University recognises diverse range of start-up talent
The University of Manchester has held a celebration of entrepreneurial talent emerging from its intellectual property innovation optimiser venture.
More than 100 entrepreneurs, university colleagues and support partners attended an IO showcase to hear how the UMIP Innovation Optimiser has supported and nurtured new businesses.
This year sees another eight IO supported University of Manchester start-ups begin their journey, including Dataviewer, Sleeping Lions Adventures, The Pentone Family, Neurolytics, IMPACT CIC, Macawly, Third Floor Systems and PABBS.
This brings the total to have graduated through the UMIP Innovation Optimiser programme to more than 20 within three years.
IO director Tony Walker revealed that more than £265,000-worth of support and awards have been provided by the IO in less than three years, while 164 entrepreneurs from across he University of Manchester campus have engaged in the programme.
Prof Luke Georghiou, deputy president and deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Manchester, emphasised the importance of supporting staff, academics and research students who may have an idea for a commercial start-up or social enterprise.
Tony Walker said: “IO was launched just over two-and-a-half years ago and is proving to be a huge success boosting the Manchester start-up scene.
“It provides a vibrant and supportive environment for individuals or teams with an idea, innovation or venture in which they are empowered to develop and build their business.”
He added: “The IO Showcase 2018 very much highlighted some of the fantastic businesses and innovations being developed by staff, academics and research students at the University of Manchester.
“It’s now about IO going from strength to strength and building on the partnerships we have created, including with Business Growth Hub, dwf, Manchester Enterprise Centre, TiE Global and many more, and continuing to engage with active entrepreneurs across the campus who we may be able to support through our Ignition, Roadmap, Momentum and Spotlight programmes.”
Innovation Optimiser Showcase
Dr Laura Etchells, UMIP enterprise development manager, said: “We were delighted to showcase a range of new and established entrepreneurs today, including ESOL Stepping Stones, Bundlee and UrbanChain, all eager to inspire and motivate tomorrow’s innovators.”
IO, which provides support for aspiring entrepreneurs wishing to develop start-up businesses, social ventures and research student enterprises, through educational resources and agile mentoring, was developed by UMIP to complement its renowned intellectual property (IP) commercialisation activity.
Since its inception IO has held 62 events and engaged with more than 1,300 people in outreach activities across the university campus.
