Monday, 24 November 2025
The University of Nottingham has been ranked 10th in the UK and 37th in Europe for Life Sciences and Deep Tech spin-outs, according to an inaugural report published by Dealroom.co.
This ranking is a strong testament to the outstanding impact of our research community and the university’s expertise in creating and supporting high-quality spin-out companies through Nottingham Technology Ventures – the university’s wholly owned subsidiary responsible for managing its spin-out portfolio and strategic investments – together with the university’s wider IP Commercialisation and internal funding teams.
Through long-term nurturing and support, the university now boasts almost 40 spin-out companies in its portfolio, including 25 launched in the past seven years, highlighting how Nottingham’s research is delivering real-world benefits across society, the environment and the economy.
Dr George Rice, Director of Knowledge Exchange and Business Engagement
Dr George Rice, Director of Knowledge Exchange and Business Engagement, said: "What makes Nottingham truly distinctive is that all the pillars of support needed to create successful spin-outs sit under one roof. Our research excellence, commercialisation expertise, investor engagement and long-term business support are all closely connected. It’s that integration that sets us apart from other institutions – enabling our innovators to move from discovery to real-world impact more seamlessly and with the full strength of the university behind them."
The European Spinouts Report highlights the growing value academic spin-outs are creating across Europe. Deep Tech and Life Sciences spin-outs alone are now worth almost $400 billion and have generated more than 160,000 jobs. Nearly 40% of this value comes from companies founded since 2015 – a clear sign of accelerating impact.
The UK’s success is built on a highly collaborative environment that brings together start-ups, industry partners, investors and the wider innovation ecosystem to support companies at every stage of growth. The report also notes the expanding geographical distribution of spin-out activity beyond the traditional “Golden Triangle” of London, Oxford and Cambridge.
Ed Lester, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation, said:
"This ranking is a clear reflection of the hard work and creativity of our researchers and the supportive environment we’ve built for innovation here at Nottingham. Our spin-outs are not only driving economic growth but are also making meaningful contributions to society and addressing some of the world’s biggest challenges. We look forward to continuing this momentum and supporting even more exciting ventures in the years ahead."
University of Nottingham spin-outs have raised more than £100 million in venture capital over the past five years. However, recognising the barriers to finance faced by early-stage businesses, particularly in the Midlands, the university has invested £5 million in equity finance into its portfolio over the last five years. It has also partnered in Midlands Mindforge, a patient capital fund supporting regional spin-outs, and launched Forging Ahead, alongside 14 other universities, to accelerate commercialisation and strengthen the Midlands’ innovation ecosystem.
Alice MacGowan, CEO of Nottingham Technology Ventures, added:
"Our role at Nottingham Technology Ventures is to nurture these promising ventures from idea to impact. Seeing the growing recognition of our spin-outs’ contributions is incredibly rewarding. We’re proud to support entrepreneurs who are pushing boundaries, creating jobs and making a difference nationally and globally – this ranking motivates us to keep investing in the future of innovation."
As the University of Nottingham continues to foster innovation and support pioneering ventures, this latest ranking reaffirms its position as a leading hub for transformative research and entrepreneurship. With ongoing commitment to collaboration, investment and impact, Nottingham is well-positioned to drive future breakthroughs that will benefit not only the UK but the global community.
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 97 in the world and 17th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the third most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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