Commercialisation news

The latest commercialisation news from the University of Sheffield.

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A woman sat at a desk looking at her smartwatch with a laptop and mobile phone opposite her on the table

Next wave of display technology set to be unlocked by University of Sheffield spinout

Next-generation screen technology, capable of making smartwatch, PC and other consumer electronics’ displays more affordable and durable, is being pioneered by a University of Sheffield spin-out company.

Sheffield City Centre

Sheffield and South Yorkshire tech ecosystem ranked as the number one rising star in the UK

As part of the Dealroom 2026 Global Tech Ecosystem Index, Sheffield and South Yorkshire have been highlighted first in the UK for the category of Rising Stars.
A lab worker is holding up a bottle with an orange liquid inside.

Biotech spinout MetalloBio raises £400k to tackle antibiotic resistance

MetalloBio, a spinout company from the University of Sheffield, has successfully closed a pre-series A investment round raising over £400,000 to advance a new class of antimicrobial compounds designed to combat antibiotic resistance.
batteries

Northern Gritstone co-leads £2 million pre-seed round into AmpliSi

AmpliSi, a University of Sheffield spinout developing silicon anodes for next-generation lithium-ion batteries, has secured a £2 million pre-seed investment led by Northern Gritstone and Clean Growth Fund. 
A large powerline at sunset

New AI software set to accelerate delivery of vital Net-Zero infrastructure

New software, developed by the University of Sheffield spin-out AENi and funded by the Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures, aims to transform how the world’s essential net-zero infrastructure is planned.
Professor Sheila MacNeil

Advancing safer treatments in women’s pelvic health

Stress urinary incontinence affects up to one in three women worldwide, but the most commonly used treatment has led to serious problems. Sheffield spinout, Audaxis Medical, is developing a new medical device that could be a safer option.

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Highlights and achievements from the 2025 Commercialisation Journey

Celebrating the standout moments from this year’s Commercialisation Journey.
Computer symbols of people are connected in a network.

Spinout spotlight: Kausalyze

Kausalyze, a spinout from the University of Sheffield's School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering, is providing systems-level intelligence to help process manufacturers reduce downtime and increase operational efficiency.
Heather Mortiboys in a lab coat looks up from microscope

Spinout spotlight: Mitotype Precision Labs

Mitotype Precision Labs (MPL) is transforming how we screen drugs for neurodegenerative diseases. Their novel platform identifies treatments capable of restoring mitochondrial function, paving the way for disease-modifying therapies.
SilViA Bio

Spinout spotlight: SilViA Bio

SilViA Bio, a biotechnology spinout from the University of Sheffield's School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering, is helping to make biomanufacturing faster, cheaper, and more reliable.

Dr Rob Ward presenting at Trade Mission

Sheffield spinouts take centre stage at London Stock Exchange Trade Mission

The recent Trade Mission to the London Stock Exchange provided an opportunity to showcase the region's fast-growing digital and advanced manufacturing sectors, as well as the talented startup businesses that have spun out from the University.
Electric signals

Crucible Therapeutics appoints new Chief Executive Officer

Crucible Therapeutics, a University of Sheffield spinout developing novel therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases, has announced the appointment of Dr Cliff Holloway as its Chief Executive Officer.
Sheffield Business Awards 2025 winners

Triple triumph: Sheffield spinouts shine at 2025 Business Awards

Two spinout companies from the University's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering achieved a triple triumph at this year's Sheffield Business awards, collectively taking home three awards.
Two people shaking hands

AMRC FerretWorks programme: Turning bold ideas into breakthrough innovations

The AMRC FerretWorks: Startup programme is supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in the South Yorkshire region by bringing the centre's world-class resources to those with bold ideas and the ambition to scale.
Three people networking at the Innovation Sprint event

