Midlands Mindforge, an investment group targeting university spinouts across the Midlands, has deployed its first investments backed by UK government funding.
The investment group was established by eight universities in the region, including the University of Warwick, University of Leicester, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham.
The idea is to offer a coordinated investment strategy backing science and technology companies being founded in the region’s universities.
It has been supported by UKRI, Mayors across the East and West Midlands, Rigby Group and the Invest in UK University Research and Development Midlands Campaign from the government’s Technology Department.
The new round of investments was announced by Science Minister Lord Vallance at the Midlands Innovation and Investment Reception, held as part of the UK Global R&D and Science Investment Summit.
“The UK has a world‑leading research base, and translating that strength into globally competitive businesses is essential for long‑term growth,” said Vallance.
“Midlands Mindforge is a strong example of how targeted, place‑based investment can connect scientific excellence with the capital and support needed to scale.”
Among the spinouts being supported are firms developing antennae technology, drug delivery platforms and water sensors to protect rivers.
“This is a significant moment for Midlands Mindforge as we move to actively investing in the region’s innovation future while continuing to complete our initial raise,” said Dr Lisa Smith, chief executive of Midlands Mindforge.
“The Midlands has an exceptional depth of research talent and entrepreneurial ambition, and our role is to help unlock that potential by providing the capital and support needed for ideas to grow into globally competitive businesses.”
