Seven start-ups have joined Manchester Science Partnerships’ (MSP) tech incubator less than a month after it was opened by Mayor Andy Burnham.
The start-ups joining the community range from tootoot, a digital platform aimed at tackling bullying in schools, colleges and universities; to CG Hero, a portal enabling SMEs to access awe-inspiring CGIs – usually the preserve of Hollywood studios.
Launched by Burnham last month, the incubator is designed for start-ups working in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, IoT, smart cities and digital health.
It will help create up to 2,000 jobs in data science and technology innovation companies over the next decade.
“It’s clear that digital innovation is thriving in our city and supporting new and early stage businesses is something we are incredibly passionate about,” said MSP managing director Tom Renn.
“These businesses are at the sharp end of data science and innovation and have a vital role to play in helping Manchester become one of the top 20 digital cities in Europe.”
Also choosing the incubator for its first Manchester city centre base is The Blair Project, an alternative education provider harnessing motorsport to engage young people, and provide the latest in-demand STEM and digital skills training.
The other four new businesses are FutureEverything, creator of the award-winning digital arts festival; ‘offshoring’ software service Rezaid; Space Sweets, a software and tech consultancy for the property industry; and tech-focused wellness specialist Robertson Cooper.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is the largest tech cluster in the country outside London and one of the top five in Europe and a city which lives and breathes innovation.
“We see tech as a hugely important growth industry, building on our existing strengths, and MSP’s tech incubator has a crucial role to play in this.”
Companies joining the incubator, located at Manchester Technology Centre, will benefit from a programme of tailored business support delivered by partners including Manchester Digital, Complete Resourcing, Grant Thornton and KPMG.