The Northern Triangle Talent Project: One year on

The Northern Triangle Talent (NTT) project, a collaboration between Sheffield, Leeds, and Manchester universities, is powering northern spinouts by building a strong, globally-focused mentor community.
Doctor audiologist using otoscope while examining ear of his senior adult patient in doctor's office

First-in-human trial for regenerative cell therapy for sensorineural hearing loss approved 

Rinri Therapeutics, a world leading spinout company from the University of Sheffield dedicated to transforming sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) with regenerative cell therapy, has received approval to begin its first-in-human clinical trial. 
Brain-inspired neuromorphic computing

AI-driven spinout set to transform advanced manufacturing

Yorkshire AI Labs, in partnership with Dr Rob Ward and the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), has launched DigitalCNC, an AI-driven precision manufacturing software company.
Sheffield city centre at night time

University Spinouts: The Sheffield Difference

Sheffield is creating a strong future for University spinouts. With our growing investor network, improving infrastructure and rich talent pool, we are laying the foundations for the next generation of research-driven innovators to thrive.
Electric signals

Crucible Therapeutics awarded £2.3 million to develop breakthrough therapies that address underlying causes of MND

Crucible Therapeutics, a biotechnology spinout company, and University of Sheffield secure a £2.3 million Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst award to develop breakthrough siRNA therapies that address underlying causes of Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
Geoptic logo

Geoptic awarded prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation

Geoptic has been awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category — considered the highest official honours for UK businesses.

DNA strand

FDA approves trial to advance pioneering treatment for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP)

The US Food and Drug Administation (FDA) has approved BlackfinBio Limited’s Phase 1/2 clinical trial for its novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy targeting Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) Type 47 (SPG47).
Researcher working in AMRC facility

Leading investors back Northern Gritstone with new £50 million fundraise

Northern Gritstone has announced its latest fundraise of £50 million from leading institutional investors bringing its total permanent capital to £362 million.

DNA strands

Sheffield spinout takes major step towards advancing pioneering treatments for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP)

BlackfinBio Limited is a spinout company from the University of Sheffield set to pioneer novel therapies for rare genetic neurological diseases.

Nick Thompson, CEO of BOW, stood next to Daniel Camilleri, CTO and Founder of BOW with some robots in the background

University of Sheffield spinout company receives £4 million investment to unleash full potential of robotics

A University of Sheffield spinout company that is set to help developers overcome the cost and complexity of programming robots, has secured £4 million in funding.
Exciting Instruments team

University of Sheffield spinout secures £4m in seed funding round - technology set to support health-related research

A University of Sheffield spinout that has developed a single-molecule detection platform to support health research has raised £4m in funding.
Laboratory technician uses micro-pipette

City centre labs to drive innovation and start-up success

In a move set to propel innovation and growth of early-stage companies, Sheffield Technology Parks (STP) and University of Sheffield are teaming up to build new lab spaces in the city centre.

An image of the Tasty Spoon concept, an arm of a woman is holding the spoon above a plate. The spoon is grey.

New ‘Tasty Spoon’™ will enhance food flavours for people living with dementia

A spoon, designed to enhance the flavour of food for dementia patients experiencing a loss of taste, could help combat high levels of malnutrition.
Group of people talking at an event

Northern universities launch spinout mentor network to empower entrepreneurs

The universities of Sheffield, Leeds, and Manchester are proud to announce the launch of the Northern Triangle Mentor Network, a dynamic initiative designed to propel commercialisation opportunities and empower early-stage spinouts.
Medical illustration of a brain with stroke symptoms

New company Midland Pharmaceuticals launched to develop therapeutics for stroke and spinal cord injury

Researchers from the University of Sheffield and the University of Birmingham have joined forces with NLC Health Ventures to co-found a company developing new treatments for spinal cord injuries and stroke.
DNA Molecule

Sheffield spinout company grows to lead on next generation biomedicines and bioprocesses

SynGenSys, a fast-growing biotechnology company spun out of the University of Sheffield, has announced the appointment of Dr. Andy Racher as its Commercial Operations Director.
A portrait photo of Professor James Marshall

World leading expert on bio-inspired AI to direct University of Sheffield’s Centre for Machine Intelligence

One of the world’s leading innovators in bio-inspired AI has joined the University of Sheffield, as part of a new multi-million pound centre that is set to transform the institution’s research, innovation and teaching around artificial intelligence.

