Manchester Metropolitan University will promote AI for business and the development of wearable health technologies through funding awarded by UK Research and Innovation’s Local Innovation Partnership Fund (LIPF).

The funding will support two initiatives: Grow AI, which aims to accelerate AI adoption among businesses, and GM-WIC, which will bring together the NHS, universities, businesses and civic partners to develop, test and adopt wearable and remote monitoring technologies for healthcare.

Professor Steve Rothberg, provost and deputy vice-chancellor at Manchester Met, said: “This exciting investment underlines what a special relationship we have in Greater Manchester between academic, business and civic partners.

“Through Grow AI and the GM Wearables and GM-WIC, Manchester Met will turn its world-class research into real-world impacts, supporting innovative businesses to develop the new products and services that will drive economic growth across the whole city-region.”

The two projects have collectively received £12.8 million from a £50 million funding package awarded to five projects by Innovation Greater Manchester (IGM), the city region’s partnership of research-intensive universities, local government and industry.

LIPF is a flagship UK Government programme being delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which is investing up to £500 million to strengthen regional innovation economies across the UK.

Grow AI is a partnership between Manchester Met’s Centre for Enterprise and the University of Manchester’s Turing Innovation Catalyst, and aims to accelerate the adoption of AI across Greater Manchester.

GM-WIC, led by Health Innovation Manchester and the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), will create a single access point for companies and researchers to develop, test and scale innovations that could help people to manage their health at home and improve patient care.

Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Through this significant investment in five pioneering projects we will translate world-class research and innovation into new jobs and opportunities that benefit Greater Manchester’s businesses and residents.

“By focusing on advanced materials and manufacturing, health innovation and AI, we are building on the strengths that already set our city region apart and creating the conditions for more businesses to innovate, scale and succeed here.

“This is the kind of investment and collaboration that helps us deliver long-term, inclusive growth, strengthening our economy and ensuring the benefits of innovation are felt right across Greater Manchester.”