Published: August 28, 2026 at 9:05 am
For Henry Dunne, the idea that would become Microneedle Solutions (MNS) started while he was studying at the University of Leeds.
In March 2022, during his final year, he joined forces with co-founder Ian Bartenev to tackle one of healthcare’s oldest challenges: replacing syringe injections with a simpler, pain-free alternative.
Together they developed Miracus, a microprojection patch platform designed to deliver medicines and vaccines through the skin without the need for a traditional needle.
Leeds has been central to their journey. After receiving early support through the University of Leeds Spark programme, the company moved into Nexus, where access to specialist facilities, researchers and experienced mentors helped turn an idea developed by two students into a funded biotech business.
“What makes Leeds special is its combination of scale and accessibility,” says Dunne. “It is a major city with excellent universities, hospitals, businesses and infrastructure, but its innovation community remains connected enough that people genuinely know and support one another.”
That collaborative approach is helping to strengthen West Yorkshire’s reputation as a centre for health technology. The sector is championed by Leeds Digital Festival, which returns this September, and brings together businesses, researchers and entrepreneurs from the digital, engineering and life sciences sectors to share ideas, forge new partnerships and showcase innovation.