The University of Liverpool's Enterprise Team has released its 2024-2025 Annual Report, marking another year of growth in the transfer of technology arising from its innovative research.
This year's report highlights strong progress driven by new partnerships and increased investment in initiatives that strengthen the University's entrepreneurial culture. It showcases key activities supporting the Liverpool 2031 vision, features case studies and achievements, and outlines priorities for future growth.
These efforts have led to:
- 29 spin-outs supported over the last seven years
- £24.9 million in intellectual property (IP) related income to the University since 2018
- 133 jobs created (HE-BCI in 2024/25).
The University has committed a total of £6.1 million in Enterprise Investment Funding (EIF) since 2018. This has de-risked technology in the pipeline and leveraged a further £40.2 million of investment, industry and grant funding into our spin-out companies and the University.
Creating investable founders
The Team prioritises investment in training, funding, and support for academic entrepreneurs. Since 2018, more than 70 researchers have been supported through 46 ICURe programmes delivered via the North by Northwest consortium, equipping them with commercialisation skills and generating £2.4 million in follow-on funding, which has resulted in nine spin-outs.
A new partnership with Northern Gritstone expands this support, giving MedTech and Biosciences founders access to NG Studios - a four-month pre-seed programme with KQ Labs at The Crick Institute - providing expert strategic, operational, and fundraising guidance.
In total, the University has trained over 350 researchers in commercialisation since 2018, including 150 in 2024/25.
External recognition
This level of progress in IP and Commercialisation was again recognised in Research England's Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF5) *, where the University sits in the highest quintile for the second year running among the country's leading universities for knowledge exchange.
This year's achievements come as the University and wider Liverpool City Region gain growing external recognition, with Liverpool named a finalist for the European Capital of Innovation. The winners and runners-up will be announced at the awards ceremony in Turin, Italy, on 4 December 2025. This accolade highlights the strength of our innovation assets and the impact of the enterprise activity showcased in this report.
Professor Anthony Hollander, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Impact and Chair of the University's Enterprise Board, said: "Over the past year, we've accelerated our enterprise strategy by strengthening support for researchers and forging new strategic partnerships. I'm particularly proud that we became the first non-founding member of Northern Gritstone. Our ambition now is to build on this momentum and position the University at the forefront of UK innovation. This report reflects the collective efforts of our staff, students, and external partners."
Emma Nolan, Head of University of Liverpool Enterprise, said: "This year, we've achieved major milestones with our academic entrepreneurs and spin-out founding teams. Our ambition is clear: to work with partners across the Liverpool City Region and beyond to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and enhance the University's technology transfer capabilities. Looking ahead, our priority is to increase support for aspiring entrepreneurs and our growing portfolio of spin-out companies. With a strong foundation in place, 2025/26 is set to be a year of accelerated delivery, backing research-led businesses that deliver real impact for society."
Access the 2024-25 report and explore previous years' reports here.
Information for University staff
The Enterprise Team can provide practical advice and support to academics who want to commercialise IP developed at the University via licensing or spin-out companies in order to maximise the impact of their research results, providing benefits to both the University and society. Learn more about the University's support here.
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