Ten Greater Manchester firms are being offered exclusive access to Bosch’s hydrogen HQ in Germany, as part of a new challenge designed to help UK businesses break into the hydrogen market.
The Hydrogen Supply Chain Innovation Challenge is being delivered by GM Business Growth Hub in collaboration with Bosch and Manchester Metropolitan University, home of the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, which is at the forefront of hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
The programme will run until March 2026, forming a crucial part of Greater Manchester’s target to reach net zero by 2038, build a local hydrogen economy and position itself as a leader in clean energy.
Bosch is among Europe’s largest investors in hydrogen. The organisation is investing heavily in hydrogen and is ranked among Europe’s top ten for hydrogen production patents.
Participants will visit Bosch’s German facilities in January 2026, and be given the chance to take part in workshops, and receive mentoring and commercial support. The programme aims to help businesses compete for contracts in the UK hydrogen supply chain.
Greater Manchester’s international partnership with Germany’s Ruhr area has helped pave the way for the collaboration with Bosch, one of the world’s largest engineering and technology companies.
Eman Martin-Vignerte, Director of External Affairs, Governmental and Political Relations at Bosch, said: “By opening up our facilities, we want Greater Manchester businesses to see how hydrogen is applied in the real world, from production to automotive systems.
“This challenge is about sharing that experience so local companies can identify where they fit, develop their capabilities, and bring hydrogen solutions to market in the UK.”
Throughout the challenge, the Bosch team will be sharing their expertise on how hydrogen systems are developed and tested, which could lead to opportunities to work with them or others in the sector. The insights will also help local firms compete for UK hydrogen production tenders.
Eman Martin-Vignerte, Director of External Affairs, Governmental and Political Relations at Bosch, said: “By opening up our facilities, we want Greater Manchester businesses to see how hydrogen is applied in the real world, from production to automotive systems.
“This challenge is about sharing that experience so local companies can identify where they fit, develop their capabilities, and bring hydrogen solutions to market in the UK.”
Alongside the Bosch visit, participants will receive mentoring and commercial support from the Hub, and opportunities to connect with a network of industry leaders.
Janine Smith, Director at GM Business Growth Hub, said: “Manchester was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and now, across Greater Manchester, we’re once again driving the next wave of change – this time through clean energy.
“This challenge gives our firms a front-row seat with Bosch, one of the global leaders in hydrogen technology, and the opportunity to help shape the supply chains of the future.”
Amer Gaffar, Director of Industrial Strategy Partnerships at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “Greater Manchester has set ambitious goals on hydrogen, and we’ve been central to shaping that strategy. What excites me is that this isn’t about distant promises – it’s about creating realistic, tangible opportunities now. With support from Bosch, local firms can help make the city-region a genuine hydrogen hub and lead the UK’s clean tech future.”
The announcement comes as the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, working with Manchester Metropolitan University, launches a consultation on a new hydrogen and fuel cell strategy.
Applications are now open:https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/programmes/gm-hydrogen-supply-chain-innovation-challenge/.
