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Developing business skills in a tough but exciting arena

28 Oct 2019

Entrepreneurial-minded researchers take part in our new commercialisation programme, Researcher to Innovator (R2I)

Alliance MBS

It introduces the concept of commercialisation, while teaching new techniques and tools to the participants with the aim to develop innovative thinking and an entrepreneurial mind-set. 

The Masood Enterprise Centre works closely to deliver the programme with Dr Simon Brown and Lisa McMullan, who are renowned for the success of ICURe – Innovate UK’s award-winning commercialisation programme. 

Taking place at the Etihad Stadium, this fully-funded ‘boot camp’ style event lasted just short of 12 hours, testing the researchers’ abilities to remain focussed, engaged and motivated – three crucial yet natural skills of successful entrepreneurs. 

Tony Walker, Deputy Director of Masood Enterprise Centre said: “We were, and still are extremely excited to be offering this prestigious programme to our postdocs. It’s crucial for a university like Manchester with an excellent reputation for research and innovation to empower and support as many researchers to commercialise Manchester-based discoveries, to deliver societal and economic benefit. 

“It was an informative and enjoyable day filled with an abundance of interactive activities; the whole group did a fantastic job in staying focussed and committed throughout the duration. There were many brilliant ideas floating around the room which we’re really keen to support through the process.” 

Jessica Grocutt, who co-developed and manages the R2I programme, commented: “The boot camp reached capacity in less than three weeks and accrued a hefty waiting list, which demonstrates that the demand for such activity is certainly there. We have funding secured to run another R2I programme early next year, which I’m sure will be just as popular. With MEC being the focal point for enterprise at The University of Manchester, it’s great that we can offer this level of support to our campus-based innovators and enhance their entrepreneurial skill set.” 

All participants have been invited to the next stage of R2I where they will work with the team to refine their ideas and test the viability of their idea.

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