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Hello, and welcome back to our monthly newsletter.
The last four weeks have been all about events! After a busy few months of planning with the Nexer Digital team, we were excited to host our AI Unconference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Manchester. With over twenty session ideas pitched and delivered by our amazing attendees, we were thrilled to bring together so many diverse perspectives from across the city's digital ecosystem. We're looking forward to building on the connections and insights from the day as we continue to explore what ethical, inclusive and human-centred AI can look like in Manchester.
We were also hugely proud to support our Senior Digital Strategy Officer Megan Lawless at the Proposals for Greater Manchester event. The culmination of GM Future Leaders - a leadership programme for rising cross-sector talent - the session offered an opportunity for participants to showcase innovative solutions to key challenges facing Greater Manchester. From tailored housing pathways to a resilience framework as a foundation for placemaking, it was inspiring to hear so many bold, actionable ideas to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for everyone in our city. A well-deserved congratulations to Megan - and to the entire 2025-2026 Future Leaders cohort - on their success.
We've also been hard at work developing our 2026 Delivery Plan. With plenty of exciting plans afoot, we're looking forward to sharing our plans for the coming year with our wider community very soon. Make sure to keep an eye on this space!
In this month's newsletter, we're also sharing the launch of our Pathways into Tech webinar; reflecting on an insightful afternoon at the ClimbUK tour; and highlighting an exciting new opportunity for early stage start-ups to secure a share of up to £2 million in investment.
Happy reading, and see you next month!
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at our AI, Ethics and Public Unconference last week!
An unconference is brought to life by the enthusiasm, curiosity and energy of the people in the room and we’re grateful to all the brilliant speakers and attendees that made the day such a success! We had a fantastic day filled with thought-provoking, nuanced and honest discussions.
Thanks to the brilliant team at Nexer Digital for bringing the day to life, and Digital Futures at the University of Manchester for all of their ongoing support.
Read some of our early reflections on the event below - and make sure to say tuned to be the first to learn about our next steps!
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We're hosting a free webinar to help tutors and careers advisors support learners on tech and digital courses to progress in their careers.
Delivered in partnership with Manchester Adult Education Service and Manchester City Council's Work & Skills team, the interactive session will explore pathways into the city’s growing tech and digital sector.
As a UNESCO City of Learning, Manchester is committed to ensuring all residents can access high-quality education and careers guidance. Bringing together employers, educators, industry leaders and skills providers, the webinar will support frontline education and careers professionals to amplify the impact of their support.
Through lightning talks, panel discussions and an interactive Q&A, speakers will share insights on:
- Challenges, opportunities and skills needs in Manchester’s digital sector
- Programmes, initiatives and resources creating opportunities for equitable progression
Head over to the link below to find out more or register for your place!
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This month we were delighted to be invited to the Manchester stop of the ClimbUK tour, hosted by NatWest.
Featuring honest and insightful talks from founders, meaningful networking opportunities, a quick-fire pitch competition - and even an unexpected choral interlude! - the day brilliantly showcased the depth of talent and innovation in Manchester.
It was inspiring to hear from the innovators behind businesses such as Yoga Social Club and Founders4Schools as they shared candid insights into lessons learned while navigating the realities of start-up life. Palantine Growth Credit also took to the stage, offering insights into alternative funding models and how growth debt solutions can help businesses to scale without diluting equity.
The main Climb UK event returns to Leeds on 1st - 2nd July 2026, bringing together investors, founders and innovators from across the UK to offer ambitious businesses the advice, insights and connections needed to scale and grow.
Find out more - or register to take part - via the link below!
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 Manchester Tech Week 2026
Manchester Tech Week is back!
First launched in 2022 as DTX Tech Week, MTW began as a vibrant fringe programme of events accompanying the UK's biggest digital transformation conference.
Since then, MTW has evolved to encompass the city's entire tech ecosystem, bringing together innovators, industry, communities and regional changemakers from across the city.
Jam-packed with buzzing events and experiences, Manchester Tech Week celebrates the wonderfully diverse skills and ideas behind the tech of today (and tomorrow!)
If you'd like to be involved in this year's event and beyond, visit the MTW site via the link below to find out more.
NextWave
Tech Nation are excited to launch #NextWave, the UK’s premier early-stage pitch competition for Pre-seed and Seed founders.
This May in Manchester, six standout winners will each secure a share of £2 million in investment at the grand final.
With opportunities to take part in curated roundtable discussions, network with investors, and learn from high-profile industry speakers in an immersive founder-investor environment, founders will have the chance to build meaningful connections, gain visibility and accelerate their growth.
Head over to the link below to learn more, or apply to take part!
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Digital Inclusion Good News
This month, our Digital Inclusion team visited three primary schools to deliver laptops and Mi‑Fi units to families as part of the Making Manchester Fairer project.
During visits to Crowcroft Park, Park View and Claremont, they supported parents with setting up their new devices, helping ensure they could get online straight away.
As a result, 29 families now have access to a new laptop, and 9 families also have home internet, using the Mi‑Fi devices provided.
We're thrilled that these donations will support children with their learning, open up access to online educational materials, and give parents the chance to build their own digital skills and take part more confidently in online life.
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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:
Do you have a news or information you'd like to see included in our monthly bulletin? Send details to our Digital Strategy email:
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