Manchester Metropolitan University is playing a leading role in accelerating AI for businesses and developing wearable health technologies through new funding awarded by UK Research and Innovation’s Local Innovation Partnership Fund (LIPF).
Grow AI and GM Wearables and Remote Monitoring Innovation Cluster (GM-WIC) are designed to supercharge AI innovation and wearable healthcare technologies and will drive inclusive economic growth in Greater Manchester.
These pioneering projects are among five growth-driving innovation projects to have received £50 million of funding, selected by Innovation Greater Manchester (IGM), the city region’s partnership bringing together research-intensive universities, local government and industry partners.
LIPF is a flagship UK Government programme being delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which is investing up to £500 million to strengthen regional innovation economies across the UK.
Forming a central pillar of the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy and Plan for Change, LIPF brings together local leaders, businesses and research organisations to build on Greater Manchester’s strengths and expertise in advanced materials and manufacturing, AI, and health innovation technologies to create new jobs, improve productivity and attract further public and private investment.
GROW AI
GROW AI is a pioneering partnership between Manchester Met’s Centre for Enterprise and the University of Manchester’s Turing Innovation Catalyst.
Led by Professor Jennie Shorley, Academic Director of the Centre for Enterprise at Manchester Met, and Liz Scott MBE, Director of Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester, GROW AI’s groundbreaking work will accelerate the responsible and secure adoption of AI across Greater Manchester and will receive £12.8 million of funding.
This partnership across institutions, brings together complementary strengths to create business growth and innovation, and is the first of its kind in Greater Manchester.
Working with project partners Lancaster University, The University of Salford, Manchester Digital and the Growth Company, GROW AI brings together startup and research commercialisation with the adoption of AI by SME’s across priority sectors.
Using the networks, delivery expertise – including Manchester Met’s PrintCity – and academic excellence of the partner organisations, the project builds on Greater Manchester’s existing AI strengths and resources to enable rapid deployment and support clear pathways from research and innovation to commercial adoption, helping businesses turn cutting-edge AI into real-world applications.
The project aims to drive inclusive economic growth, strengthen the region’s AI ecosystem and establish Greater Manchester as a globally recognised hub for AI-led innovation, productivity and growth.
GM Wearables and Remote Monitoring Innovation Cluster (GM-WIC)
GM-WIC will bring together the NHS, universities, businesses and civic partners to drive a step change in the development and adoption of new wearable and remote monitoring technologies used in healthcare.
Led by Health Innovation Manchester and the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the new initiative, of which Manchester Met is a key partner, will create a single access point for companies and researchers to develop, test and scale innovations that could help people to manage their health at home and improve patient care across the NHS.
Supported by £5.5 million of LIPF funding, GM-WIC will build on the region’s strengths in healthcare innovation, digital technology and research collaboration to support long-term growth and reinforce Greater Manchester’s position as a leader in health innovation.
Manchester Met’s PrintCity and Manchester Fashion Institute will play a key role in the project which will support start-ups and businesses through specialist accelerator programmes, access to NHS testing environments, and guidance on regulation and commercialisation, helping to bring new technologies to market faster and positioning the region as a national leader in healthcare innovation.
Together, these projects will accelerate innovation-led growth, support high-potential businesses, attract investment and strengthen Greater Manchester’s position as a globally competitive innovation cluster at the forefront of AI-driven innovation and wearable healthcare technology.
Professor Steve Rothberg, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Manchester Met, said: “This exciting investment underlines what a special relationship we have in Greater Manchester between academic, business and civic partners. Through Grow AI and the GM Wearables and Remote Monitoring Innovation Cluster, Manchester Met will turn its world-class research into real-world impacts, supporting innovative businesses to develop the new products and services that will drive economic growth across the whole city-region.”
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.”
