MSP opens Oxford Road tech incubator
Manchester Science Partnerships has launched a £2m tech incubator at Manchester Technology Centre that it said will help create up to 2,000 jobs over the next decade.
The building has undergone refurbishment after successfully bidding for a £2m package from Manchester City Council, and the incubator space takes up most of the ground floor, occupying around 20,000 sq ft.
Providing space for around 130 people, the incubator will provide start-ups with a package of business support services including access to finance, talent and markets advice, provided by delivery partners including Manchester Digital, Complete Resourcing, and social enterprise Sharp Futures.
The intention is to support start-ups working in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, cyber security, cloud technologies, digital health, and Internet of Things along with ‘smart cities’ technology.
Manchester Technology Centre is now part of the Circle Square development being built out on its neighbouring site, formerly occupied by the BBC.
At the launch, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: “I want Manchester to be the UK’s leading tech and digital centre and this new tech incubator takes the city to another level, because if we are going to be a leader in this industry we have to build an ecosystem that supports businesses at every level, from start-up to the biggest players too.
“We also need to build a culture of collaboration across the sector and the whole city region to achieve our ambitions.
“Manchester Science Partnerships is a great example of the collaboration we need, and I congratulate them on creating this amazing space, in such a fantastic location – right on the doorstep of our universities – and I am sure it will be a place where great ideas are brought to life.”
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said the facility will “take Manchester to the next level”
Tom Renn, MSP managing director, said: “MSP has an unrivalled track record of helping our customers grow from start-up to scale-up to market leadership by providing a unique and comprehensive range of business support services that delivers real growth.
“We are passionate about creating communities where innovation and entrepreneurship meet and flourish and we’re excited and proud to be bringing this to Circle Square.
“Manchester is already a European top 20 digital city and this new incubator will play an important role in strengthening the city’s status as a leading location for technology businesses over the coming years.”
