Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds MP and Small Business Minister Lord Leong visited Sister, The University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech's innovation district, on Friday 23 October to meet businesses collaborating and growing in Manchester.
The ministers toured the Renold Innovation Hub, where they were welcomed by Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester; Professor Aline Miller, Associate Vice-President (Enterprise); and Liz Bamber, Director of Place at Sister.
Companies showcased
During the visit, the ministers met businesses based within the innovation district. NeuWave Technologies is a University of Manchester spin-out using artificial intelligence and ocean science to provide predictive information for offshore operations. LanthaGen Bio is a Manchester-based tech-bio company using engineered binders to recover rare-earth and other critical metals from waste.
MolMart is a Manchester genomics company offering preconception genetic screening to prospective parents. Brain Feed Therapeutics is a research-driven brand that formulates and sells natural brain health and cognitive supplements.
The ministers also visited the Pariser Building to meet the founders of Concretene, which develops a graphene-based additive for concrete that improves its performance while reducing the amount of cement needed and cutting its carbon footprint. The technology was developed at the University's Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre and Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, in partnership with Nationwide Engineering, an innovation-led construction company co-founded by a Manchester graduate. The partnership took Concretene from the lab to a commercial product in 18 months.
University's role in business growth
Professor Ivison said: "Universities have a really important role to play in driving economic growth, not just through our research and the talent we develop, but by helping turn great ideas into new businesses, products and jobs. Sister is a fantastic example of how we're doing that in Manchester."
Liz Bamber, Director of Place at Sister, said the visit highlights "the sheer strength and ambition of Manchester's innovation ecosystem. Sister is designed to give pioneering companies the physical space, supportive community, and connection to world-class research they need to thrive."
Business Secretary Reynolds said: "Small businesses and innovation go hand in hand in this country. Sister is a key driver of this change in Manchester and it was excellent to meet businesses like LanthaGen Bio, MolMart and Concretene on Friday to discuss how they are turning new ideas into jobs and growth for the city."
The visit took place ahead of an SME conference in Manchester and in the run-up to the government's forthcoming budget, which is expected to include support for small businesses.