Forging Links

A network to join the dots across the Midlands innovation ecosystem - supporting more founders to scale here in the Midlands, the region where they call home.

Forging Links connects spinout founders with

• service providers
• industry
• potential collaborators
• investors
• regional innovation assets.

Being a spinout founder comes with unique challenges as you navigate balancing research and academic duties with the pursuit of setting up an IP-rich business. The purpose of this network is to provide you with the support system to navigate this and vital contacts to unlock new opportunities. 

• Be inspired by the journeys of other spinout founders and meet potential collaborators. 
• Be informed by themed events focusing on relevant topics and connect with service providers who can help reach the next stages. 
• Raise your profile and build relationships with investors. 
• Validate and stress-test your innovations with the market, linking with industry and corporates; your potential supply chain or customers. 

We are launching this network with a Mixer event for spinouts and university commercialisation teams from the Forging Ahead partnership.

Join us for a Fireside Chat hosted by Dr Tim Hart (Director of Warwick Innovations, University of Warwick) with spinouts from the University of Warwick, sharing their stories and insights from their experiences. Featuring Joe Healey from Nanosyrinx Ltd, Matt Ogley from ENV Energy Ltd and Magdelena Karlikowska from Cytecom Ltd. 

Network with your peers from spinouts across the Midlands and celebrate the commercialisation of research in the region. Food and drinks provided and tickets are free for spinouts and commercialisation team members from the Forging Ahead Partner Universities. 

Date: 20th May 2026

Time: 16:00-19:30

Venue: National Automotive Innovation Centre Atrium, Lord Bhattacharyya Way, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL