Innovate to Elevate Awards and Showcase
Registration now open: 4 March 2026, 12-5pm
Join us for an inspiring afternoon celebrating innovation, collaboration, and regional impact at the Innovate to Elevate Awards and Showcase.
#InnovatetoElevate
Why attend our innovation awards and showcase?
Whether you’re a past participant of the Centre for Digital Innovation (CDI) or the Greater Manchester Electrochemical Hydrogen Cluster (GMEHC) programmes, or passionate about innovation in your business, this event is your opportunity to:
- Celebrate your journey and the achievements of fellow SMEs driving bold, impactful change.
- Showcase the impact of the CDI and GMEHC programmes on UK innovation.
- Explore future opportunities through workshops, support services, and insights from accelerator partners.
- Connect and collaborate with other innovators, researchers, and ecosystem leaders.
- Be inspired by visionary businesses and leaders shaping the future of technology, sustainability, and regional growth.
Who should attend?
- SMEs who’ve taken part in the CDI or GMEHC innovation accelerators
- Businesses seeking innovation support or collaboration
- Regional partners, sponsors, and ecosystem stakeholders
Whether you’re pioneering new technologies, connecting across disciplines, or designing solutions for a sustainable future, this free event could be the catalyst your business needs.
Agenda
| 12-12:15pm | Registration |
| Plenary in the Lecture Theatre | |
| 12:20-12:30 | Welcome – Professor Steve Rothberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Manchester Metropolitan University |
| 12:30-1pm | Introduction to CDI, GMEHC and GMCA fireside chat – Professor Jennie Shorley, Co-Director, Centre for Enterprise, Lisa Dale-Clough, Director, Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
A fireside chat (without the fire), introducing the Greater Manchester Electrochemical Hydrogen Cluster and the Centre for Digital Innovation accelerators and what they mean for the region’s ambitions. |
| 1-1:50pm | Lunch and networking in the marketplace |
| Break-out session one | |
| 2-2:20pm | |
| Impact and opportunity of CDI: responsible AI charter workshop – hosted by Professor Keeley Crockett | |
| Or | |
| Impact and opportunity of GMEHC | |
| Plenary in the Lecture Theatre | |
| 2:30-2:50pm | Keynote speaker: to be announced |
| Break-out session two | |
| 3-3:25pm | Lightning talks for CDI
For the latest thinking from experts in artificial intelligence, cyber security, industrial digitalisation and immersive technology. Watch this space as we confirm our speakers. |
| Or | |
| Lightning talks for GMEHC
For the latest thinking from experts on hydrogen as a sustainable fuel, and addressing supply chain challenges. Watch this space as we confirm our speakers. |
|
| Plenary in the Lecture Theatre | |
| 3:30-4pm | Awards presentation
Presenting the Innovate to Elevate Awards:
|
| 4pm | Drinks reception and networking |
| 5pm | Close |
Applications for the awards are now open:
Sponsored by
Scan Computers International Limited
Meet our partners
The Innovate to Elevate Awards and Showcase wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Innovate UK-funded Centre for Digital Innovation and Greater Manchester Electrochemical Hydrogen Cluster partners:
Sponsorship opportunities
Support innovation in Greater Manchester by becoming a sponsor of the Innovate to Elevate Awards and Showcase event.
Sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to:
- Align your brand with visionary innovation
- Connect with leading businesses and thought leaders
- Demonstrate your commitment to regional growth and collaboration.
If you’re interested in sponsoring this event or the awards, contact us at enterprisemarketing@mmu.ac.uk
