The Manchester IMAGINE IF! Programme is a local competition and pre-accelerator program tailored for health tech and life sciences early-stage ventures. The programme provides ample opportunity for scientific and tech innovators to propel their business to the next level through tailored mentorship, one-to-one workshops with professional service companies, and excellent networking opportunities across the Innovation Forum’s platform.

Successful applicants will be paired with a mentor, chosen from a pool of serial entrepreneurs and curated professionals to fit the applicant’s business needs, who will provide continual guidance and advice to develop their business idea and prepare for the IMAGINE IF! local finals.

The local finals will provide the pre-accelerator cohort with the chance to pitch to our curated audience, including leading North West angel and venture capital investors. The winner on the day will be determined by our experienced judges, including Claire Brown, investment director at BioCity, and Ian Sterritt, a senior innovation advisor at Innovate UK EEN. The local winner will be chosen 
based on the final business plans and live pitches, and will gain access to an afternoon of personalised 1:1 support with an experienced innovation advisor and venture builder, thanks to our sponsors Alderley Park Accelerator. The local finals event will also be sponsored by PhD Pigeon, a network organisation connecting PhD students to life sciences businesses, and Health Innovation Manchester, a public initiative promoting innovation in healthcare in the Greater Manchester region.

The IMAGINE IF! programme will culminate in the 2021 Global finals event in Barcelona, where winners from each local branch will pitch again following an intensive mentorship period. The prizes on offer for this event include a non-dilutive cash prize, free 6 month laboratory space and many more.

Do not miss the opportunity to bring your scientific vision to a commercial reality. Apply now at https://inno-forum.org/accelerator/.