Through collaboration and cutting-edge technology, the Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester (TIC) is shaping the future of AI innovation—driving business growth, expanding career opportunities, and accelerating research commercialisation.
Background
The Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester (TIC) is a not-for-profit organisation incubated within the University of Manchester, dedicated to catalysing an AI ecosystem within Greater Manchester. Recognising AI’s transformative potential, TIC is fostering the growth of AI-powered businesses, advancing skills development, and strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and the public sector.
With total co-investment of £5million, TIC has delivered significant returns through job creation, business support, and private sector investment in AI R&D. By creating a highly connected ecosystem, TIC is ensuring that AI innovation benefits businesses and individuals across the region.
Inspiration
TIC’s mission is to transform AI innovation in Greater Manchester by addressing key opportunity areas:
- Growing the volume and quality of AI start-ups and scale-ups emerging from and supported by the region’s universities.
- Driving AI innovation in key sectors such as advanced materials & manufacturing, health innovation, creative tech, and net zero.
- Developing Greater Manchester’s AI skills pipeline and improving access to relevant skills for businesses to unlock growth and productivity.
- Leveraging TIC’s leadership role to integrate AI initiatives across the academic, public, and private sectors.
Through a portfolio of research, innovation, and skills programs, TIC is embedding AI within the region’s economy, supporting SME innovators, and ensuring businesses can leverage AI for competitive advantage.
Innovation and Impact
TIC’s initiatives have driven substantial economic and technological benefits:
- Assisted over 50 AI-first start-ups in scaling and accessing investment through pre-accelerator and accelerator programmes.
- Supported 38 PhD-led ventures in exploring commercialisation opportunities and equipping them with entrepreneurial skills.
- Oversaw and enabled the creation of 9 new IP-rich AI start-ups led by PhDs.
- Connected and funded 24 SMEs to collaborate with university academics on R&D projects, accelerating commercialisation of leading AI technologies.
- Delivered AI skills programs to over 1,000 skill-seekers, including 900+ women and non-binary learners, improving access to AI careers.
- Helped 22 Greater Manchester SMEs hire senior AI expertise, unlocking further private investment in AI R&D.
- Led the creation of a new AI Skills Strategy and Digital Skills Framework for Greater Manchester.
- Activated three AI Innovation ‘spokes’ in Rochdale, Stockport, and Wigan to expand the reach of AI benefits across the city region.
- Delivered and participated in more than 50 AI-related events to energise the local AI ecosystem and position Greater Manchester as a prime AI investment destination.
- Recognised as the North Region’s Tech Hub of the Year at the 2024 Prolific North Tech Awards.
Regional Collaboration
TIC is spearheading a UK-wide cross-sector AI collaboration, engaging with policymakers, industry leaders, and international research organisations. Key collaborations include:
- Partnerships with Greater Manchester’s universities to support AI commercialisation and research-driven innovation.
- Integration with Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) initiatives to align AI advancements with regional economic strategies.
- Engagement with industry partners and investors to drive AI commercialisation and ensure long-term economic impact.
- Contributions to national AI skills and digital strategy discussions to shape AI policy and workforce development.
Conclusion
The Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester (TIC) has demonstrated a significant return on investment, positively impacting business growth, job creation, and AI-driven economic transformation in Greater Manchester. Through its collaborative approach, TIC is pioneering advancements in AI commercialisation, workforce development, and SME support, solidifying Greater Manchester as a leader in AI innovation and investment.