<![CDATA[Newsroom University of Manchester]]> /about/news/ en Wed, 29 Jul 2026 05:16:49 +0200 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:40:51 +0200 <![CDATA[Newsroom University of Manchester]]> https://content.presspage.com/clients/150_1369.jpg /about/news/ 144 Contribute to Shaping the Digital Worlds Theme! /about/news/contribute-to-shaping-the-digital-worlds-theme/ /about/news/contribute-to-shaping-the-digital-worlds-theme/742181"The funding landscape is moving under our feet. UKRI and the research councils are shifting decisively towards research done with industry. This includes partnership expectations written into calls, co-created programmes, impact measured in adoption and so on.

It is really important to me that we understand can the theme help you be prepared and build a wider collective UoM collaborative space to be prepared and perhaps discover new ways of working in the process? Our theme has enormous potential in many areas from digital twins, sensing and connected environments, immersive and virtual worlds. Realising that potential often it starts with a conversation with the right partner at the right moment or having assistance in maintaining conversations and partnerships already in place."

, Theme Lead, is inviting The University of Manchester colleagues to complete a short consultation that will help shape how the Digital Worlds theme works with industry and business partners over the coming year.

In return of colleagues completing this short consultation, the intention is to build a recurring offer:

- An annual Digital Worlds Industry Showcase
- Two themed roundtables a year (digital twins; sensing and connected environments; immersive and virtual environments; the physical–virtual interface)
- A live partnership map and case-study repository
- An annual report back to everyone who contribute

Please complete the consultation via the link below:

The survey should take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete.

Alternatively, if you would prefer an informal conversation, David Topping would be pleased to hear from you at david.topping@manchester.ac.uk.

]]> Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:40:51 +0100 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1369/ee5409e9-5288-4448-8f0b-d33614a8cf55/500_digitalworldsthemebanner.png?41769 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1369/ee5409e9-5288-4448-8f0b-d33614a8cf55/digitalworldsthemebanner.png?41769 Applications now open: £100,000 investment opportunity for responsible AI innovators /about/news/applications-now-open-100000-investment-opportunity-for-responsible-ai-innovators/ /about/news/applications-now-open-100000-investment-opportunity-for-responsible-ai-innovators/763125The University of Manchester and The Jeremy Coller Foundation launch new competition to support early-stage ventures utilising AI for the benefit of people and society.

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  • TheUniversity of Manchester and The Jeremy Coller Foundation launchnewcompetition to support early-stage venturesutilising AI for the benefit ofpeople and society

    • The University of Manchester has launched a new responsible AI competition in partnership with the Jeremy Coller Foundation, offering a £100,000 equity investment to support one promising early-stage venture from its global community of students,staffand alumni.

    Applications are now open for the Coller AI Competition, which is designed to help innovatorsdevelopventures with real-world potential–ensuring technology empowers rather than excludes. The competition will support solutions that use AI in ways that are fair, transparent,sustainableand focused on socialbenefit.The winner willbenefitfrom the opportunity to work closely withtheJeremyColler Foundation team to develop their venture.

    Theinitiativeforms part of the University’sChallenge Acceptedcampaign, which champions ideas with the potential to tackle major global challenges.

    Backed by 91ֱ alumnus and philanthropist Jeremy Coller, thecompetitionbrings together the University’s research strength, entrepreneurialtalentand commitment to responsible innovation. It aims toidentifyand support founders developing AI solutions that are not only commerciallypromising butdesigned tobenefitpeople and society.

    Finalists willpitchtheir ventures at theUniversity’sInnovation Festivalin October, where the winner will be selected to receive the £100,000 investment.

    Professor Aline Miller, Associate Vice President (Enterprise)at The University of Manchester, said:“This is an exciting opportunity to back one early-stage venture with the support and investment needed to develop responsible AI with real-world potential.We’relooking for founders who want to build something purposeful,practicaland capable of making a positive difference.”

    Jeremy Coller said, “The AI revolution is already changing and shaping our world at a dizzying speed. Used smartly and responsibly AI can be the key that unlocks solutions to some of the greatest challenges facing this planet, and the Coller AI Competition will help 91ֱ students, staff and alumni turn that potential into reality.”

    is the philanthropic vehicle of private equity entrepreneur Jeremy Coller. The Foundation works to create positive impact on globally significant issues with a focus on education, entrepreneurship, pensions innovation and the transition to a more sustainable food system. By supporting ambitious ideas, the Foundation helps drive lasting change and empower the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

    Application timeline– 2026

    The competition is open for applications from any students,staffor alumni from across the University who are working on an AI-driven business. At least one founder in each team must be within one of these categories.

    • 14thJuly – applications open
    • 1stSeptember – applications close
    • 21stSeptember – finalists notified
    • 9thOctober – final pitches and award

    Find out more and apply now–

    Join us for a week-long celebration of innovation, from Monday, 5 to Friday, 9 October 2026.

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