The Cambridge x Manchester Partnership represented Manchester at Cambridge Tech Week 2026.

Launched in August 2025, The Cambridge x Manchester Partnership is the first cross-UK innovation partnership. The partnership is designed to expand and strengthen innovation ecosystems in both cities, drive investment, and define a new model of collaboration for the UK. Activities will focus on maximising the impact of complementary innovation assets in both Cambridge and Manchester across a breadth of sectors, including life sciences, quantum, climate tech, defence, material science, and creative industries. As well as activating both ecosystems through collaborative initiatives, the partnership will help start-ups and scale-ups to secure funding and grow, attract innovation-intensive FDI to the UK, and stimulate investment into R&D. Underpinning all the outcomes, we will share best practice for delivering ecosystem collaboration, and inclusive and good growth to benefit other cities, the wider higher education sector, local and national government, and the community at large. The collaboration is driven by a dedicated team who will run a programme of specially designed activities, projects and initiatives. If you are interested in collaborating, please reach out.