MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub (MITIH) has been awarded new funding to boost the innovation ecosystem and support businesses, startups and scale-ups in Greater Manchester.
The one year investment is set to allow for collaboration between businesses, research institutions and local government, and funding includes a grant which is part of a £30m funding extension of Innovate UK’s Innovation Accelerator programme.
The IA focuses on locally-led innovation to drive economic growth and technological advancement in three key regions – Greater Manchester, Glasgow City Region and the West Midlands.
MITIH was launched in 2023 to rejuvenate the region’s innovation ecosystem through collaboration, co-investment, and partnerships with the aim of providing innovators and businesses with access to expertise, funding and state-of-the-art technologies and facilities.
To date, it has engaged and supported over 250 businesses, channelled more than £1m into 26 projects which have employed 99 staff and 77 subcontractors, and launched a new innovation lab which has assisted more than 50 businesses and artists.
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It launched the Cultural Accelerator programme, delivered in partnership with Future Everything, which supported eleven digital artists.
The programme has reached more than 4,000 people through partnerships in events across the animation, broadcast, media production, music, audio, immersive experience, games, advertising, marketing, built environment, health and education sectors.
“I am delighted that through The Landing company, Salford City Council colleagues will continue to play a pivotal role in leading, fostering, and supporting innovation through the use of immersive and creative technologies across many sectors of Greater Manchester’s economy,” said Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Greater Manchester.
“MITIH’s success in revitalising the innovation ecosystem at MediaCity and supporting creative businesses across the city region exemplifies true collaboration and proves the power of devolution.
“I welcome the confidence the Government has placed in us through this extension and look forward to working with businesses, and local and national Government colleagues, to shape a robust Industrial Strategy that reflects the importance of the creative and cultural industries, not only for Salford and Greater Manchester, but for the whole of the north of England.”
Martin Chown, interim managing director, MediaCity, added: “Innovation is embedded in the fabric of MediaCity and the continued presence of MITIH is crucial to its long-term success as the UK home of immersive media.
“The next cohort of innovators, technologists and creators will break boundaries on a global scale and we’re proud to support their presence here.”
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