VentureVersity Mixer - Cranfield (Virtual)
Are you working on an idea for a new product or service, based on your University work or research? Join us for an informal conversation, inspiration and early exploration.
Overview
VentureVersity Mixers are free, informal events for university staff, researchers, technicians and academics who are curious about the wider potential of their work - whether that's a spinout, a licensing opportunity, or simply a question worth exploring. We're backed by Forging Ahead – a Research England supported, 16-University wide collaboration, on a mission to supercharge the Midlands University innovation community. We welcome attendees from any discipline or University.
You won't be asked to pitch. You won't need a business plan. You just need an idea – or a hunch – and an open mind.
What to expect:
Welcome - arrive say hello
About VentureVersity (20 min) - we'll explain the programme, how it works and why
Guest speaker (20 min) - Dr Monalie Bandulasena - among the Women’s Engineering Society Top 50 Women in Engineering 2026 - will share her experiences of commercialisation and of taking ideas from research to venture
Meet the room (30 min) - a friendly, informal networking activity to get people talking
About our Guest Speaker
Dr Monalie Bandulasena
IP Management & Commercialisation Associate, Loughborough University
Monalie Bandulasena is a STEM innovation and commercialisation professional with a passion for translating cutting-edge research into solutions that address real-world challenges. A doctoral graduate of Loughborough University, she combines a strong scientific/engineering background with expertise in innovation, intellectual property, and research commercialisation.
During her PhD, Monalie invented a novel microfluidic device designed to improve precision and efficiency in healthcare and diagnostic applications. Building on this experience, she transitioned into IP commercialisation, where she supports academics and researchers in identifying commercial opportunities, protecting intellectual property, and accelerating the journey of research innovations from the laboratory to market.
Monalie is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and innovation in STEM. In recognition of her contributions to engineering, technology, and innovation, she was recently named one of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) WE50 Award recipients. Through her professional work and outreach activities, she is committed to inspiring the next generation of innovators and helping create technologies that deliver meaningful societal impact.
Places are limited. If you're curious, register now - no commitment required beyond showing up.
Mixers are a part of the FIND stage of the VentureVersity programme – VentureVersity is a free fully-funded programme designed to help University staff to build momentum around projects which have potential to become new products & services.
Projects accepted onto the VentureVersity Programme have the chance to apply for up to £60,000 of funding and support to help them accelerate their project development.
Applications are OPEN and close on 31 July 2026 – learn more and apply here: https://www.ventureversity.org