Fully funded innovation programmes available for Greater Manchester businesses

Businesses across Greater Manchester looking to develop new products, test ideas or explore emerging technologies can now access two fully funded programmes delivered by the Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI) at the University of Salford.

BUILD AI supports microbusinesses and early‑stage SMEs that want practical help to turn an idea into a working concept. Across six hands‑on sessions, participants work with specialists to shape their value proposition, test feasibility and develop a minimum viable product. The programme also includes £5,000 in Lovable build credits provided by NoCodeLab.ai, giving founders additional support to progress their idea.

Innovation Labs offers a structured three‑day innovation sprint for SMEs with more advanced development plans. It supports organisations exploring new technologies, product development or process improvement through tailored guidance, technical expertise and a clear route for businesses with more complex innovation goals.

Please note: applicants for the Innovation Labs must not have already received innovation funding support from the Growth Company.

Both programmes are fully funded and require an expression of interest. Places are limited, and upcoming cohorts are due to begin in the coming months.

For businesses at any stage of exploring innovation, from early‑stage concepts to more developed projects, these programmes provide practical routes to progress.

BUILD AI – Register interest: https://sustainable-innovation.salford.ac.uk/programmes/build-ai-accelerate-your-business-idea-from-concept-to-market/?utm_source=pro_manchester&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=csi_build_ai_2026

Innovation Labs – Register interest: https://sustainable-innovation.salford.ac.uk/programmes/innovation-labs/?utm_source=pro_manchester&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=csi_innovationlabs_2026