University of Salford to host 3 day ‘Innovation Labs’ to boost business potential

In a pioneering new project, the University of Salford will play host to a three-day innovation design sprint, to allow business leaders to explore and ultimately progress innovation projects.

Run by Salford Business School’s Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI), there will be several cohorts that interested businesses can join, with the first sessions taking place on 26, 27 and 28 February. The CSI is designed to allow businesses access to academic expertise to help shape their projects, and the design sprint will build upon this partnership approach by connecting the University’s experts with participants in the event.

The programme will be delivered in partnership with The Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub, and hosted on the University’s Fredrick Road campus.

Over the three days, participants will get the chance to understand the innovation process, and will be equipped with tools to analyse the markets and identify opportunities. By the final day, all participants will be connected with the expertise to help apply their innovation idea, as well as identify potential routes for additional funding.

Dr Ann Mulhaney, Associate Professor at Salford Business School, commented: “This is a great opportunity for businesses in the Greater Manchester region to explore ideas, aided by our expert team of consultants and commercialisation specialists. At the CSI, we focus on three core areas of innovation: the potential around the sustainability agenda and net zero, digital transformation projects and change management. The event is a chance to collaborate with other businesses and connect with experts to help you explore and implement innovative project ideas.”

Yvonne Grady, Head of Innovation at the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub, added: “We recognise how important it is for businesses to have the space and time to properly think through their innovation ideas. By partnering with the University of Salford and the Centre for Sustainable Innovation, we’re giving business leaders a safe space to explore ideas, particularly opportunities around sustainability and the net zero agenda. It’s also a chance for participants to connect with experts, and explore the University’s world-leading facilities.”

To register your interest for the design sprint, email Ali Nejad (a.nejad@salford.ac.uk) today. You can also find out more by visiting the Centre for Sustainable Innovation website.