Cambridge and Manchester have announced a collaboration to enhance innovation and growth across the UK. The Cambridge x Manchester Innovation Partnership will receive £4.8 million in funding from Research England over three years, with additional investment from the universities bringing total funding to £6 million. This initiative aims to strengthen research networks, accelerate growth, drive private sector R&D investment, and attract foreign direct investment.
The partnership is led by the universities of Cambridge and Manchester and supported by local authorities, city councils, businesses such as AZ, ARM, ROKU, Microsoft, venture capitalists Northern Gritstone and CIC, and angel investors from Cambridge and Manchester Angels.
Innovate Cambridge and Unit M will lead efforts to pilot new approaches for inclusive growth. This model aims to create globally competitive ecosystems by combining complementary innovation capabilities of both cities.
Professor Deborah Prentice of the University of Cambridge stated: “This pioneering initiative brings together the combined strengths of Cambridge and Manchester to create something that is truly groundbreaking.” Professor Duncan Ivison from the University of Manchester added: "Our partnership with Cambridge marks a new model of collaboration between UK universities."
Jessica Corner from Research England commented: “This investment underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration across England.”