Greater Manchester’s international connections, innovation strengths and investment pipeline continued to build momentum through October, with new commitments spanning India, AI, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and regeneration.
October’s Mayoral mission to India secured more than 600 new jobs and tens of millions of pounds of investment for Greater Manchester. The 60-strong delegation visited New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata, with announcements including 420 new jobs through Hexaware’s £9 million Design and Innovation Centre and further investment from Raven AI and 42Gears, bringing recent Indian investment in Greater Manchester to in excess of £100 million.
Closer to home, Greater Manchester has launched its new Innovation Plan, setting out an ambition to become a globally recognised innovation hub by 2035. The plan builds on an economy now worth more than £100 billion and is supported by new investment in commercialisation, skills and innovation, including £50 million through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund.
New research has also highlighted Greater Manchester’s growing AI ecosystem.
There is further recognition for the city region’s life sciences sector, with Manchester ranked the UK’s leading location for future life sciences development potential outside London, Cambridge and Oxford.
Elsewhere, we were delighted to see the launch of the new ten-year strategy for the Oxford Road Corridor, setting out the next phase of growth for Manchester’s Knowledge Quarter. We’ve also toured the Sustainable Materials & Manufacturing Centre at Atom Valley which has completed its base build – another step forward for Greater Manchester’s advanced materials industry.
Keep scrolling for more of the latest investment, innovation and business news from across Greater Manchester.
India mission secures investment and more than 600 jobs
Greater Manchester’s Mayoral mission to India has secured more than 600 new jobs alongside new investment and partnerships across technology, innovation and sport. Announcements include 420 jobs at Hexaware’s new £9 million Design and Innovation Centre, with recent Indian investment in Greater Manchester now exceeding £100 million.
- Greater Manchester sets out 2035 innovation ambition
- What the 2026 Budget means for Greater Manchester
Atom Valley SMMC base build completes
The base build of the 30,000 sq. ft Sustainable Materials & Manufacturing Centre at Atom Valley has been completed. Located at Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale, the facility will connect advanced materials and manufacturing businesses with specialist facilities and expertise.
New study highlights Greater Manchester’s AI strengths
A new study has identified 663 AI-active businesses across Greater Manchester, with an estimated 10,890 people working in AI-related roles. The city region has the UK’s largest AI workforce outside London, with the study estimating that the wider AI workforce could exceed 28,000 by 2035.
Oxford Road Corridor outlines next decade of growth
A new ten-year strategy has been launched for the Oxford Road Corridor, one of the UK’s largest concentrations of research and innovation. Already supporting more than 104,000 jobs and £7.8 billion in annual economic output, its development pipeline could support around 15,800 additional jobs and generate £1.9 billion in annual GVA by 2036.
Manchester leads life sciences development ranking outside Golden Triangle
Manchester has been ranked the UK’s strongest location for future life sciences development outside London, Cambridge and Oxford. The new Alchemy Towns Index places Manchester fourth overall among 40 locations, recognising its combination of talent, housing availability and affordability, digital infrastructure, planning efficiency and commercial property.
The TV Festival reveals plans for first Manchester edition
The TV Festival has confirmed further details of its first Greater Manchester edition, taking place from 31 August to 3 September 2027. The four-day event will be based at Versa Studios Manchester and Aviva Studios, bringing creatives, producers and industry leaders together in the city’s St John’s district.
Good Growth Fund strengthens commitment to Greater Manchester communities
More than £1 billion has now been allocated through Greater Manchester’s Good Growth Fund to 44 projects, supporting 5,600 new homes and more than 2.3 million sq. ft of employment space. A new Social Contract will require organisations receiving investment to deliver wider local benefits including apprenticeships, work placements, local recruitment and opportunities for Greater Manchester suppliers.
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