Professor Steve Rothberg, Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Met (Credit: Manchester Metropolitan University)
Manchester Metropolitan University will promote AI for business and the development of wearable health technologies through funding provided by the UK’s Local Innovation Partnership Fund (LIPF).
The funding will support two initiatives: Grow AI, which aims to accelerate the adoption of AI among businesses, and GM-WIC, which will bring together the NHS, universities, businesses and civic partners to develop, test and adopt wearable and remote monitoring technologies for healthcare.
Professor Steve Rothberg, Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Met, said: “This exciting investment underlines the special relationship we have in Greater Manchester between academic, business and civic partners.
“Through Grow AI, GM Wearables and GM-WIC, Manchester Met will turn its world-class research into real-world impacts, supporting innovative businesses to develop new products and services that will drive economic growth across the city-region.”
The two projects have collectively received £12.8 million from a £50 million funding package awarded to five projects by Innovation Greater Manchester (IGM), the city region’s research-intensive partnership of universities, local government and industry.
LIPF is a flagship UK Government program delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which is investing up to £500 million to strengthen regional innovation economies across the UK.
Grow AI is a partnership between Manchester Met’s Business Center and Turing Innovation Catalyst from the University of Manchester, and aims to accelerate the adoption of AI across Greater Manchester.
GM-WIC, led by Health Innovation Manchester and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), will create a single access point for companies and researchers to develop, test and scale innovations that could help people manage their health at home and improve patient care.
Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Through this significant investment in five pioneering projects, we will translate world-class research and innovation into new jobs and opportunities that benefit businesses and residents of Greater Manchester.
“By focusing on advanced materials and manufacturing, health innovation and artificial intelligence, we are building on the strengths that already distinguish our urban region and creating the conditions for more companies to innovate, scale and succeed here.
“This is the type of investment and collaboration that helps us achieve long-term inclusive growth, strengthening our economy and ensuring the benefits of innovation are felt across Greater Manchester.”
