Where AI powers growth
About TIC
AI and deep technologies have the power to accelerate growth, create transformative opportunities, and spark innovation across Greater Manchester. Our goal is to help businesses, citizens, research institutions, and the local economy make the most of these opportunities.
TIC is funded by Innovate UK and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) as part of the Greater Manchester Innovation Accelerator, and is incubated within the University of Manchester. Since launch in 2023 TIC has been working to proactively develop the AI ecosystem in Greater Manchester and has worked with over 170 AI innovators and companies, and over 1,000 skill-seekers through a portfolio of programmes and funded support.
An ambitious programme of activity
We have an ambitious programme of activity including:
Venture Building
A PhD Venture Building programme to equip high potential research talent with the broader commercial skills required to successfully commercialise their innovations
Startup Accelerator
An AI startup accelerator to support AI startups to scale and access investment
Collaborative R&D
Collaborative R&D programmes aiming to increase private sector investment in R&D and create a more agile, and collaborative way for researchers and private companies to work together
Skills programmes
Skills programmes to improve access to AI careers for women and under-represented groups
Ecosystem Development
A broad programme of events, workshops and community initiatives
Human connections in a technology hub
TIC operates from a number of different locations across the city – making sure that support is on offer wherever AI innovation is happening. From the various innovation centres on campus at the University of Manchester to the Renold building as part of the Sister Innovation District, the TIC team can be found working closely with tech communities across the city.
Only in Manchester could you expect synergy between creative visionaries, leading academics and mavericks from the world of business, digital and the arts. Together, we’re harnessing both computer science and behavioural science to take on real-world challenges and shape the sector, paving the way for a people-centric approach with ethics at the top of the agenda.
Establishing Manchester’s place on the AI map
TIC’s vision is for Greater Manchester to be a city region where AI is supercharging the growth of careers, businesses and our regional economy. TIC is bringing this vision to life by providing practical support, expertise and connectivity for companies and individuals developing AI-first companies, products and careers.
TIC is a part of the University of Manchester’s innovation unit, Unit M. Unit M exists to unleash the university’s full innovation potential on our region and the world around us.
Are you involved in AI?
Are you involved in AI as a researcher, academic, startup, scaleup, SME, or skill seeker? Discover how our programmes can support your growth and innovation.
Our team
At TIC, we come from all around the world, united by a shared passion for using AI to power growth and opportunity Our team is made up of experts in various disciplines, working together to make Greater Manchester the place where AI innovation thrives.
