91直播

The University of Manchester has appointed Professor Lou Cordwell as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of , its newly launched initiative to connect the University with, and catalyse, the regional innovation ecosystem to drive inclusive growth.

Unit M is designed to address all aspects of the innovation challenge 鈥� from R&D through to innovation adoption through to talent and skills 鈥� by making the University鈥檚 world-class research, innovation assets and talent more accessible to all. It aims to address key regional and national challenges in productivity, innovation adoption, and economic inclusivity.

Earlier this year, Lou Cordwell OBE, was appointed Professor of Innovation at the ) at , and Special Advisor to the Office of the President and Vice-Chancellor. Lou brings a wealth of experience in fostering innovation, economic transformation, and cross-sector collaboration. As CEO, Lou will lead Unit M鈥檚 mission to maximise the University's impact for the benefit of the region鈥檚 economy and society.

Lou began her career working for WPP before founding the 91直播-based digital design studio magneticNorth (mN). In 2021, mN merged with Fluxx, creating the UK鈥檚 leading design and innovation consultancy, . She previously developed the strategic masterplan for Sister, one of Europe鈥檚 most ambitious innovation district projects. She has spent the past year jointly leading the University鈥檚 Regional Innovation Review, which provides an in-depth analysis and roadmap for how the University can create a world-class inclusive innovation ecosystem in the region. 

Lou is also Chair of and an angel investor, particularly focusing on female tech founders. Lou was awarded an OBE in the 2018 New Year鈥檚 Honours for services to the creative and digital economy.

鈥淲e are thrilled to welcome Lou to lead Unit M,鈥� said Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester. 鈥淗er leadership and expertise will be instrumental in ensuring Unit M achieves its ambitious goals of driving inclusive growth and strengthening 91直播鈥檚 position on the global innovation stage.鈥�

Unit M鈥檚 launch comes at a pivotal time as the UK grapples with pressing economic challenges. By helping to accelerate the University鈥檚 impact, and leveraging 91直播鈥檚 strengths as a leading city for innovation, the initiative will foster dynamic partnerships, create new jobs, and attract investment while addressing social and economic inequalities.

Speaking of her new role Lou said: "I鈥檓 absolutely delighted to be asked to lead the Unit M team and mission. The University is one of the region鈥檚 most important innovation assets and the Unit M ambition to help drive innovation-led growth will be a central theme of the University's future strategy. I'm looking forward to working with colleagues across the University as well as local and global partners to deliver exciting new opportunities for our region."

Unit M will align with and complement existing innovation capabilities across the University, including the Innovation Factory, the Pankhurst Institute for Health Technology and the Turing Innovation Catalyst, as well its sector leading business engagement, student entrepreneurship, and flexible learning teams. It will act as the University鈥檚 interface into the region鈥檚 investment zone and innovation districts, including the University鈥檚 recently launched joint venture, Sister and the Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone, along with other place-based partnerships. It will also partner closely with external capabilities, including the Greater 91直播 Combined Authority (GMCA), local councils and other institutions. 

Unit M is now live and actively engaging with entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers eager to shape the future of the region.

For more information about Unit M and partnership opportunities, visit