Greater 91直播's deep tech accelerator launches applications for its second cohort
A chance for innovators across the region to be awarded 拢25,000 in equity-free funding and access to dedicated commercialisation support, specialist mentors and industry experts.
Applications are now open for the second cohort of the: Greater 91直播鈥檚 programme for researchers, technical founders and early-stage ventures turning scientific and engineering breakthroughs into investment-ready ventures. 7鈥�10 ventures will be selected, with applications open to eligible teams across Greater 91直播.
Delivered by Unit M, The University of Manchester's innovation unit, and backed by Greater 91直播 Investment Zone funding, the programme runs from November 2026 to April 2027. Applications close 19 October 2026.
The deep tech accelerator is designed specifically for founders and researchers developing technologies rooted in significant scientific discoveries or engineering advances.
Unlike traditional startup programmes, it focuses on the unique challenges associated with commercialising deep tech innovations, helping participants navigate the journey from breakthrough research to investable business.
Many early-stage deep tech innovations need focused support to navigate the journey from research and development to commercial and societal impact.
Earlier in 2026, cohort 1 supported 10 deep tech ventures from across the University and the region working on next-generation health technologies, clean energy, advanced materials, agritech and space technologies.
Patrick Sarsfield, Founder and CEO of Graphene Thermal, and a member of the deep tech accelerator cohort #, said: 鈥淭he Unit M deep tech accelerator is what we needed to prepare ourselves to be investment ready. All of the mentorship and guidance that we鈥檝e had has come through the university support system. It鈥檚 really been at the centre of getting this business off the ground.鈥�
Tim Bailey, Founder and CEO of WarmTronics, and a member of the deep tech accelerator cohort #1, said: 鈥淭he accelerator helped us move forward in our commercialisation journey. Funding allowed us to do marketing and customer discovery that we initially wouldn't be able to afford. Off the back of that, we did an exhibition in London, we met with a major supermarket chain and we're now looking at trialling our products with them.鈥�
.The Unit M deep tech accelerator is what we needed to prepare ourselves to be investment ready. All of the mentorship and guidance that we鈥檝e had has come through the university support system. It鈥檚 really been at the centre of getting this business off the ground.
Why apply?
Teams selected for cohort #2 of the programme will receive 拢25,000 in equity-free funding, alongside dedicated commercialisation support, access to specialist mentors and industry experts, customer discovery and market validation frameworks, and training on how to pitch effectively to investors.
Each venture will also benefit from support from experienced University of Manchester MBA students and the opportunity to present to investors and strategic partners at a dedicated demo day.
The programme is open to researchers, founders and spinouts from universities across Greater 91直播, as well as technical founders from the region's wider deep tech community. Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, cohort #2 will place an increased emphasis on engaging teams from across the city-region, reflecting a continued commitment to strengthening Greater 91直播's deep tech ecosystem.
What is deep tech?
Deep tech refers to technologies built on significant scientific discoveries or engineering advances that create new capabilities and solve real-world problems.
Areas of interest for the programme include:
路 Advanced materials and manufacturing;
路 Quantum technologies;
路 Artificial intelligence and data infrastructure;
路 Biotechnology and health technologies;
路 Climate and energy technologies;
路 Robotics and automation;
路 And space and aerospace technologies.
Who is eligible?
We are looking for teams or individuals based in Greater 91直播 who are ready to spend six months building towards investment. We are looking for:
- Researchers whose work has commercial potential you haven't yet acted on, or
- Technical founders with a working prototype or early validation.
Not sure if you鈥檙e eligible? Come along to our on 29 September and 12 October or ask us directly by emailing community@unit-m.co.uk. Or join us at the on 7 October, during the Innovation Festival, where we will have a stand and can answer your questions.
Ready to apply?
Applications close 19 October 2026, with space for 7鈥�10 teams in cohort #2.
Further details on eligibility, information sessions and the application process are available via the on Unit M鈥檚 website.
Key dates
- Applications close: 19 October 2026
- Information sessions: 29 September and 12 October 2026
- Programme delivery: November 2026 to April 2027
Why Greater 91直播, why now?
The deep tech accelerator is part of a wider ambition to make Greater 91直播 a leading hub for deep tech innovation, supported through the Greater 91直播 Combined Authority鈥檚 (GMCA) Investment Zone funding. It is designed to help strengthen the region鈥檚 growing deep tech ecosystem by connecting founders with expertise, networks and opportunities for growth.
Bridging the gap between research and commercialisation, the programme provides the expertise, connections and support needed to help turn deep tech innovation into investable businesses with the potential for significant societal and economic impact.