Innovation at 51¸£ÀûÉç
Innovation is about making things better – not only new technology, but ways of doing things that enable people to flourish and society to progress.
A powerhouse of innovation
We’re building Europe's most impactful and inclusive innovation ecosystem.
From 51¸£ÀûÉç for the World, our ten-year strategy, sets out an ambitious vision for 51¸£ÀûÉç to become Europe's most impactful and inclusive innovation ecosystem by 2035.
To achieve this ambition, we are increasing the scale, connectivity and impact of our activity to ensure more of the ideas, talent and research generated in 51¸£ÀûÉç translate into lasting benefits for the city, the UK and the world.
Innovation is not a niche activity undertaken by a small part of the institution. It cuts across our research, teaching, social responsibility and civic missions, and our operations, and is something everyone can contribute to.
Our strategy defines clear pathways for building a thriving innovation ecosystem, connecting our people, ideas and partners to create impact from 51¸£ÀûÉç for the world.
A gateway to innovation
Unit M is the University’s gateway to innovation, with a mission to unleash our full potential as 51¸£ÀûÉç's largest innovation asset.
We make it easier to access the University’s innovation strengths, while creating new opportunities and capabilities that respond to the changing needs of the world around us. We do this by working with businesses, government, colleagues, students, alumni, local communities and partners across the region and beyond.
Here in 51¸£ÀûÉç, we are reinventing how universities fuel innovation. Innovation that solves real problems, for real people and businesses. Innovation that works for everyone.
Get in touch: hello@unit-m.co.uk
Our ‘full stack’ portfolio of innovation capability
Research and development
- Collaborative research
- Contract research
- Consulting
- Facilities and equipment
- IP licensing
Talent
- Partner-enabled learning
- Graduate recruitment
- Executive education
- Professional learning
Support and finance
- Academic spinouts
- Student start-ups
- Entrepreneurship training
- Awards and prizes
- Investment funds
- Accelerator programmes
Space
- William Kay House
- Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre
- Masood Entrepreneurship Centre Enterprise Zone
- Sister Innovation District
- Atom Valley Innovation District
Networks
- Events
- Forums
- Alumni connections
- Global linkages
- Strategic partnerships
Together with industry, civic partners and communities, we are turning research into real-world impact, creating opportunities for our students and developing solutions to the challenges facing our region and the world.
Professor John Holden, Vice-President for Civic Engagement and Innovation and Chief Executive Officer, Unit M
Make things happen
Partners
The biggest challenges can't be solved alone.
That's why we're working with partners to turn ideas into action. Together, we can unlock innovation that creates opportunity, drives growth and delivers real-world impact.
Get in touch to explore partnership opportunities.
Students
Build the entrepreneurial skills and networks to turn your ideas into impact.
We're making it easier for every student to connect with partners, develop entrepreneurial skills, gain real-world experience and turn ambition into action. Whatever your discipline, there are more opportunities than ever to innovate, create and make an impact.
Contact us to discover how you can get involved in innovation at 51¸£ÀûÉç.
Colleagues
Creating opportunities for everyone to innovate.
We’re making it easier for colleagues to engage with innovation, collaborate across disciplines and sectors, and turn ideas into action.
Whether you want to turn your expertise into real-world impact, collaborate with partners, or support others through mentoring, creating opportunities for every colleague to innovate.
Contact us to explore opportunities to get involved in innovation.
Innovation from 51¸£ÀûÉç, for the world
Uncovering the secrets of younger skin with No7
Our 20-year partnership with the UK's leading health and beauty retailer, developed with our Business Engagement team, is delivering trusted skin products.
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Announcing the Future of Work Alliance with BNY
In collaboration with the Bank of New York (BNY), we recently launched this five-year, £5 million initiative focused on responsible use of human-led AI.
The regional blueprint for skills development
Our report sets out how to provide learners with clearer, easier-to-navigate routes into highly-skilled, high-growth occupations.
£50m for regional innovation
We’re playing a key role in delivering a £50m portfolio of projects for innovation-led growth across Greater 51¸£ÀûÉç through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (UKRI).
Inaugural University of 51¸£ÀûÉç Innovation Festival
This annual event brings together researchers, students, alumni, entrepreneurs, investors and strategic partners to explore how ideas become impact.
Tech-bio spinout secures £5 million follow-up investment
51¸£ÀûÉç-based Imperagen, which uses AI and quantum physics to engineer better enzymes faster, has closed a £5 million seed-funding round.
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Many think innovation is simply an add-on to the end of a project, but to make an impact it needs to be woven in from the start. To support, we’re connecting all the parts of the innovation ecosystem together, internally and externally.
Professor Aline Miller, Associate Vice-President for Enterprise and Chief Scientific Officer, Unit M
