Hello, World! We are Unit M. We are the University of Manchester’s innovation unit. We’re reinventing how universities fuel innovation. Innovation that solves real problems, for real people and real businesses. Innovation that works for everyone and the planet.
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Dover Street
Christabel Pankhurst Building
Manchester, England M13 9PS, GB
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🏛️Retrofitting heritage buildings isn’t just about energy savings. Done well, it can: ✔️ Reduce running costs ✔️ Improve comfort for occupants and visitors ✔️ Support net zero targets ✔️ Protect the building fabric ✔️ Extend long-term usability In our upcoming webinar, we’ll explore how all these things can be achieved & look at some real project examples. 📅 Tuesday 9th June 🕥 10:30am 👉 Book your place: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eVzsa76J
Join us on Tuesday (2nd June) as we explore the findings of this year’s UK Innovation Report and what this means for our region. Further details below – The Cambridge x Manchester Partnership, The University of Manchester, Innovate Cambridge, University of Cambridge
Delighted to see our Director, Alexander Roy, joining the panel at the upcoming Insights from the 2026 UK Innovation Report event in Manchester. Hosted by the Manchester Institute Of Innovation Research at Alliance Manchester Business School, this session will bring together leading voices from across the ecosystem to explore what what the latest findings mean for Greater Manchester and the wider North West. The event will include a short presentation on the report’s key findings by the authors from the University of Cambridge, followed by a panel discussion with regional experts and stakeholders. Expect candid discussion, fresh perspectives, and a strong mix of regional leaders, innovators, and stakeholders - plus time for Q&A and networking. If you’re working across innovation, investment, or ecosystem development in the North West, this is one to be in the room for. 📍 Alliance Manchester Business School 📅 02 June 2026 | 12:30 – 14:30 Attendance is free (registration required): https://lnkd.in/ePV888zD This event is co‑organised by MIOIR with Accenture, the North West Business Leadership Team, and the University of Cambridge - Cambridge Industrial Innovation Policy. Stay tuned for upcoming activity, events and opportunities to engage, and follow The Cambridge x Manchester Partnership page to keep up to date. Innovate Cambridge University of Cambridge x Unit M The University of Manchester
3 months. 10 teams. 1 demo day – the perfect opportunity to get involved. Our deep tech accelerator demo day is just a few weeks away. 🗓️ When? Wednesday 24th June, 5–8pm 📍 Where? Sister – Renold Building, Altrincham St, M1 7JR ➡️ Who’s it for? Investors, industry partners, mentors, and ecosystem supporters. 💬 What’s the agenda? Founders from our first cohort will showcase what they’ve built over the last three months, and what’s coming next. We look forward to seeing you there! Sign up – https://lnkd.in/dtWTx4hq We’re now in week 7 of the accelerator, and yesterday we welcomed Stefano Smith (PXN Group) to work with the cohort on building compelling pitch decks. Stefano shared practical insights on tailoring pitches for different audiences, engaging investors effectively, and the realities of raising investment – a timely session as teams prepare for demo day.
Deep tech accelerator week 6 – introducing a few of the teams from our current cohort. 👉 Come and hear what everyone's been working on at our demo day on 24th June – https://lnkd.in/dtWTx4hq ▪ SporeSense An early disease detection device enabling farmers to identify crop infections before visible symptoms emerge, enabling the reduction, and targeted use, of fungicides. This is being developed by a collaboration of companies and agri-tech specialists, spearheaded by The University of Manchester researchers and with commercial development support from University of Manchester Innovation Factory. ▪ Imprinted Diagnostics Imprinted Diagnostics uses a novel form of detection (molecularly imprinted polymers) and a patented detection platform. Commercialisation is being supported by University of Manchester Innovation Factory and is expected to lead to the first product; a rapid, portable, blood test that can diagnose heart attacks on the spot. ▪ Graphene Thermal Modular floor heating panels that reach operating temperature in under one minute. Using self-regulating graphene nano-composite heating elements, the system delivers instant, on-demand heating, cutting energy use and installation costs versus underfloor heating. ▪ CASA Space Technologies This spinout from University of Manchester Innovation Factory is using advanced materials engineering to increase the length of satellite operations in very low Earth orbit by mitigating atmospheric drag and atomic oxygen erosion. The technology unlocks longer satellite lifetimes, allows for lower orbits, higher-performance Earth observation and better in-orbit communications services. The accelerator is designed to support researchers and technical founders from across Greater Manchester to turn science-based innovation into investment-ready companies – from clean energy and advanced health technologies, to next‑generation rehabilitation.
