Midlands Mindforge completes first investments backed by UKRI support
R Sahota
Posted On June 16, 2026
Midlands Mindforge has completed its first round of investments, marking the start of its programme to support science and technology businesses emerging from universities across the Midlands.
The investment company said the milestone will help unlock an initial £30m of capital into the region and support the development of research-led businesses.
The move follows backing from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through Research England, alongside support from the Mayors of the East and West Midlands, Rigby Group and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) through the Invest in UK University Research and Development Midlands Campaign.
The first investments include companies developing antenna technology, drug delivery systems for eye treatments and water sensor technologies designed to support river monitoring.
The announcement was made by Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation and Research, during the Midlands Innovation and Investment Reception held as part of the UK Global R&D and Science Investment Summit.
Midlands Mindforge was established to address investment gaps affecting university spinout businesses in the Midlands and to support the commercial development of research originating from regional universities.
Lord Patrick Vallance said: “The UK has a world-leading research base, and translating that strength into globally competitive businesses is essential for long-term growth.
“Midlands Mindforge is a strong example of how targeted, place-based investment can connect scientific excellence with the capital and support needed to scale.”
Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Executive Chair of Research England, said: “Backing high-potential, research-led innovation is central to UKRI’s mission to drive long-term economic growth across the UK.
“Midlands Mindforge demonstrates the power of targeted, place-based investment to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems and support the journey from discovery to commercial success.”
Dr Lisa Smith, chief executive of Midlands Mindforge, added: “This is a significant moment for Midlands Mindforge as we move to actively investing in the region’s innovation future while continuing to complete our initial raise.
“The Midlands has an exceptional depth of research talent and entrepreneurial ambition, and our role is to help unlock that potential by providing the capital and support needed for ideas to grow into globally competitive businesses.”
Midlands Mindforge was established by eight founding university partners: Aston University, the University of Birmingham, Cranfield University, Keele University, the University of Leicester, Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham and the University of Warwick.
Image source: Midlands Mindforge
