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We connect firms of all sizes in Greater Manchester to the people, resources and expertise needed to accelerate innovation within AI, data and advanced computing.

Whether you need access to research facilities, help with project risk planning, or guidance on your go-to-market strategy, our fully-funded support can fast-track you to commercialisation. 

 

Driving innovation forward to solve tomorrow’s challenges 

Our specialist team is on hand to help move you from prototype to market. That includes support with: 

  • De-risking R&D to accelerate technology development
  • Adopting and integrating new technologies
  • Tackling scalability issues and future-proofing your offer
  • Product design and development.
  • Advancing security and data privacy
  • Collaboration with universities, research organisations and commercial sector suppliers 
  • Identifying funding opportunities, including flexible grant funding  

 

Hear from the businesses we’ve helped 

“The innovation support we’ve had from GM Business Growth Hub has made a massive difference, helping us to navigate challenges around product design and development. Without the funding and advice, we would have struggled to think long-term, staying on the treadmill of delivering the next project.”

Fred Isaac, Co-Founder, Captive Devices

“I can hands-down say that had we not been allocated our Commercialism Specialist we would not have been as successful. Jeremy’s background knowledge, coupled with his understanding of the way grant funds work, was invaluable in unlocking the funding that has enabled us to fast-track our ambitions.” 

Fiona Green, CEO, ProDataStack

“The support from GM Business Growth Hub helped de-risk our R&D project and allowed us to push ahead with development. As a result, we’ve been able to produce an innovative and scalable product that will not only drive our international sales but help pipeline operators in sectors like oil, gas and water avoid the kind of leaks and spills that can cause serious environmental damage.”

Anthony Hodson, Chief Product Officer, i2i Pipelines

Flexible grant funding

As part of our support, grant funding is available for eligible AI, data and advanced computing projects that are clearly defined and ready to move forward rapidly towards commercialisation. Businesses must be UK-registered with a physical trading address in Greater Manchester. 

Examples of eligible activities include: 

  • Access to specialist technical facilities and equipment
  • Product design
  • Research and development
  • Knowledge transfer
  • Consultancy
  • Testing and validation 

 

Application and project timeline: 

  • Expressions of interest now being considered
  • December 2026: Projects must be complete
  • February 2027: Deadline for project impacts to be realised and evidenced 

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