Why apply?
Teams selected for cohort #2 of the programme will receive £25,000 in equity-free funding, alongside dedicated commercialisation support, access to specialist mentors and industry experts, customer discovery and market validation frameworks, and training on how to pitch effectively to investors.
Each venture will also benefit from support from experienced University of Manchester MBA students and the opportunity to present to investors and strategic partners at a dedicated demo day.
The programme is open to researchers, founders and spinouts from universities across Greater Manchester, as well as technical founders from the region’s wider deep tech community. Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, cohort #2 will place an increased emphasis on engaging teams from across the city-region, reflecting a continued commitment to strengthening Greater Manchester’s deep tech ecosystem.
What is deep tech?
Deep tech refers to technologies built on significant scientific discoveries or engineering advances that create new capabilities and solve real-world problems.
Areas of interest for the programme include:
· Advanced materials and manufacturing;
· Quantum technologies;
· Artificial intelligence and data infrastructure;
· Biotechnology and health technologies;
· Climate and energy technologies;
· Robotics and automation;
· And space and aerospace technologies.
Who is eligible?
We are looking for teams or individuals based in Greater Manchester who are ready to spend six months building towards investment. We are looking for:
- Researchers whose work has commercial potential you haven’t yet acted on, or
- Technical founders with a working prototype or early validation.
Not sure if you’re eligible? Come along to our info sessions on 29 September and 12 October or ask us directly by emailing community@unit-m.co.uk. Or join us at the Powerhouse of Innovation Showcase on 7 October, during the Innovation Festival, where we will have a stand and can answer your questions.
Ready to apply?
Applications close 19 October 2026, with space for 7–10 teams in cohort #2.
Further details on eligibility, information sessions and the application process are available via the deep tech accelerator page on Unit M’s website.
Key dates
- Applications close: 19 October 2026
- Information sessions: 29 September and 12 October 2026
- Programme delivery: November 2026 to April 2027
Why Greater Manchester, why now?
The deep tech accelerator is part of a wider ambition to make Greater Manchester a leading hub for deep tech innovation, supported through the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) Investment Zone funding. It is designed to help strengthen the region’s growing deep tech ecosystem by connecting founders with expertise, networks and opportunities for growth.
Bridging the gap between research and commercialisation, the programme provides the expertise, connections and support needed to help turn deep tech innovation into investable businesses with the potential for significant societal and economic impact.
“The University of Manchester is a public research university in Manchester, England. The main campus is south of Manchester City Centre on Oxford Road.”
Please visit the firm link to site
