Innovation Labs - May 2026

Turn your ideas into real-world impact with a fully funded, three‑day innovation programme for Greater Manchester SMEs

Are you an ambitious business in Greater Manchester with a challenge to solve, a new idea to explore, or a product you want to take to market?

Innovation Labs is designed to help you make it happen.

This fully funded, three‑day workshop brings together innovators, facilitators, and business leaders to help you explore, experiment, and accelerate your next big step.

Innovation Labs is a hands-on business support programme that helps you move from idea to implementation. Across three sessions, you’ll dive into key innovation tools, learn how to build a stronger go-to-market strategy, and walk away with a clearer plan and the confidence to push your project forward.

Whether you’re testing a new product idea, exploring sustainability opportunities, or building innovation capability within your team, this programme gives you the structure, support, and expert insight you need.

This programme helps you to:

✨ Develop new products and services
✨ Explore sustainable and circular business models
✨ Build innovation capability inside your organisation
✨ Connect with a supportive community of innovators
✨ Gain clarity, confidence, and a practical action plan

Past participants tell us how transformative the experience is:

“The programme makes you think about your business totally differently.” — James Holden

"Innovation Labs gave me real clarity on the idea we've been working on for some time. Highly recommend this course!" - Anthony Donelan

"If you want to change your innovation ideas into practical and tangible products or services, this is the perfect workshop to attend." – Anteneh Addisu Yimer

Innovation Labs is open to SMEs based in Greater Manchester who have not previously received innovation support from the GM Business Growth Hub.

If you’re curious, motivated, and ready to explore what’s possible, this programme is for you.

Applications are now open, and places are limited. Submit your expression of interest today.

Info: Learn: Market research techniques and start reframing your idea from a commercial perspective.
Outcome: Understand your customers, validate demand, and begin shaping a value proposition that sticks.

Info: Learn: The design sprint method and begin transforming your concept into a practical, testable solution. Outcome: Expect creativity, collaboration, and clear momentum.

Info: Get expert guidance on what comes next, including how to strengthen your business case and how to access additional funding opportunities.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

NERIC Building, Frederick Road, Salford, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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