Manchester’s Turing Innovation Catalyst (TIC) has launched its second AI accelerator programme to support a new cohort of ambitious Greater Manchester startups looking to scale.
The programme, which is delivered in partnership with Capital Enterprise, supports the selected companies to build sustainable businesses and meet their fundraising goals through providing learning, networking, mentoring and investment opportunities delivered by world-class AI and startup experts.
The cohort, which is made up of 20 business founders and leaders, will undertake a six-month intensive hybrid programme that covers funding readiness training, support with storytelling and communicating to a non-tech audience, AI ethics and regulatory guidance, developing a go-to-market strategy, and founder and team wellbeing.
All founders involved in the programme are Greater Manchester based, committed to growing the city region’s economy, and are building AI platforms and solutions that span education, healthcare, climate and more. Each business is demonstrating a commitment to delivering positive impact.
Businesses taking part in the latest cohort include GigMate, a free app that helps music lovers connect with like-minded fans; LinkyThinks, a platform designed to give children the skills they need to succeed beyond the classroom; miPatient, which enables the early detection of opioid addiction; and CircKit, a tool simplifying ESG data and compliance in fashion.
The AI accelerator is part of TIC’s wider programme of activity, which includes a Venture Builder PhD programme, Collaborative R&D, skills courses, and a calendar of events to support the development of Greater Manchester’s AI ecosystem.
Liz Scott MBE, executive director at Turing Innovation Catalyst, said: “We’re delighted to kick off the second cohort of our AI accelerator programme with Capital Enterprise. There were some tough decisions to be made this time around, with so many incredible Greater Manchester startups applying, but we’ve got a strong group of businesses that are aiming to make a real impact.
“The accelerator is just one part of what we’re doing here at TIC to catalyse a thriving AI ecosystem in Greater Manchester and put our city region on the global innovation map. We’re very much looking forward to continuing to develop ambitious programmes that support founders, businesses, researchers and skill-seekers to thrive in the age of AI.”
Edward Dawson, Programme Coordinator (Cohort 2) at Capital Enterprise, added: “We’ve got a fantastic six-month programme ahead of us for this next cohort of shining Manchester startups. We’re going to cover everything from how to get grant funding and private investment to how to define your market position and grow a team sustainably, whilst avoiding burnout.
“After the programme, our cohort will be ready to take on their next adventure, feeling supported by the unrivalled AI community we have in Manchester. I’m really looking forward to working with them and supporting them as they progress through the programme.”
TIC and Capital Enterprise will be holding a Demo Day for Cohort 1 of the accelerator on Wednesday 9th October in Manchester.
