Join our Innovation Academy's next Founders Network event
22 Apr 2025
Come and connect with fellow entrepreneurs on Monday, 12 May
The University’s Innovation Academy is inviting all staff and students who have founded a start-up or spin-out, or are budding entrepreneurs, to attend the next Founders Network event taking place on Monday, 12 May.
This informal event – from 5pm to 7.30pm in the Nancy Rothwell Building – will include a keynote speech by President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison and offers a relaxed evening of networking and a chance to immerse yourself in the University’s growing entrepreneurial community.
What are the benefits of attending?
During the course of the event you will be able to:
- Gain insight and inspiration from senior leaders – including President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison, who will share his vision for innovation and entrepreneurship at Manchester.
- Learn from your peers through elevator pitches from fellow founders – discover how others are tackling challenges, making the most of opportunities and scaling up their ventures.
- Be the first to hear about the launch of Manchester’s new Innovation Awards.
- Grow your own network by joining the speed networking session – a fast-paced, focused way to meet other entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and spark future collaborations.
- Tap into support via exhibition stands from the University and local partners such as The Henry Royce Institute, the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC), Unit M, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and more.
The Founders Network has grown rapidly since launching in 2024, from 40 to over 110 members, reflecting the surge of enterprise activity across the University.
Professor Aline Miller, Director of the Innovation Academy, 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.”
The Founders Network is open to all students and staff at the University who are thinking about or have already commercialised their research, founded a start-up or spin-out.
Book a place
Register for the event at:
You can also follow the Innovation Academy SharePoint to find out this and future events and activities.