Latest News:

... Latest Story

Further Information:

UMIP - Case Studies of Spin-outs
... Download PDF (940k)

UPF Masterclasses:

NOVEMBER 25th 2008

... More information

25/11/08

UPF Masterclass

3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Renold Theatre F14

F floor, Renold Building

Sackville Street Campus

The University of Manchester

M60 1QD

Turning ideas and inventions into successful commercial ventures was the theme of the Masterclass hosted by MTI in collaboration with UMIP in the Renold Building on 25 November.

Over 140 budding entrepreneurs (professors and graduate students) attended this benevolent Dragons’ Den event, which was intended to show the audience that a spin-out company was an achievable and attractive option for researchers. Three successful entrepreneurs from the University of Manchester summarised their business and its benefits: Dr Nigel Brown, Arvia Technology Limited; Dr Tilak Dias, Entellifibres, and Dr Andrew Almond, Conformetrix.

Ernie Richardson, Managing Partner at MTI, in conversation with Sharon O'Kane.

Four panellists asked questions and offered insights based on their experience as former entrepreneurs who successfully transformed an idea into a commercial reality and now use their expertise to invest in other emerging ventures. The panel was comprised of Sharon O’Kane, co-founder and CSO at Renovo; Alex Hoye, CEO Latitude Group; Steve Purdham, CEO We7; and Paul Strzelecki, partner at Yorkville Advisors.

	Paul Strzelecki in conversation.
	Alex Hoye and Steve Purdham enjoy a moment after taking their place on the panel.

Dr Mark Rahn, MTI Investment Manager who is the local Manager for the UPF (UMIP Premier Fund, a £40m Venture Capital Fund focussed on University of Manchester technologies) and Ernie Richardson, MTI Managing Partner, facilitated this interactive event that was followed by a networking social session where everyone shared ideas and experiences.