The University of Manchester will bring together researchers, students, entrepreneurs, industry partners, investors and civic leaders for its first Innovation Festival, taking place from 5-9 October 2026.
The week-long Festival will celebrate and showcase the people, partnerships and ideas that are helping to shape the future through research, enterprise and collaboration.
Through hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, awards, talks and networking opportunities, attendees will have the chance to explore Manchester’s vibrant and globally connected innovation ecosystem and discover how ideas are translated into real-world impact.
Professor Aline Miller, Associate Vice-President for Enterprise at The University of Manchester said: “Innovation happens when brilliant people, ideas and partnerships come together. The University of Manchester Innovation Festival is an opportunity to showcase the extraordinary innovation taking place across our University and to connect our researchers, students, entrepreneurs, partners and investors with new opportunities to collaborate.
“Aligned with our Manchester 2035 strategy – From Manchester, for the World – the Festival reflects our ambition to turn world-leading ideas into real-world impact that delivers benefits for people, places and communities locally and globally.”
Whether developing a new idea, looking for collaborators, exploring investment opportunities or simply curious about innovation, attendees will be able to connect with experts, innovators, students, funders and partners from across the University and beyond.
