation Team, the University of Manchester Innovation Factory and the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre and has the aim of bringing together knowledge, expertise and routes to facilitate the commercialisation of research from FSE.