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Hello, and welcome back to our monthly newsletter!
There's been some big changes in the team over the last few month - and some exciting opportunities on the horizon.
Just two weeks ago, we waved a bittersweet farewell to our brilliant Senior Digital Strategy Officer, Sam Gilmore, as he embarks on a jet-setting adventure around the world. While we'll miss Sam enormously, this also means that we'll soon be on the lookout for an inspiring leader to drive forward our Digital Inclusion Action Plan. If that sounds like you, make sure to keep an eye on our social media over the next few weeks!
We've also been proud to be involved in some incredible events. Two weeks ago, we brought together community facilitators, innovators, and council colleagues for Celebrating Co-Creation: CommuniCity in Manchester - an interactive workshop exploring how community-led tech can drive real social change. A huge thank you to everyone who shared their honest reflections, practical insights and bold ideas for the future of inclusive innovation. We'll be sharing our summary of key takeaways from the event very soon.
Looking ahead, make sure to say hello if you spot us at Connected Britain, where we'll be joining a panel discussion on digital inclusion in vulnerable communities and hosting an industry roundtable on tackling Manchester's mobile connectivity not-spots.
In this month's newsletter, we're also proudly showing our support for End Digital Poverty Day; sharing our reflections from Manchester Metropolitan University's recent AI in Government & Academia conference; and highlighting exciting new opportunities for graduates and entrepreneurs in Manchester.
Happy reading, and see you next month!
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Last week, we joined thought leaders, local authorities, researchers and technologists at Manchester Metropolitan University's AI in Government and Academia conference - part of the UK Government's AI Community of Practice.
The event was a fantastic opportunity learn from inspirational leaders across the UK, and to champion participatory and human-centred approaches to AI.
We were incredibly proud to contribute to a paper on Participatory AI for Smart Cities: The People’s Panel for AI and Manchester’s Digital Vision - a case study highlighting Manchester City Council and Manchester Metropolitan University’s internationally recognised People’s Panel for AI initiative.
Our Digital Strategy Lead, Sherelle Fairweather, also joined a panel with Phil Swan (GMCA), Professor Andy Miah (University of Salford), Julia Handl (University of Manchester), and Dr Moira Nicolson (Cabinet Office/UCL) to explore cross-sector collaboration for inclusive and responsible AI.
We’re hugely proud to be part of a growing national conversation on ethical AI adoption. A huge thanks to the teams at The Manchester Metropolitan University, Government Digital Service, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology for co-hosting this important event!
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We couldn't be more proud to support techUK's End Digital Poverty Day campaign 2025.
Established by the Digital Poverty Alliance in 2023, End Digital Poverty Day aims to mobilise action across the UK to tackle the digital exclusion. It's also an opportunity to celebrate the incredible efforts of organisations, businesses and communities working together tackle the digital divide.
We’re thrilled to stand alongside colleagues across the UK in reflecting on the urgent need for a more digitally equitable society, and the practical steps we're taking to combat the digital divide.
Head over to the End Digital Poverty Day hub on the techUK website to read all seven inspiring articles – including Business Support Office Georgie McRae's insights on our vision for Manchester’s digital future, the impact we’ve made so far, and the ways you can make a difference!
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Did you spot us in this month's edition of Government Technology UK?
Drawing on learnings from our involvement in the EU’s pioneering CommuniCity programme - a transformative citizen initiative to inspire tech-enabled solutions to social challenges - our latest feature champions the benefits and importance of co-creation in the development of tech-enabled services.
Explore the full article to discover how inclusive co-creation processes could help us lay the right foundations for a more equitable society.
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 Manchester Engine Room Launches
Applications are now open for the Turing Innovation Catalyst's new accelerator programme, the TIC Manchester Engine Room - a brand new, six-month programme designed to support high-potential AI scaleups in Greater Manchester to reach the next level.
The programme is designed for AI first-scaleups with:
- Proven traction - revenue generating and/or funding already secured
- Small committed teams that extend the leadership capabilities beyond the founder/CEO
- Proven market demand for the solution
- Ready to scale intentionally with a roadmap to reaching a globally significant scale
Sound like you? For more information and application form, head over to the TIC website via the link below!
Grad Recharge Programme Launches in Manchester
A ground-breaking new initiative has launched in Manchester to support unemployed STEM graduates to break into high-growth digital and tech careers.
Manchester Digital and Pathways CIC have partnered to launch Grad Recharge - a fully funded 16-week initiative commissioned by Manchester City Council, supporting unemployed STEM graduates into digital careers.
Combining mental health support, confidence coaching, and digital skills training, the programme aims to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Applications are now open for the first cohort starting this September, with future cohorts planned throughout 2025 and early 2026.
If you're a STEM graduate looking to kickstart your digital career, or a business keen to support the next generation of tech talent, learn more or get involved by visiting the link below.
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Digital Inclusion Good News
Keep an eye out for us at Connected Britain!
Bringing together industry experts, innovators and policymakers from across the public and private sectors, Connected Britain sets out to explore the future of the UK's digital economy.
Our brilliant Digital Inclusion Co-Ordinator, Chris Northern, will be joining sector colleagues for a thought-provoking panel discussion on the importance of connectivity and digital inclusion for vulnerable groups.
Chris will be sharing insights into the challenges of providing connectivity and devices to vulnerable communities, and highlighting innovative solutions that could help bridge the digital divide.
To register for your ticket, or find out more, head over to the Connected Britain website via the link below!
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Every month, we'll be sharing updates, news, and opportunities from the Digital Strategy Team, our partners, and the wider digital ecosystem. Whether you're interested in collaborating, have questions, or simply want to learn more about our ambitious vision for Manchester's digital future, we'd love to hear from you!
Find out about the different ways you can reach us below:
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