Faizaan Noyda

Position
Alumni
Course
Biotechnology with Business Enterprise MSc (2024)

Leeds supports student entrepreneurs

I’ve always been passionate about bridging science with real-world impact. After completing my undergraduate degree, I wanted to deepen my understanding of how research can evolve into innovation.

The University of Leeds stood out for its strong focus on enterprise, global research excellence and commitment to supporting student entrepreneurs.

I saw Leeds as the ideal place to combine academic growth with practical business experience – and it truly lived up to that.

I applied business principles to scientific ideas

I chose the Masters in Biotechnology with Business Enterprise because it offered the perfect balance of scientific learning and entrepreneurial application.

I most enjoyed the enterprise-focused modules and the opportunity to work on real innovation projects. Applying business principles to scientific ideas gave me a fresh perspective and helped me build confidence as an entrepreneur.

A global community helped me grow

Leeds is an incredibly welcoming, diverse and student-friendly city. As an international student, I found it easy to adapt.

The city strikes a balance between academic life and a vibrant cultural scene, offers affordable living and provides lots of networking opportunities. It’s big enough to feel global but small enough to feel like a community.

Studying and living here helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Careers support contributed to my success

The support at Leeds is outstanding. My school offered excellent academic guidance and practical insights.

At the same time, the University’s business advice service, Spark, helped shape my entrepreneurial journey. Their mentorship allowed me to secure a Proof of Concept Grant, which funded my first product prototype. This directly contributed to the success of my startup and my career in innovation.

I also connected with researchers and investors who remain part of my network today.

I’ve founded two companies using my new skills

I’d strongly recommend the Biotechnology with Business Enterprise course. It helped me build a career that aligns science with social impact, and the investment has been invaluable to my personal and professional growth.

The programme’s mix of science and business helped me turn research into real-world startups, applying ideas from commercialisation and enterprise modules directly to my ventures.

Since completing my Masters, I founded Newway Biotech Ltd. and Manna Health Ltd., focusing on biofortified, mushroom-based foods and drinks that make nutrition accessible and sustainable.

I also serve as a Health Innovation Mentor with the Huddersfield Health Innovation Partnership, supporting early-stage health and food-tech startups with business validation and growth.