Innovation Academy’s Founders Network Dinner

06 Feb 2025

A thriving community for University of Manchester entrepreneurs

Last week (Tuesday, 28 January), the University of Manchester’s Innovation Academy hosted its third Founders Network Dinner at the Manchester Museum.

This exclusive event brought together 110 student and staff entrepreneurs from across all three Faculties, alongside 15 external business and innovation experts to foster an environment of collaboration and mentorship.

The evening opened with insights from Professor Richard Jones, Pro Vice Chancellor for Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement, who stressed the role of innovation in the University’s 2035 Strategy. He emphasised the importance of transforming research into tangible solutions that address global challenges while driving an innovation-led economy.

A highlight of the night was a series of one-minute elevator pitches from nine inspiring entrepreneurs, each at different stages of their journey. These ranged from early-stage proof-of-concept ideas to businesses securing significant funding, such as those winning the Eli Harari Award and raising over £9 million in seed funding. The ventures spanned diverse industries, including healthcare, technology, and sustainability:

• Arcube – Harvey Lowe & Prithveesh Reddy
• MUC VAC – Jacob Thompson & Laura Burgess Tornaletti
• One World Together – Skyler Colarusso
• Keep•It•Human – Ricardo Climent
• Aqua Catalysis – Luke Marden
• CareLoop Health – Zoë Blake
• Hafiza – Hifza Nawaz
• APINI – Sam Butterworth
• #GiFT – Andy Weightman

In attendance was Professor Lou Cordwell, CEO of Unit M, who introduced this University of Manchester flagship initiative, highlighting its potential to revolutionise the regional innovation ecosystem.

She described how Unit M will act as a bridge between university-born innovation and the wider economy, fostering inclusivity and long-term growth.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Professor Aline Miller, Director of the Innovation Academy and Chief Scientific Officer at Unit M, said: “It’s incredible to see our Innovation Academy Founders Network flourishing. Each event has grown significantly, reinforcing how the University of Manchester’s innovator community is beginning to thrive.

“With initiatives like Unit M, we have the opportunity to extend our impact beyond the University, embedding ourselves within the wider regional ecosystem.”

The Innovation Academy’s Founders Network is a growing community of technology, creative, and social start-up and spin-out founders, providing a supportive platform for sharing experiences and fostering peer-to-peer learning. Since its launch in June 2024, attendance at the dinners has grown from 40 to 110 - highlighting the growing momentum behind entrepreneurial activity.

The Innovation Academy, a collaboration between the Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange Team, the University of Manchester Innovation Factory, and the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, aims to inspire and accelerate enterprise across campus.

Any student or staff member with an interest in entrepreneurship is encouraged to join this vibrant network. To get involved, contact Kelly Burnham at Innovation.Academy@manchester.ac.uk or follow the Innovation Academy’s SharePoint.

Photo credit: Enna Bartlett, Biotechnology Beacon Communications and Marketing Manager