Manchester AI incubator selects first startup cohort

Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester has named the first seven startups joining a new incubator programme for early-stage AI founders in Greater Manchester.

The not-for-profit's new initiative, the TIC Startup Lab, will run for three months. It targets academic entrepreneurs, technical builders and deep-tech founders at an early stage of commercial development.

The first cohort includes Running Paper, ClickSafe Sentinel, SoloBudd, Unhooked Communications, VideoZero, Smarterile and PolymerFlow. It brings together businesses across education, media, healthcare and materials, alongside a communications consultancy.

Organisers describe the Startup Lab as a founder-focused incubator. It sits alongside other TIC Manchester activities, including an AI Accelerator, a Venture Programme, skills programmes and a collaborative R&D offering.

Programme Format

The Startup Lab comprises three hands-on half-day sessions focused on commercial skills and founder development. It also offers support with business planning and investment readiness, as well as toolkits for traction, storytelling and growth.

The incubator aims to connect research, technical expertise and entrepreneurship, and to build a pipeline of companies in Greater Manchester, with an emphasis on retaining talent in the region.

Liz Scott MBE, Executive Director at Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester, said the first intake marked a significant step for the organisation.

"Launching the TIC Startup Lab with such a high-calibre and diverse first cohort is an important milestone for TIC Manchester. Supporting early-stage founders is central to our mission, and this programme is designed to give ambitious teams the clarity, confidence and connections they need to grow."

Scott added: "We're looking forward to working closely with this cohort as they turn bold AI ideas into scalable businesses rooted in Greater Manchester."

Selected Startups

Running Paper is an AI assessment tool. ClickSafe Sentinel positions itself as a STEM education equity organisation. SoloBudd is a social network for solo travellers. Unhooked Communications is a PR business.

VideoZero is a video generation platform. Smarterile is developing an autonomous medical sterilisation system. PolymerFlow is a polymer data platform.

Several founders highlighted the value of joining a cohort that brings together different sectors and backgrounds.

Elizabeth Meshioye, Founder at ClickSafe Sentinel, said the timing was important for the organisation.

"Being part of the TIC Startup Lab comes at a pivotal moment for ClickSafe Sentinel. Our work focuses on closing the digital divide and expanding equitable access to STEM opportunities, and this programme provides the structure and support to help us scale with confidence," Meshioye said.

"Joining a diverse group of founders building purposeful AI solutions in Manchester is both inspiring and energising, and we're already learning from each other's experiences, refining our approach, and exploring new ways to make STEM education more accessible," she added.

Patrick Rathje, Founder at VideoZero, said the incubator comes as the company continues work on AI-driven video generation.

"Taking part in the TIC Startup Lab is an exciting step for VideoZero as we continue to push the boundaries of AI in video generation. Our goal is to make educational content creation faster, easier, and more accessible to more people, and this programme gives us the dedicated space and expert support to experiment and grow," Rathje said.

"Beyond our own startup, it's fantastic to be part of a collaborative cohort of founders sharing insights and tackling challenges together to develop solutions that have real impact," he added.

Regional Focus

TIC Manchester is a not-for-profit focused on developing an AI ecosystem in Greater Manchester. It is funded through the Greater Manchester Innovation Accelerator and is being incubated within the University of Manchester. Its programmes include DEI and ethical considerations.

The Startup Lab adds to its broader interventions aimed at company formation and growth in the region. Over the three-month schedule, the cohort is expected to work through early commercial milestones while developing products and investor plans.