In early October The University of Manchester brought together researchers, students, entrepreneurs, investors, businesses and civic leaders for its first Innovation Festival, a week-long celebration of how research, collaboration and entrepreneurship can help address real-world challenges and create positive social and economic impact. The Festival showcased the University’s ambition to turn ideas into action by connecting people, organisations and communities around innovation opportunities.

Held across a programme of talks, workshops, demonstrations, networking events and competitions, the Festival highlighted the breadth of innovation taking place across the University and the partnerships that help bring new ideas to life. From student entrepreneurship and venture creation to research commercialisation, responsible artificial intelligence and place-based innovation, attendees explored how Manchester’s innovation ecosystem supports solutions that benefit society locally and globally.

Festival highlights included the launch of a new strategy for inclusive innovation; the announcement of a £10 million Founders Fund for future entrepreneurs; discussions on supporting the next generation of innovators; demonstrations from University spinouts and start-ups; and the final of the Coller AI Competition, where emerging ventures presented responsible AI solutions to real-world challenges. The Festival also strengthened connections between researchers, industry, investors and civic partners, creating opportunities for future collaboration and impact. 

By showcasing the people, partnerships and ideas that drive innovation at Manchester, the Festival demonstrated how universities can play a central role in supporting inclusive growth, improving lives and addressing global challenges through research and enterprise. There’s more to follow next year when the Innovation Festival returns 1-5 November 2027.

• Find out more about innovation at Manchester