Researcher to Innovator (R2I)
The MEC Researcher to Innovator (R2I) programme offers an introduction to commercialisation and aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial mindset of Early Career Researchers, develop their innovative thinking, as well as enhance their understanding of the commercialisation process.
Researcher to Innovator is now closed for 2024/25 but will run again in Semester 1 of 2025/26 - Register your interest to be notified when the programme reopens!
Important Links
The MEC R2I programme runs twice a year and comprises of a series of interactive and informative, personal and professional development sessions and introduces planning tools for those with ideas that may have the potential to be taken forward.
The goal of the programme is to help you:
- Understand Impact;
- Define Impact;
- Create Impact;
- Deliver Impact.
The programme is about 'personal development and preparing for a journey' by:
- Providing…knowledge that leads to understanding (things like 'Business Model Canvas' and perhaps ultimately…business plans);
- with activities to develop…your… skills and capabilities…(listening that leads to selling and networking);
- which modify your…beliefs and attitudes…(self-efficacy and resilience);
- then finally…establish…your entrepreneurial identity…(The Entrepreneur).
Read more about the researchers from Cohort 1 recently supported to further their ideas.
Key Dates
| Activity | Date |
| Information Sessions |
12:30-14:00, Wednesday 26th March 2025 (In person) 12:30-14:00, Thursday 27th March 2025 (Online) 17:00-18:30, Thursday 27th March 2025 (Online) |
| Applications Open | Thursday 27th March 2025 - Apply Now |
|
Deadline to apply |
23:59, Tuesday 8th April 2025 |
|
Selection Announcement |
Monday 14th April 2025 |
|
Bootcamp Dates |
Monday 28th April & Thursday 8th April 2025 |
|
Full Programme |
Monday 28th April - Thursday 17th July 2025 |
The MEC Researcher to Innovator (R2I) programme is supported by the University’s Innovation Academy. The Innovation Academy is a pan University initiative and joint venture between the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, the University of Manchester Innovation Factory and the Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange Team bringing together knowledge, expertise and routes to facilitate the commercialisation of research.