The Cambridge x Manchester Partnership Innovation Summit

The Cambridge x Manchester Partnership was created to demonstrate how two of the UK's most powerful and complementary innovation ecosystems can achieve more by working together than by competing.

At a time when innovation-led growth, devolution and regional collaboration are shaping the national agenda, the Summit brings together founders, researchers, corporates, investors, policymakers and civic leaders to explore a simple but important question:

What does a genuinely world-class innovation ecosystem require, and what is Britain still missing?

Through keynotes, panel discussions, startup showcases and networking, you'll explore that question with the people working where research, entrepreneurship, investment and policy meet.

Speakers include Mayor Bev Craig, Greater Manchester; Jessica Corner, UKRI; Caroline Simpson, No10 North; Dom Hallas, the Startup Coalition; Steve Lynch, the British Chambers of Commerce; Fiona Tuck, Metro Dynamics; Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester; and Shaun Grady, UK Chair, AstraZeneca.

Why attend

• Hear perspectives from founders, researchers, investors, corporates and policymakers

• Discover emerging ventures across life sciences, quantum, climate tech, defence, advanced manufacturing and materials, and creative industries

• Explore how collaboration between cities and institutions can accelerate innovation-led growth

• Connect with leaders from across the Cambridge and Manchester innovation ecosystems

• Contribute to the conversation shaping the future of UK innovation.

Programme Highlights

From Silos to Partnership 
What cross-city collaboration looks like in practice, and what it takes to build a world-class innovation ecosystem.

Chaired by Christopher Maguire, Business Cloud, with:

• Aline Miller, University of Manchester

• Charlotte Ridley, Memorify

• Geraint North, Arm

• Cassie Doherty, Northern Gritstone

Lightning Talks 
Six fast-paced talks with ventures across the Partnership's priority sectors.

Hosted by Dr Karim A. Bahou, Head of Innovation, SISTER, with:

• Joe Darwen, CircKit (Creative Industries)

• Dr Videha Sharma, Fava Health (Life Sciences)

• Tom Scott, N:SYM (Defence)

• Dr Ombretta Masala, Nanoco (Advanced Materials)

• Ben Jensen, PhovIR Technologies (Wearable AI)

• Watercycle (Climate Tech)

The Big Question: what is Britain's innovation economy still missing? 
The ingredients required for globally competitive innovation ecosystems, and what the UK needs to accelerate growth and impact.

Chaired by Fiona Tuck, Metro Dynamics, with:

• Caroline Simpson, Head of No. 10 North (invited)

• Jessica Corner, UKRI

• Dom Hallas, Startup Coalition

• Steve Lynch, British Chambers of Commerce

Keynote: Innovation in Greater Manchester 
Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester

Closing remarks 
Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Manchester 
Shaun Grady, UK Chair, AstraZeneca

Networking Lunch 
Continue the conversation with innovators, investors, researchers, corporates and policymakers from across the UK.

Access and practicalities

Tell us about any access or dietary requirements when you register, and we'll cater for them as standard, including vegetarian, vegan and halal options.

The venue has step-free access and accessible toilets. Photography and filming will take place throughout; let the registration desk know if you'd prefer not to be photographed or filmed.