Discover how SHAPE research can create lasting real-world impact through commercialisation, knowledge exchange, and innovation.

"Commercialising SHAPE Innovations for Impact 2027"

The IP Commercialisation Team within Northumbria University's Research and Innovation Services (RIS) is delighted to host the third Commercialising SHAPE Innovations for Impact event.

This event showcases how Northumbria researchers have translated SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy) research into societal, economic, and cultural impact through a range of commercial and non-commercial pathways, including licensing, spin-outs, social enterprises, open licensing, digital products, and knowledge-based services.

Whether you are a researcher, PGR, professional services in research and knowledge exchange, innovation practitioner, entrepreneur, investor, software developer, or industry collaborator, this event offers practical insights, real case studies, and valuable networking opportunities.

Why Attend?

Learn how SHAPE research can be translated into sustainable impact beyond the lifetime of grant funding.

Explore real-world examples of licensing, spin-outs, social enterprises, and open-access impact models.

Hear directly from academics who have successfully commercialised research outputs.

Discover how digital technologies, software, and IT-enabled services can support SHAPE innovation.

Connect with researchers, innovation professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and potential collaborators.

About the Speakers

The event will feature contributions from Faculty and RIS leaders, who will share perspectives on the role of research, commercialisation, and knowledge exchange in delivering impact from SHAPE disciplines.

You will also hear from Northumbria academics and innovators who have successfully translated their research into impact through a variety of commercial and non-commercial routes, sharing lessons learned, challenges encountered, and opportunities created along the way.

Featured Innovation Projects

The projects showcased represent the diversity of SHAPE innovation at Northumbria and include:

Research projects progressing towards spin-out formation.

Innovations supported through licensing agreements.

Social enterprise ventures delivering public benefit.

Projects advancing through prototype development, commercial planning, and market validation.

Open-licensing initiatives designed to maximise societal reach and impact.

Together, these examples demonstrate the wide range of pathways available for creating sustainable impact from SHAPE research.

Event Details

Date: 14 January 2027

Time: 09:30-12:30

Venue: 304 D&E, Business Hub, Sandyford Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QH

Programme

09:30-10:00 Registration and refreshments

10:00-12:00 Speaker presentations and case studies

12:00-12:30 Networking and close

Attend In Person or Online

The event is open to both internal (i.e. Northumbria staffs and students) and external participants (e.g. researchers, software developers, investors).

Those unable to attend in person may join online via MS Teams (subject to registration).

For further information, please contact: ipcommercialisation@northumbria.ac.uk

Join us to explore how SHAPE research can be transformed into meaningful and sustainable real-world impact through innovation, commercialisation, and collaboration.

Description supplied by the event organiser.