Innovation and enterprise
Turning big ideas into bold action
Entrepreneurial students and staff are launching spinouts to tackle global issues from healthcare to sustainability. Powered by you, we're turning innovation into growth.
Bold ideas to solve global challenges
We're supporting innovations that accelerate ideas into global solutions.
Why it matters
Manchester has a proud history of discoveries and breakthroughs. Innovation is in our DNA, and that spirit of curiosity and ambition is needed now more than ever.
- The urgency of threats such as climate change demands new ideas around clean energy, cities, materials and how our economies work.
- Our goal is to become Europe’s most inclusive and impactful innovation network – turning ideas into impact faster, with our partners, and for more people.
- Philanthropy inspires students and academics to be bold, take risks and step from university into the commercial world.
How it works
Your support helps make innovation part of everyday life at Manchester – connecting people, ideas and opportunities across our community of 47,000 students and 7,000 researchers, and unlocking their entrepreneurial potential.
- Donor funding enables initiatives like our Ideas with Impact Awards – giving founders the confidence, networks and equity-free funding to test and grow their ventures.
- Unit M is our new gateway for innovation, bringing together expertise from across the University to work with start-ups, industry, community and government.
- Through these programmes and partnerships, philanthropy helps Manchester deliver high-impact solutions to the world’s most urgent problems.
Case study
Reinventing water treatment for a more sustainable future
When Seb Leaper began his PhD, he didn't expect to become an entrepreneur. But after discovering how waste water could hold the key to both cleaner water and a more sustainable planet, he founded Watercycle Technologies – a climate tech company turning waste into worth.
Backed by the Eli and Britt Harari Graphene Enterprise Award, Seb is tackling the global water crisis head-on, proving that with the right support, bold ideas can change the world. Challenge accepted.
100% of your donation goes straight to the cause
No commission, no costs. Every penny you give fuels discoveries, real-world impact and student success.
Online giving is safe and secure
We use secure payment systems, never store your card details and you're covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee.
Choose how and when to give
Whether you give money, time or a legacy, you choose how and when to make your impact.
You’re joining a global community
Join the 5,000+ donors across the world who help our university deliver real-world change.
We’re transparent about impact
You'll hear real stories about how your gift helps us tackle urgent global challenges.
There’s a team to talk to
Have a question or need some help? We're a team of real people, ready to talk to you about your gift.
Choose how and when to give
Donate, volunteer, leave a gift in your will or discuss a transformational gift to empower bright minds and support breakthroughs for a healthier, fairer and more sustainable future.
"You can't make innovation happen; you have to create the environment to make it happen. And we are focusing on doing just that – but we need support.
"We know what we want to do. We're fast. We're fierce. But we can't do it without the support of our larger community. The University is part of so many people's personal history. Now, we have an opportunity to invite you to volunteer, to donate, to become part of its future – and to make it the global leader in innovation."
Samira Kaissi, Innovation Director, Unit M
