Nottingham Leads Russell Group in Commercialising Research for Regional Growth

Enterprise Excellence Event Highlights Academic Research Turned Real-World Ventures

The University of Nottingham recently marked a special occasion to recognise the people and teams that have managed to commercialise academic research into actual ventures. The event, Enterprise Excellence, was on Wednesday, 1 October and celebrated the success of almost 40 spin-out companies that are currently active and were launched from the research foundation of the university. In the opening address, it was remembered that the President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jane Norman, had praised the university's robust culture of commercialisation and innovation. The ceremony came after the publication of the newest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF5) results, which once again ranked the University of Nottingham among the UK's Top Universities for regional engagement and innovation. The KEF, released by Research England, evaluates the way that universities impact the world and economy through collaboration with business, charities, public sector bodies and communities.

Being an integral member of Russell Group Universities, the University of Nottingham continues to exhibit leadership in Business and Research. Its spin-outs, classic in life sciences and deep tech, now extend to a larger spectrum of sectors. These involve Social Enterprise models supporting the circular economy, AI-based technology for animal welfare and engineering, inclusive mentoring programs supporting workplace equality, and clean tech businesses supporting Sustainability in the Economy.

While the spin-outs from the university together raised more than £100 million in venture capital in the last five years, there was recognition that early-stage companies in the Midlands continue to struggle financially. As a response, the university has committed £5 million of equity finance, collaborated with Midlands Mindforge to assist local ventures, and partnered with 14 other universities to create Forging Ahead—a program designed to expedite commercialisation and improve the innovation ecosystem in the Midlands.

One of the exhibitors was Neupulse, a spin-out company working on developing a wristband meant to alleviate symptoms of Tourette's Syndrome. Professor Norman had noted that the Midlands has long been famous for its makers and creatives, and these new projects would continue to live up to that tradition.

The event also included talks from some of the spin-out companies, such as:

• VetVision AI Ltd (2023) – providing 24-hour AI monitoring systems to enhance animal welfare.

• The Reverse Mentoring Practice Ltd (2021) – providing mentoring programmes that enhance workplace inclusivity.

• Forge Genetics Ltd (2023) – supplying gene-editing technology for biotech and pharma industries.

• Keep Energy Systems Ltd (2020) – previously Cheesecake Energy, creating long-duration energy storage for a greener world.

Guests were able to tour exhibitions and network with founders, demonstrating the diversity of entrepreneurial potential from this Technology University. Dr Robert Hyde, co-founder of VetVision AI Ltd, had previously explained how assistance from Nottingham Technology Ventures (NTV), the university's subsidiary dealing with spin-outs and investments, had been vital in translating academic research into real-world solutions for animal health.

The University of Nottingham, at position 97 worldwide and 17 in the UK as ranked by QS World University Rankings, remains at the forefront in Science and Innovation. It is renowned for creating pioneering breakthroughs like MRI and ibuprofen, and for working on worldwide issues such as sustainable food systems, modern slavery, and cleaner transport. A key employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the university is also renowned for the highly desirable graduates that are sought out by leading employers. The 2024 Graduate Market report by High Fliers Research indicates that Nottingham graduates are the third most targeted in the UK.

The university is also the leader of the Universities for Nottingham initiative with Nottingham Trent University. This partnership of two world-class institutions works towards enhancing prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing in the region. With a solid foundation in Academic Research and a focus on Innovation in Companies, the University of Nottingham continues to build a fairer, greener and more innovative future, locally and globally.

Editor’s Note:

The University of Nottingham's Enterprise Excellence event was not just a party—it was a statement of intent. By highlighting almost 40 spin-out firms, the university illustrated how research at the university can be translated into businesses that make a tangible impact. This is not a case of innovation within firms; it's about creating a science-based regional economy underpinned by sustainability and social value. The event timing, after the KEF5 results, was anything but an accident. Nottingham's performance at the Knowledge Exchange Framework reiterates its status as a UK Top University and underscores its regional engagement leadership. It's evident that not only is the university churning out top-notch research, but also ensuring the research finds its way into society through collaborations, commercialisation, and societal impact. What is striking is the range of spin-outs. From AI technology for animal welfare and inclusive mentoring schemes to clean tech and gene-editing technology, the portfolio shows a wide commitment to sustainability in the economy and social enterprise. This is a University of Technology that recognises the need to take research from the academy and make it into real-world solutions. The financial issues that affect early-stage businesses within the Midlands were met head-on. The £5 million equity stake taken by the university, its participation in Midlands Mindforge, and involvement in Forging Ahead indicate active leadership in developing a healthier innovation ecosystem. It's not merely support—it's leadership. The fact that Neupulse, VetVision AI Ltd, Forge Genetics Ltd, The Reverse Mentoring Practice Ltd, and Keep Energy Systems Ltd are present in the university shows its outreach across industry. These businesses are not only business ventures; they are tools for the common good. Dr Robert Hyde's comment regarding the function of Nottingham Technology Ventures shows how much institutional backing is needed to translate research into impact. Outside of spin-outs, global reputation,97th worldwide, 17th in the UK, gives greater credibility to local activities. Its record of breakthroughs, such as MRI and ibuprofen, and its dedication to addressing international challenges such as modern slavery and sustainable food systems, demonstrate that this is a university of depth as well as purpose. The partnership with Nottingham Trent University through Universities for Nottingham is another plus point. It shows a joined-up strategy to regional development, one that puts first prosperity, opportunity, and wellbeing. This type of partnership should be an exemplar for other Russell Group Universities.

Skoobuzz underlines that the University of Nottingham is demonstrating what a contemporary research university can do when academic distinction is coupled with local purpose. It's not only pioneering in science and innovation. It's shaping the future of the Midlands and raising the bar for others to emulate.

FAQs

1. How is the University of Nottingham supporting startups?

The University of Nottingham helps startups by turning academic research into real businesses. It has invested £5 million in its own spin-out companies, offers expert support through Nottingham Technology Ventures, and works with partners like Midlands Mindforge to give long-term funding. It also runs events like Enterprise Excellence to showcase new ideas and connect founders with investors.

2. What role does Nottingham play in regional innovation?

Nottingham plays a leading role in regional innovation by creating companies that solve real problems, from clean energy and animal welfare to workplace equality and biotech. The university works closely with local partners, including Nottingham Trent University, to improve jobs, health, and sustainability across the Midlands. Its strong performance in the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF5) proves its impact in the region.

3. Why is the University of Nottingham considered a top UK university?

The University of Nottingham is ranked 17th in the UK and 97th in the world. It is part of the Russell Group Universities, known for high-quality research. It has made major discoveries like MRI and ibuprofen, and its graduates are among the most sought-after by top employers. It also leads in sports, global education, science and innovation.

4. How do university startups impact the local economy?

Startups from the university create jobs, attract investment, and bring new technologies to market. Over the past five years, Nottingham spin-outs have raised more than £100 million in venture capital. These companies help build a stronger economy by offering solutions in clean tech, health, and social enterprise, all rooted in local research.

5. What makes Nottingham a hub for innovation in the UK?

Nottingham is a hub for innovation because it combines strong academic research with real-world impact. The university supports a wide range of industries, invests in new ideas, and works with other institutions to grow the Midlands’ economy. Its spin-outs, global rankings, and commitment to sustainability make it a key player in UK innovation.