The University of Manchester has announced the first cohort of startups selected for the new Unit M deep tech accelerator, a three-month programme designed to support researchers and technical founders across Greater Manchester to turn science-based innovation into investment-ready companies.
Delivered by Unit M and enabled by GMCA Investment Zone funding, the accelerator will provide each venture with expert commercialisation support, access to mentors, investor readiness training, lab and workspace access, up to £25,000 in equity-free funding, and the opportunity to showcase to investors and strategic partners at a demo day.
The programme supports the University’s vision to become Europe’s most inclusive and impactful innovation ecosystem. The deep tech accelerator is designed to drive the journey from research to real-world impact, build a strong innovation network, and streamline collaboration, turning ideas into outcomes that benefit society.
The companies span many different fields, including advanced materials, biotech, space, AI and climate innovation. They include:
SporeSense – An early disease detection device enabling farmers to identify crop infections before visible symptoms emerge, enabling the reduction, and targeted use, of fungicides. This is being developed by a collaboration of companies and agri-tech specialists, spearheaded by University of Manchester researchers and with commercial development support from the University’s Innovation Factory.
Imprinted Diagnostics – Imprinted Diagnostics uses a novel form of detection (molecularly imprinted polymers) and a patented detection platform. Commercialisation is being supported by The University of Manchester’s Innovation Factory and is expected to lead to the first product; a rapid, portable, blood test that can diagnose heart attacks on the spot.
NX Health Limited – The world’s first non-invasive wireless neurostimulation device, a medical technology that delivers targeted, low-voltage electrical currents to nerves or specific brain areas, specifically designed to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder to manage daily challenges that impact their quality of life, such as sensory sensitivities, anxiety and sleep disturbances.
WarmTronics Ltd – Energy-efficient heaters, manufactured in the UK, delivering more than 85% greater efficiency than electric alternatives. WarmTronics actively works in partnership with The University of Manchester.
Graphene Thermal – Modular floor heating panels that reach operating temperature in under one minute. Using self-regulating graphene nano-composite heating elements, the system delivers instant, on-demand heating, cutting energy use and installation costs versus underfloor heating.
CASA Space Technologies – This spinout from The University of Manchester Innovation Factory is using advanced materials engineering to increase the length of satellite operations in very low Earth orbit by mitigating atmospheric drag and atomic oxygen erosion. The technology unlocks longer satellite lifetimes, allows for lower orbits, higher-performance Earth observation and better in-orbit communications services.
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