- The Forging Ahead launch featured visit from Lord Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation
- University will showcase projects such as MEMetic, a £13.2 million initiative addressing global water challenges
- Programme will enhance Aston University’s role in driving inclusive innovation and supporting the Midlands’ high-growth sectors.
Aston University has joined forces with other leading Midlands universities to launch Forging Ahead, a bold new initiative to transform how research and innovation are translated into real-world impact across the region.
The five-year programme will radically enhance the commercialisation ecosystem, supercharging entrepreneurial activity, scaling innovation and creating dynamic new pathways for academic ideas to become high-growth ventures.
The initiative is backed by £9.9 million from Research England’s Connecting Capability Fund, with an additional £6.1 million in matched contributions from the University’s partners and regional stakeholders. Beyond funding, it is the depth of collaboration and commitment to transformation that makes Forging Ahead a model for reshaping regional innovation ecosystems.
Aston University brings strengths to the partnership through its nationally-recognised track record in research commercialisation, business engagement and entrepreneurship.
Spinout success stories such as Aston Vision Sciences and major initiatives like the MEMetic project, a £13.2 million initiative tackling global water challenges through next-generation membrane technologies, highlight the University’s leadership in translating deep-tech research into commercial and social value.
Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said:
"At Aston University, we are committed to translating our world-class research into real-world solutions that drive economic and social impact. The Forging Ahead initiative represents a transformative opportunity to build a more connected and entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem across our region through partnership with other Midlands universities.
“From our cutting-edge spinouts, like Aston Vision Sciences, to groundbreaking developments such as the MEMetic project tackling global water challenges, we are proud to play a leading role in turning academic excellence into thriving enterprises that create jobs, attract investment, and deliver inclusive growth for our region and the UK.”
This programme aims to transform the Midlands’ research and innovation into commercial success by strengthening networks, supporting diverse talent, and driving inclusive growth. Over five years, Forging Ahead will enhance the region’s commercialisation ecosystem, nurture entrepreneurial talent, and accelerate innovation in key sectors like Advanced Manufacturing, Creative and Digital, Health, Med Tech and Net Zero.
The Midlands, home to 11% of the UK’s high-growth companies, received only 5% of investment in 2020. University spinouts fare worse, attracting just 15p for every £1 raised by Golden Triangle counterparts. Since 2010, 40% of the region’s 169 spinouts were founded outside the area, limiting local growth. Despite strong expertise and initiatives like Midlands Mindforge, fragmented talent and expertise restrict the region’s potential.
The launch of Forging Ahead coincides with a ministerial visit from Lord Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, who is meeting spinout founders and university leaders to learn about the initiative.
The Minister’s tour includes a stop at Aston University, where he will engage with senior representatives from some of the region’s most exciting spinout businesses and hear more about the MEMetic project. He will also hear about the success of Aston Vision Sciences, a standout example of deep-tech commercialisation rooted in academic research and entrepreneurial ambition.
UK Science Minister, Lord Vallance said:
“The Midlands has been a bustling hub of innovation ever since the Industrial Revolution, and still is now – boasting diverse strengths from the creative industries, to health, and clean energy.
“The support and guidance we are announcing today will help draw out the game-changing ideas of this thriving region’s many researchers and scientists and transform them into the next generation of businesses that will draw in investment, create jobs and deliver growth, all supporting our Plan for Change.”
- Notes to Editors
About Aston University
For over 130 years, Aston University has been making our world a better place through education, research and innovation. Our history is intertwined with the remarkable city of Birmingham, once the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and now the thriving base for an innovation ecosystem of global significance, which Aston is co-creating.
Our vision is to be a leading university for science, technology and enterprise, measured by the positive transformational impact we achieve for our people, students, businesses and the communities we serve.
Aston focuses on high-quality, exploitable research that has an impact on society through medical breakthroughs, advancements in engineering, policy and practice in government, and the strategies and performance of business.
The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, as well as Continuing Professional Development solutions.
Thanks to its focus on delivering excellent outcomes for students, Aston University's reputation continues to grow. It was recognised as the Daily Mail University of the Year for Student Success 2025, is 2nd in England for social mobility (2023 HEPI Social Mobility Index), and is top 20 for graduate salaries (2024 Longitudinal Education Outcomes).
Aston University is now defining its place in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media enquiries in relation to this release, contact Loretta Milan, Head of Communications, on (+44) 7773 773959 or email: l.milan@aston.ac.uk.
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