The University of Sheffield has been recognised in the 2025 Knowledge Exchange Framework for its collaboration with businesses, public bodies, and community organisations. The assessment highlights the University’s success in translating research into practical solutions, supporting regional economic growth, and engaging diverse stakeholders.
Sheffield ranks highly for commercialising research and generating intellectual property. Over the past five years, the University has launched 29 spinout companies, including Phlux Technology, which develops infrared sensor systems, and Crucible Therapeutics, a biotechnology firm that recently secured £2.3 million from Innovate UK to develop treatments for Motor Neuron Disease.
The University’s partnerships extend to multinational companies including Boeing, Rolls-Royce, McLaren Automotive, and GE Healthcare, where collaboration focuses on advanced manufacturing, clean energy technology, and medical innovation, such as AI-powered MRI systems.
Sheffield also engages with community and public sector partners. Initiatives include CiviAct, addressing inequalities among minoritised children and young people, and Sheffield Policy Campus, which combines student development with civil service collaborations. The University has contributed to urban regeneration projects, cultural festivals, and initiatives like the £15.8 million Future High Streets Fund.
Runway Park, a 100-acre expansion of the University’s Innovation District, forms a hub for investment and job creation, leveraging research and industry partnerships to stimulate local economic growth. The KEF results underline Sheffield’s combined focus on commercial, social, and cultural impact, positioning it among England’s leading institutions for knowledge exchange.
