Why Hydrogen? Why Now?
Hydrogen offers significant potential to support the UK’s journey to net zero, particularly for industries that are hard to decarbonise. Hydrogen can be harnessed to generate green electricity, power transport, and fuel manufacturing, making it central to creating a resilient, competitive and low-carbon industrial base.
The UK Government’s Hydrogen Strategy sets a target of 10GW of low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030, with at least half from electrolysis. To achieve this, the UK must not only deploy electrolysers but also build robust, local supply chains to support their production, integration, and operation.
Why Greater Manchester?
Greater Manchester is the perfect launchpad for a world-class hydrogen supply chain:
- Net Zero by 2038 – the UK’s most ambitious regional target
- Industrial heritage meets clean energy innovation – ready to pivot to hydrogen
- Global partnerships – including with Germany’s Ruhr region
- Research excellence – home to MMU’s Fuel Cell Innovation Centre
- Robust support ecosystem – GM Business Growth Hub, Green Economy, and Energy Innovation Agency
That’s why Greater Manchester is primed to form a world-class hydrogen supply cluster.
What Is the Bosch Challenge?
Bosch is scaling up industrial production of its hydrogen electrolysis stack, drawing on decades of fuel-cell expertise and advanced manufacturing capabilities. This challenge connects Bosch’s cutting-edge technology with Greater Manchester’s industrial strengths.
Local Supply Chain Opportunity:
Bosch’s highly competitive electrolyser technology is ready for deployment, and UK public sector contracts increasingly require local supply chain involvement. This opens up opportunities for UK businesses to support Bosch’s rollout.
Strategic Collaboration:
The challenge aims to identify UK-based companies that can provide the components, engineering, and operational support needed to install and run Bosch electrolysers locally from fabrication to commissioning.
Bosch’s Advantage & GM’s Role:
Bosch brings world-class electrolyser design and performance, while GM businesses are invited to provide the infrastructure, manufacturing, and operational capabilities — essentially building the “vehicle” around Bosch’s “engine.”
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking to identify a cohort of up to 10 innovative GM-based businesses ready to step into the hydrogen supply chain.
Tier A – System Integrators:
- Electrolyser system distributors (sales, warranties, customer interface)
- Packagers (assembly, containerisation, FAT testing)
- Process engineers (system design, compliance, documentation)
Tier B – Component Specialists:
- Power electronics (rectifiers, inverters, transformers)
- Water systems (purification units, tanks, polishers)
- Gas handling (compressors, dryers, buffers)
- Thermal systems (heat exchangers, cooling units)
- Sensors & controls (SCADA, monitoring, leak detection)
Why Apply?
This is more than an innovation challenge. It’s your gateway into a global hydrogen ecosystem. By joining the programme, you’ll:
- Collaborate directly with Bosch, a world leader in industrial innovation and hydrogen technology
- Visit Bosch’s facilities in Germany (2-day visit in Jan 2026) to explore their cutting-edge electrolyser production
- Receive expert mentoring and commercial support from the GM Business Growth Hub to strengthen your market readiness
- Co-develop a demonstrator electrolyser system using your components, showcasing your capabilities in a real-world application
- Build credibility and unlock new opportunities — positioning your business for future supply contracts and investment
If you're ready to help shape the future of clean energy, apply now!
Key Dates
- Expression of Interest Deadline: 23 October 2025
- Panel Review & Screening: Late October 2025
- Cohort Announced: November 2025
- Bosch Germany Site Visit: January 2026
- Workshops & Development Sessions: January – March 2026
- Final Showcase & Action Plans: March 2026
Apply Now!
If you're ready to help build the future of clean energy and want to be part of Greater Manchester's hydrogen manufacturing revolution, we want to hear from you.
Deadline: Thurs, 23 October 2025
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