Greater Manchester AI Foundry

Greater Manchester AI Foundry: Supporting Greater Manchester SMEs to grow and innovate by harnessing artificial intelligence (AI).

Led by Manchester Metropolitan University, in collaboration with The University of Manchester, the University of Salford and Lancaster University, Greater Manchester AI Foundry connects small to medium-size businesses (SMEs) to cutting edge AI research, innovative technologies, and academic knowledge.

The partnership aims to help SMEs translate world-leading AI research and academic insights into novel products or services to increase efficiency, improve performance, and secure competitive edge.

The two-phase programme is available to 150 SMEs based in Greater Manchester and is fully funded for eligible businesses. The first phase of the Greater Manchester AI Foundry is a series of knowledge workshops, which introduce business owners to AI technologies and market opportunities. Businesses may then progress to receive bespoke technical support to develop a prototype.

Greater Manchester AI Foundry is a fully funded opportunity, with £3m funding from the European Regional Development Fund via the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, with partners delivering a further £3m in matched funding.

The project is providing innovation consultancy and advisory aid in line with the De Minimis Exemption and Innovation R&D aid in line with the General Block Exemption Regulation.