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AI is rapidly becoming embedded in everyday working life. But how should it be deployed? Like many organisations, at The University of Manchester, we are trying to figure out how to use it well, while making sure people remain at the centre of our thinking. This is what will drive the *Future of Work Alliance* we are launching today with BNY. A transformational £5m investment from BNY into our university will bring together their experience of applying AI in complex and highly sensitive operational environments, with our expertise in AI, data science and inclusive innovation. Through Unit M, we’ll connect academic insight with real-world questions about how work is changing - and how it should change (and what shouldn’t change!). The Alliance will create opportunities for students, researchers and business leaders to learn from one another - from student projects and internships, through to executive education and longer-term research collaboration. This is exactly the kind of partnership work at the heart of our M2035 strategy and our *Challenge Accepted* philanthropic and volunteering campaign. Thank you BNY! What does responsible AI look like in practice in your organisation? (Photo with BNY Global COO Alejandro Perez at the John Rylands Library)
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We're pleased to share the launch of the Future of Work Alliance between The University of Manchester and BNY, enabled by Unit M and delivered through Alliance Manchester Business School. This new alliance brings together research challenges, executive education, internships and real-world collaboration to help organisations respond to how work is changing, particularly as the responsible use of AI becomes part of everyday practice. The initiative will focus on designing, testing and scaling new models that put people, skills and work at the centre of innovation. It is a brilliant example of how universities - with business schools - can work together with industry to turn research and insight into practical impact for leaders, students and organisations. Ken McPhail Fiona Devine Sarah Featherstone Chris Garnett Michelle Carter Kieran MacCourt Stuart Wells
Today we’re launching the Future of Work Alliance with BNY. The Alliance will design, test and scale new models for the responsible application of AI in complex organisations by combining our world leading research with real world operational challenges. The five-year, £5 million initiative is centred around developing the skills, leadership and trust needed to prepare the workforce for the AI era by placing people at the heart of innovation. Rooted in Manchester, the Alliance will strengthen our region’s role as a centre for responsible AI innovation shaped around people, skills and work, while establishing a model with global relevance. Find out how we are supporting students, leaders and organisations as AI becomes increasingly embedded in day to day work: https://lnkd.in/ezmZkfDp The initiative is enabled by our innovation arm, Unit M, and will be delivered through our globally recognised Alliance Manchester Business School.
Today we launch the Future of Work Alliance with BNY – a significant moment that puts people, skills and work at the heart of AI innovation. Two global organisations. Real operational challenges. World-leading research. And a shared focus on preparing the future workforce for the AI era. The initiative will design, test and scale new models for the responsible use and application of AI and will be delivered through Alliance Manchester Business School. Find out how we’re supporting students, leaders and organisations as AI becomes increasingly embedded in day to day work – https://lnkd.in/ezmZkfDp Unit M’s mission is to unlock the full innovation potential of The University of Manchester by making our world-class research, innovation assets and talent more accessible to all, and we’re delighted to announce this collaboration with BNY that strengthens Manchester’s role as a centre for responsible AI innovation.
Today we’re launching the Future of Work Alliance with BNY. The Alliance will design, test and scale new models for the responsible application of AI in complex organisations by combining our world leading research with real world operational challenges. The five-year, £5 million initiative is centred around developing the skills, leadership and trust needed to prepare the workforce for the AI era by placing people at the heart of innovation. Rooted in Manchester, the Alliance will strengthen our region’s role as a centre for responsible AI innovation shaped around people, skills and work, while establishing a model with global relevance. Find out how we are supporting students, leaders and organisations as AI becomes increasingly embedded in day to day work: https://lnkd.in/ezmZkfDp The initiative is enabled by our innovation arm, Unit M, and will be delivered through our globally recognised Alliance Manchester Business School.
⏰ Ideas with Impact 2026 – applications close on Friday (22nd May) ⏰ There’s a total of £300,000 in prize funds available with individual awards up to £100,000 for students, staff and alumni (within 3 years) from across The University of Manchester who are working on solutions to global challenges. Award winners will also receive support to translate research and ideas into business ventures, access to experienced mentors, and support building networks to accelerate impact. Ideas with Impact is open to all disciplines. Find out more and apply now – https://lnkd.in/esRXdjrv The awards are run in partnership between the University of Manchester’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations, University of Manchester Innovation Factory, Masood Entrepreneurship Centre and Unit M.
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Today: CreaTech Connect - Accelerating University–Industry Partnerships 📅 18 May 2026, 4.30pm - 6.00pm 📍 Flex Space, Sister Building, M1 7JR 🎟️ https://ow.ly/TWQu50YFIbb Join us to explore how The University of Manchester can help businesses and academics work together for innovative applications of CreaTech. This event aims to highlight collaborative pathways for academics interested in interdisciplinary research, (Crea)Tech enthusiasts, small and medium business owners, and Creative and Cultural Industries professionals. All are welcome; reserve your space via Eventbrite. Humanities at The University of Manchester Digital Futures at The University of Manchester The University of Manchester Faculty of Science and Engineering University of Manchester Innovation Factory Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange – The University of Manchester Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester Factory International Unit M
Week 5 of the Unit M deep tech accelerator focused on one of the most critical foundations for early-stage ventures: intellectual property. A huge thank you to Freddy Guemeni from University of Manchester Innovation Factory, who led an insightful workshop that unpacked the breadth of IP and why getting it right early is key to building and scaling high-value businesses. We were also delighted to welcome representatives from Greater Manchester Combined Authority for a fantastic mid-point dinner, bringing together our cohort, MBA students, and commercial advisor, Peter Bulkley. It was a valuable moment to reflect on progress so far, exchange ideas, and strengthen the connections that underpin the programme. 🗓️ If you’d like to see what this cohort has been building, join us for the demo day on 24th June. 👉 Sign up for the demo day here – https://lnkd.in/dtWTx4hq The University of Manchester, Chandni Hirani, Maeve Reynolds, Aline Miller, Matilda Page, Natnael Tefera, Nipun Bagaria, Sonia Kwak, Jia Deng, Alliance Manchester Business School, Imprinted Diagnostics, WarmTronics, CASA Space Technologies, Fava Health, O-INNOVATIONS, GA Innovations