​Startup Spotlight: Research & Innovation

​Hear from researchers navigating the world of innovation and commercialisation

​We’re excited to welcome a fantastic panel of four University of Manchester researcher-entrepreneurs to our first Startup Spotlight of the semester.

​From AI-driven environmental solutions to nature-inspired colour technologies, rapid molecular diagnostics, and algae-based sustainable agriculture, our speakers show the many ways research can be translated to solve problems outside of the lab.

​Join us as we hear about their journey, the challenges faced, and the experience of building a startup from their research. There will be an opportunity to network and meet likeminded researchers at the end of the session.

​Event Details

​📅 Date: Wednesday 4 March 2026
📍 Location: Alliance Manchester Business School
⏰ Time: 12.00pm - 1.00pm

​Event Agenda

​12:00 – 12:10 | Welcome
12:10 – 12:50 | Fireside chat with researcher-entrepreneurs and Q&A
12:50 – 13:00 | Networking

​The Panel

​Jana Stella

​Jana Stella, co-founder and CEO of NeuWave, brings a background in AI and oceanography, including PhD research focused on improving how humans interact with and understand the marine environment. She founded NeuWave to translate this cutting-edge research into practice, helping de-risk offshore asset construction and long-term maintenance through better data, foresight, and true environmental intelligence.

​Hongning Ren

​Hongning Ren is a PhD researcher at The University of Manchester working on optical nanomaterials and bio‑inspired photonic systems. Building on this research, she co‑founded Colorolicious with her PI, developing edible structural colour technologies for food and confectionery applications. Supported by MEC, began her journey as a researcher entrepreneur. Through Colorolicious, she is advancing scalable and sustainable colour solutions that address key challenges around clean-label ingredients and formulation compatibility in the food industry.

​Jorge Servert

​Jorge Servert is a final‑year PhD student in Biomedical Imaging Sciences at the University of Manchester, developing laser‑based technologies for fast, affordable, and accurate diagnosis of neurological disorders. He brings additional experience in machine-learning applications from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and has pursued his interest in venture creation through roles at Plug and Play and Nucleate UK. His scientific and entrepreneurial work has earned awards including the Eli and Britt Harari Enterprise Award and recognition from R2I and AccelerateME.

​Nayab Raza

​Nayab Raza, a PhD scholar at the University of Manchester, is a distinguished academic and entrepreneur driven by a deep commitment to sustainable agriculture and water management. As the Founder and CEO of ALGAVERSE, she leads cutting-edge research and commercialisation efforts at the intersection of biotechnology, ecology, and agribusiness. Her flagship product, BHAAN, is a native microalgae‑based biofertilizer designed to strengthen soil health and reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals. Through her research and venture work, Nayab is translating ecological science into practical, climate‑resilient solutions for modern farming.

​Who is it for?

• ​University of Manchester research-driven student, staff, and alumni (UG, PhDs, ECRs)

• ​Manchester Ecosystem