High demand from some of the region’s most innovative tech start-up companies for collaborative workspace and specialist business growth services means that just six months after launch, the Tech Incubator at Circle Square’s Manchester Technology Centre is now home to over 20 businesses employing almost 100 people.

The latest data science and technology innovation start-ups joining the Incubator include two blockchain start-ups, an AI based digital health company and cyber security specialists.

Alongside fast-growing content curation platform Wakelet, which last month announced its team had relocated to the Incubator to support future expansion, the following companies have joined:

• Ai Patient, offering medical education and training services worldwide using Artificial Intelligence;
• BlockRocket, helping people understand how blockchain technology can enhance their business;
• Digital Interruption, cyber security specialists providing software development, penetration testing and DPO services for SMEs;
• F-lex Legal, a legal-tech company operating an online platform to connect pre-vetted law students to law firms and general counsel for a flexible, on demand service;
• Neural Mind, provides hardware and software solutions using machine learning, deep learning and predictive modelling to improve transport network operations.
• Shout, a location-based platform giving users the ability to respond to everyday urban challenges and valuable smart city content.
• UrbanChain, founded by University of Manchester researcher Dr Somayeh Taheri, UrbanChain deploys blockchain technologies for use in the energy sector, integrated healthcare services and multimodal transport;

Tom Renn, Managing Director, Manchester Science Partnerships (MSP) which manages and operates the Tech Incubator, said: “We’ve had a brilliant six months and exceeded our expectations, reflecting both how strong the tech community is in Manchester already and also how these businesses are looking to be part of a dynamic and collaborative ecosystem.

“In our first six months the Incubator has hosted over 80 sector events including the sold out Manimation 2018 conference, Manchester Digital’s Start-up Stories and Manchester Entrepreneurs’ accelerator programme. We look forward to welcoming the final businesses who will take the remaining places over the coming weeks.”

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, which awarded £2m of funding to  the Tech Incubator added: “Building on our existing strengths of digital innovation, MSP’s

Tech Incubator has a crucial role to play in the growth of Manchester’s tech industry which is already home to the largest tech cluster in the country outside London and one of the top five in Europe.

“Tech is a hugely important growth industry in Manchester – a city which lives and breathes innovation – and with more and more start-ups and tech workers choosing to operate in the city, this is a clear endorsement of the city’s vibrant tech scene.”

Companies joining the Tech Incubator benefit from access to MSP’s specialist growth programme including access to funding and finance, talent and leadership services, business mentorship and product development support from MSP and its partner network.

The Tech Incubator will help create up to 2,000 jobs over the next decade as it supports the growth of start-ups working in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, data analytics, AR/VR and cyber security.