Programme driving regional growth receives £30m funding extension
A highly successful pilot programme that has allowed Manchester Metropolitan University to drive growth and innovation with its partners and industry in Greater Manchester has received a funding boost.
Innovate UK has announced £30 million of extension funding to the Innovator Accelerator (IA) programme in Manchester that is shaping the future of the UK’s industrial strategy.
These projects have helped Manchester Met to leverage the University’s strengths in high performance materials, advanced manufacturing and digital technology for the benefit of local businesses such as the Jacobson Group (owners of Gola trainers), the Royal Exchange Theatre and Bosch, as well as the regional economy.
The Centre for Enterprise at Manchester Met leads the Centre for Digital Innovation (CDI), which brings together four leading universities and 10 local colleges to support businesses in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, industrial digitalisation, and immersive technology.
The programme showcased its successes during an all-day Festival of Innovation, on April 8. More than 150 delegates enjoyed keynote addresses on topics ranging from the importance of leaning on your community while innovating, not being afraid to fail, and how to overcome self-sabotage when innovating.
The event also included panel sessions on the funding opportunities available, with talks around AI, cybersecurity and guest speakers from Innovate UK, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub and IBM.
The IA also supports the Greater Manchester Electrochemical Hydrogen Cluster (GMEHC), which is aimed at accelerating the development and adoption of electrochemical (green) hydrogen technologies in Greater Manchester through the creation of a supportive environment for innovation and collaboration between academic institutions, government, and industry.
Professor Jennie Shorley, Academic Director of the Centre for Enterprise at Manchester Met, said: “The new £30m funding for the IA programme is fantastic news and will allow us to build on the transformational work we have already undertaken with businesses across Greater Manchester.
“As well as contributing to the UK’s ambitions of developing a hydrogen economy and achieving net zero emissions, the IA is enabling us to develop the region as a digital leader and create a fairer, more prosperous society.”
The IA is led by Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
The funding extension builds on the £100 million already invested into the programme, which is co-designed with city regions and takes a fresh approach to accelerate innovation and support them to become globally competitive research and development powerhouses.
Dean Cook, Executive Director for Place and Global at Innovate UK, said: “The IA pilot stands as a testament to the power of uniting national strategies with locally empowered decision-making.
“At the heart of our approach lies the principle of co-creation, recognising the wisdom of local people with a deep understanding of local strengths and knowing best their needs.
“This local knowledge is complemented by our reach at Innovate UK as the national innovation agency, linking these regional clusters with opportunities provided by national and international networks both within Government and beyond.
“It is fantastic to secure additional funding for this programme which is making a meaningful impact on the lives of local communities whether that be improved access to healthcare, more efficient infrastructure or a cleaner and greener environment.”
The Centre for Enterprise supports businesses to innovate, thrive, grow sustainably and embrace the future in a rapidly evolving digital world through leading research, tailored support and world-class facilities.
Find out more at Centre for Enterprise | Manchester Metropolitan University.
