2018 sees another eight IO supported University
Start-Ups begin their journey including-
Dataviewer Ltd, Sleeping Lions Adventures
Ltd, The Pentone Family Ltd, Neurolytics Ltd,
IMPACT CIC, Macawly Ltd, Third Floor Systems
Ltd and PABBS Ltd. This brings the total to
have graduated through the UMIP Innovation
Optimiser programme to over 20 within
three years.
IO Director, Tony Walker revealed that over
£265,000 worth of support and awards have
been provided by the IO in less than three
years while 164 entrepreneurs from across The
University's campus have engaged in
the programme.
Professor Luke Georghiou, Deputy President
and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, emphasised the
importance of supporting staff, academics and
research students who may have an idea for a
commercial start-up or social enterprise.
Speaking after IO Showcase –Tony 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.
"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."
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
Ltd and UrbanChain Ltd, 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.
Ellie Buckley, UMIP Enterprise Development
Executive and event organiser said: "Our second
Showcase was attended by more than 100
people and the feedback has been incredible.
"This event is a fantastic opportunity for our
entrepreneurs to share their stories, connect
across campus and network with the wider
enterprise community in Greater Manchester.
We're looking forward to the next 12 months
at IO."
The IO Showcase 2018 was held on Thursday
26th July at The University of Manchester
Innovation Centre on Grafton Street.
To find out more, contact one of the Innovation
Optimiser team:
Ellie Buckley, Enterprise Development Executive
ellie.buckley@umip.com or 0161 606 7265
Laura Etchells, Enterprise Development Manager
laura.etchells@umip.com or 0161 606 7264
Tony Walker, Director of Innovation Optimiser,
tony.walker@umip.com or 0161 603 7780
