Innovation Labs is a fully-funded business support workshop delivered over 3 days. It offers you a platform to explore ideas around commercialisation and implementation, while providing expert guidance to help you boost your go-to-market strategy.
Our next Innovation Labs begins: September 2025
The next Innovation Labs cohort launches on 29th September 2025, bringing together ambitious individuals and forward-thinking businesses to collaborate, experiment, and turn ideas into impact.
Over three energising sessions, you’ll explore key tools and techniques to shape your project from concept to reality:
Following the programme
Applicable businesses can get support after the programme in applying for “Technical Assistance”, where an expert with specialised skills and knowledge spends time at your business to help you develop your project.
Registration OPEN for Innovation Labs
Get expert guidance developing your new technology, product, process or service into a viable business venture.
Supercharge your innovation journey with Innovation Labs, a fully-funded, 3-day workshop that is designed to help SMEs in Greater Manchester improve their innovation project from a business perspective.
Registration Deadline
Friday 26th September 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered the most common queries to help you understand how the programme works, who it’s for, and what to expect. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to get in touch!
Who is Innovation Labs for?
This programme will help your business advance an existing innovation project by offering guidance on activation, implementation or commercialisation.
Requirements:
- Your business has developed an innovation or R&D project that is now ready to advance to the next stage.
- Your business is based in Greater Manchester.
How much does Innovation Labs cost?
Innovation Labs is fully-funded by the UK Government, meaning that attendance does not cost you or your business anything.
How will taking part in Innovation Labs help my business?
- Innovation expertise: Get practical, tailored advise on your innovation project from industry experts.
- Turn R&D into ROI:This programme supports SMEs as they explore possible business models for their innovation and start thinking about a go-to-market strategy.
- Build your innovation network: Diversify your knowledge and expand your network by working with peers from other industries and sectors.
Why should my business enroll in Innovation Labs?
- Find your breakthrough: We will help you advance your project to the next stage using the design sprint philosophy.
- Finesse your innovation: With expert guidance, apply new tools, insights and strategies to improve your project or build a viable business around it.
- Guide your project: Get feedback and advice from experts on how to advance, improve or commercialise your project.
- Prepare you for the next steps: We will help identify opportunities in the wider market and explore potential funding possibilities for your project.
- Fortify your innovation skills: learn new strategies for activation, delivery or commercialisation.
Not sure if Innovation Labs is the right fit?
Let’s find out together. Chat with our team to see how we can support your project.
Radina Ivanova
Partnership and Collaboration Manager
R.Ivanova@salford.ac.uk
Matt Luetchford
Business Development Associate
M.J.Luetchford@salford.ac.uk