Phlux technology clinches major export deal, revolutionising infrared sensing  

AI tech firm partners with AMRC

Dr Tim Craggs with instrument

Northern Triangle Talent Project secures £1.5m funding to strengthen regional commercialisation activity

The Northern Triangle Talent Project has secured funding to strengthen the regional technology commercialisation ecosystem and attract top talent to the north of England.
DNA Molecule

University of Sheffield spinout company to pioneer novel therapies for genetic neurological diseases

BlackfinBio has raised £2.75 million seed investment to advance revolutionary treatments for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP).

The University of Sheffield's Diamond building seen in the Sheffield skyline

The University of Sheffield's response to the independent review of university spin-out companies

The University of Sheffield welcomes the announcement of £20m to help universities develop more spinout companies made in the autumn statement, as well as the independent review of spin-out companies.
A close up of plastic pellets produced by Floreon

World’s first low-energy bioplastics developed with the University of Sheffield raises £2 million investment

The world’s first low-energy, non-oil-based, high-performance bioplastic, developed by Floreon with the University of Sheffield, has secured £2 million financing from Northern Gritstone.

Neuron cells system - 3d rendered image of Neuron cell network on black background

University of Sheffield spinout company Crucible Therapeutics raises £5 million to advance pioneering treatments for neurological diseases

University of Sheffield spinout company, Crucible Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing novel therapies to treat the most common genetic form of MND and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), has secured £5 million from Northern Gritstone.
An aerial view of the University of Sheffield Innovation District featuring the Factory 2050 building

Investment zones are the key to taking our potential towards prosperity

Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, discusses how the new South Yorkshire Investment Zone can turn Yorkshire's potential into prosperity.

Saving lives globally through entrepreneurship: Kirsty Smitten is named as FSB Entrepreneur of the Year 2023

Inner ear

Unlocking the human inner ear for new therapies to improve hearing loss and deafness

An international team of scientists and surgeon has discovered a secure clinical pathway to the inner ear, which will enable the application of a range of regenerative therapies to restore hearing.

Northern Gritstone lands first deal with Opteran

Spin-out company secures funding for device that ‘could revolutionise biology research’

Sheffield city skyline

Sheffield businesses first to receive millions from new Northern investment company

Northern Gritstone, an investment company founded by the universities of Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester with initial support from Research England, has allocated its first two investments to Sheffield-based businesses.
A blue sky above the University's Diamond building

Northern Gritstone secures first close of £215 million ahead of making its first investments

A new investment company founded by the universities of Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester to help boost the commercialisation of university spinouts and start-ups in the north of England has today (20 May 2022) announced a first close of £215 million.
Close up of ear

Rinri Therapeutics raises £10 million to advance stem cell therapy for hearing loss

University of Sheffield spinout company, Rinri Therapeutics, has raised a total of £10 million from investors and the UK Future Fund to advance its novel stem cell therapy to restore hearing loss.

Abstract woman scientist illustration

Sheffield spin-out set up to facilitate life-science discoveries

Understanding how molecules interact within the body is essential in supporting the development of treatments and therapies. Exciting Instruments, a University of Sheffield spin-out company, is breaking down barriers for researchers in this field.
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Northern Gritstone announces leadership team

Northern Gritstone, a new investment company founded by the Universities of Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield, has appointed Lord Jim O’Neill as Non-Executive Chairman and Duncan Johnson as CEO.
Universities of Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester launch Northern Gritstone

Northern universities launch new investment company

The universities of Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester are launching a new investment company to help boost the commercialisation of university spinouts and start-ups in the North of England.