Spinouts and Entrepreneurship
The CMI helps Sheffield researchers and students turn AI research into real‑world impact. We work in close partnership with the University’s Commercialisation Team, who lead on market validation, investor engagement and business formation.
Off
Our focus is specifically on helping founders understand and leverage the business advantages of AI. Together with the Commercialisation Team, we help ensure early AI ventures are technically robust, responsible and ready for commercial pathways.
Our approach
We focus on three things:
- Co‑create with founders: We work shoulder‑to‑shoulder with academic and student founders to shape AI-driven propositions and test their technical feasibility.
- Translate responsibly: We support responsible AI from day one—covering safety, data governance, ethics, and compliance—so your ideas are built on robust, trustworthy AI foundations.
- Connect & catalyse: We connect you with the University’s Commercialisation Team, departmental innovation leads, alumni entrepreneurs and industry partners, ensuring technical and commercial support stay aligned
Whether you’re ready to incorporate or just exploring an idea, we’re here to help.
Email: cmi-enquiries@sheffield.ac.uk or submit an
Explore our spin-outs, start-ups and commercial opportunities
Resources for Innovators
Training and funding opportunities:
- designed to help startups accelerate technical innovation and business growth at all stages. Inception is free and supports members of its global community with valuable benefits from NVIDIA and partners.
- TMF AI ICURe Discover is a part-time online market exploration programme for researchers, technicians and research students, with up to £2,500 support for market discovery activities.