Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester (TIC Manchester) has unveiled the first cohort of its new Startup Lab.
The incubator is designed to help early-stage AI founders turn technical ideas into commercial businesses rooted in Greater Manchester.
The three-month programme is aimed at academic entrepreneurs, technical builders and DeepTech founders at the very start of their journey, providing hands-on support to help AI-first ideas gain real-world traction.
Seven Manchester-based startups have been selected for the inaugural cohort, spanning sectors including education, healthcare, media and data.
The businesses taking part are AI assessment platform Running Paper; STEM education equity organisation ClickSafe Sentinel; solo traveller social network SoloBudd; PR specialists Unhooked Communications; video generation platform VideoZero; autonomous medical sterilisation system Smarterile; and polymer data platform PolymerFlow.
TIC’s Startup Lab is designed to bridge the gap between research, technical expertise and entrepreneurship.
Founders will take part in three practical, half-day sessions focused on developing commercial skills and building a strong founder mindset, alongside tailored support around business planning, investment readiness and storytelling.
The programme also provides practical toolkits in an attempt to help teams validate ideas, build traction and prepare for fundraising.
The incubator forms a key part of the organisation’s wider mission to strengthen Greater Manchester’s position as a global AI hub.
By backing early-stage founders locally, it aims to accelerate startup growth, retain talent in the region and build a pipeline of high-potential AI businesses that contribute to the economy long-term.
“Launching the TIC Startup Lab with such a high-calibre and diverse first cohort is an important milestone for TIC Manchester,” said Liz Scott MBE, executive director at Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester.
“Supporting early-stage founders is central to our mission, and this programme is designed to give ambitious teams the clarity, confidence and connections they need to grow.
“We’re looking forward to working closely with this cohort as they turn bold AI ideas into scalable businesses rooted in Greater Manchester.”
Elizabeth Meshioye, founder at ClickSafe Sentinel, added: “Being part of the TIC Startup Lab comes at a pivotal moment for ClickSafe Sentinel.
“Our work focuses on closing the digital divide and expanding equitable access to STEM opportunities, and this programme provides the structure and support to help us scale with confidence.
“Joining a diverse group of founders building purposeful AI solutions in Manchester is both inspiring and energising, and we’re already learning from each other’s experiences, refining our approach, and exploring new ways to make STEM education more accessible.”