All the latest news from Forging Ahead.
-
Minister announces Midlands Mindforge active investment phase as first spinout investments deployed to unlock £30m into region
(9 June) Midlands Mindforge, the investment company dedicated to supporting university spinouts and other science and technology businesses in the Midlands, has completed its first round of investments, marking a major milestone in its mission to scale high‑potential, research‑led businesses emerging from the Midlands.
-
New report: Midlands universities unveil ‘A New Era of Commercialisation’ as the region positions itself as the UK’s next major innovation powerhouse
Launched by Midlands Innovation and supported by Forging Ahead, the new report showcases how the project and other major initiatives is accelerating university‑driven innovation and commercialisation in the Midlands.
-
Expansion of world-leading SPARK programme set to unlock new opportunities for East Midlands researchers to commercialise life-changing treatments
SPARK The Midlands, the first UK branch of Stanford University's prestigious global SPARK programme - the pre-clinical accelerator programme with a presence in more than 50 locations - has officially expanded into the East Midlands, through the Forging Ahead project.
-
Forging Ahead partnership expands to 16 universities as Harper Adams joins Loughborough University to collaborate on research commercialisation
Harper Adams - the UK’s premier educational institution for agri-food - has joined Loughborough University as part of the Forging Ahead partnership of Midlands universities.
-
Helen Turner on driving collaboration and talent across the Midlands
Helen Turner shares insights on building one of the UK’s largest university collaborations to strengthen innovation, attract commercial expertise, and accelerate spinout success.
-
Forging Ahead to champion the region's university spinouts and startups at major new event, East Mids Tech Week 2026
Forging Ahead is delighted to announce it is partnering with a brand new major event - East Mids Tech Week (EMTW) next summer.
-
Universities recognised nationally for pioneering research-to-start up accelerator
A pioneering programme to help turn university research into successful start-ups has been shortlisted for a national Knowledge Exchange Award.
-
From vision to action: Forging Ahead gains momentum
With our new LinkedIn page now set up and Birmingham Tech Week upon us, it's a great opportunity to remind more people of the Forging Ahead initiative and our journey to date - and what's coming up...