Forging Ahead launches new network.
‘Forging Links’ has been established to connect spinout founders with each other, with the aim of helping more founders scale in the Midlands.
It will also connect spinout founders with service providers, industry, potential collaborators, investors and regional innovation sites and spaces.
University of Warwick were incredibly proud to host the launch event at the National Automotive Innovation Centre – a significant step forward in strengthening the Midlands’ innovation ecosystem.
It was fantastic to welcome so many founders and commercialisation professionals to the University of Warwick for an evening of meaningful connections, shared experiences, and celebration of the outstanding research commercialisation taking place across the region.
Hosting this launch reinforced our pride in supporting collaboration that will help shape the future of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Midlands.
About the launch event.
The event welcomed over 40 delegates who heard from spinout founders Magdalena Karlikowska, founder of Cytecom; Joe Healey, founder of NanoSyrinx; and Matthew Ogley, founder of ENV Energy. They shared their insights with Tim Hart, Director of Warwick Innovations.
Tim hosted an open conversation asking the panellists what motivated them to choose the spinout route when other, potentially simpler routes are available. The discussion also explored how universities and commercialisation teams support spinout growth, while acknowledging that the different pace at which startups and universities operate can sometimes create challenges.
Delegates also heard the perspectives of two regional investors – CEO of Midlands Mindforge Lisa Smith and Head of Minerva Business Angels Luke Pulford.
For Lisa, it is exactly because the potential of Midlands spinouts is so vast – with the region being a leader in many scientific fields – that the funding currently being raised needs to match that potential. She explained how the ecosystem now needs to lean into that positive narrative that Midlands-made science is leading the way.
Luke Pulford discussed how, for the Midlands to succeed, investment needs to be more normalised and embedded in the region, using an analogy that Dragons’ Den has warped people’s perceptions about what it is angel investors really do.
He also shared insights into how founders can engage with angel networks and how their shorter funding rounds can supply growing spinouts with the capital they need more quickly.
The next Forging Links event will bring founders and investors together at the Midlands Spinout Showcase Reception at East Mids Tech Week on 15th June 2026 Learn more here
Spinout founders and those currently on their commercialisation journeys can sign up for Forging Links here – Forging Links | Midlands | Registration Form
“Being a spinout founder comes with unique challenges as you balance research and academic duties with the pursuit of setting up an IP-rich business. The purpose of this network is to provide spinout founders with the support system to navigate this and the vital contacts they need to unlock new opportunities.”
“I am a strong believer that you get out of an ecosystem what you put in.
And that is at the heart of what will make the Midlands ecosystem go from good to even greater.”
