The University of Manchester Innovation Factory is a key component of The University of Manchester, dedicated to commercializing the university's innovations and intellectual property. Here's an overview of its mission, structure, and recent achievements: ### Mission and Structure - Core Mission: The Innovation Factory aims to create positive social, economic, and environmental impact by translating research into commercial opportunities. It works closely with academic and student inventors to identify valuable research and develop it into assets such as patents or spin-out companies[1][2]. - Structure: The organization is structured into four main functional groups: Operations, Business Development, Finance, Legal & Asset Portfolio, and Information & Digital Marketing[1]. ### Achievements and Activities - Spin-out Companies: The Innovation Factory has successfully launched several new spin-out companies across diverse sectors, including Haliogen Power Limited, Plant Organelle Technologies Limited, and Oncodrug Limited[3]. - Financial Performance: In the 2023/2024 financial year, it secured 2.3 million in licensing income and 9.2 million in first investments for new spinouts, exceeding its target of 5 million[3]. - Leadership: Catherine Headley serves as the CEO, overseeing the commercialization efforts and partnerships[5]. ### Goals and Ambitions - Annual Targets: The Innovation Factory aims to create between 15 to 20 new spin-out companies annually[1]. - Global Reach: It seeks to be one of the world's most effective technology transfer organizations, leveraging the university's global reputation[2].