Connecting Research, Innovation and Venture Creation
NxNW Partners works at the intersection of research commercialisation, innovation infrastructure and venture development. We bring together universities, investors, innovators and ecosystem partners to help transform world-class research into real-world impact.
Led by The University of Manchester, our mission is simple: to accelerate the journey from discovery to commercial success by creating better pathways, stronger partnerships and more effective innovation ecosystems.
Our Vision
We believe that great ideas should not be limited by fragmented systems, disconnected networks or barriers to commercialisation.
NxNW Partners is building a more connected innovation landscape—one where researchers, entrepreneurs, institutions and investors can collaborate through shared infrastructure, trusted processes and data-driven approaches that increase the likelihood of successful venture creation and growth.
Through our work, we aim to strengthen innovation capacity across regions, improve access to entrepreneurial expertise, and create clearer routes from research excellence to economic and societal impact.
What we do
Research Commercialisation
Supporting institutions to identify, assess and progress research opportunities with commercial potential.
Innovation Infrastructure
Developing and testing new approaches, tools and frameworks that improve the effectiveness of innovation and knowledge exchange activities.
Venture Development
Helping academic founders and innovation teams move from idea to investment-ready opportunity through structured support and ecosystem connections.
Ecosystem Building
Creating partnerships between universities, industry, investors and public sector organisations to enable sustainable innovation-led growth.
University Partners
ICURe
The Innovate UK ICURe Programme gives researchers the chance to turn ground-breaking research into investment-ready spin-out companies and license agreements. We provide funding and personalised support to test the commercial potential of an idea – while enabling researchers take their first steps into the world of business.
Are you interested in investing?
Our teams are actively seeking investment.