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In partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Centre for Enterprise, the University of Manchester’s Turing Innovation Catalyst, Lancaster University, Manchester Digital and the Growth Company, Grow AI is a pioneering partnership aimed at bringing together startup and research commercialisation with the adoption of AI by SME’s (small and medium-sized enterprises) across priority sectors. 

It is among five growth-driving innovation projects to have received £50 million of funding, allocated through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) – a flagship Government programme being delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The projects build on Greater Manchester’s sector strengths and expertise in three areas to create new jobs, improve productivity, and attract further public and private investment.

Greater Manchester’s portfolio of projects has been selected by Innovation Greater Manchester (IGM), the city region’s partnership bringing together research-intensive universities, local government and a broad coalition of industry partners. 

Part of the £50 million investment has also been allocated to the Retrofit Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Innovation Centre, which will explore how technologies can help cut carbon emissions and retrofit homes, and is led by the �׸���Ƭ. The centre will use the University’s Energy House 1 and Energy House 2.0 facilities.

Professor Mandy Parkinson, Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Knowledge Exchange at the �׸���Ƭ, commented: “We’re proud to be collaborating with our regional partners to strengthen Greater Manchester’s position as a leading centre for AI innovation. The vast majority of businesses across our region are SMEs, so supporting them to fast-track commercial applications of this technology will not only drive productivity and competitiveness, but also help drive long-term economic growth.”

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Portfolio Lead for Economy, Business and Inclusive Growth, said: “Through this significant investment in five pioneering projects we will translate world-class research and innovation into new jobs and opportunities that benefit Greater Manchester’s businesses and residents.

“By focusing on advanced materials and manufacturing, health innovation and AI, we are building on the strengths that already set our city region apart and creating the conditions for more businesses to innovate, scale and succeed here. This is the kind of investment and collaboration that helps us deliver long-term, inclusive growth, strengthening our economy and ensuring the benefits of innovation are felt right across Greater Manchester.”

Andrew Hodgson, Chair of the Innovation Greater Manchester Board, said: “I am delighted that Greater Manchester has secured such a significant investment and is the first region to have all its projects approved.

“This is testament to the maturity in Greater Manchester and the strong partnership that exists across the region. I would like to thank the partners for their support in the process. At IGM we look forward to continuing to collaborate with UKRI, supporting deployment of world-class innovations that impact lives throughout the region and beyond.”