About GM LINK
Welcome to GM LINK – where your journey begins with the application process, offering a chance to redefine the future for your startup or SME.
The purpose of this programme is to create significant social value in the areas of Health and Climate Tech through demonstrating innovative products, services, and applications. Strategically leveraging the GM One network, the programme is dedicated to incubating startups and SMEs that align with the areas of focus and objectives of Greater Manchester.
GM LINK is open to Startups and SMEs based in the UK.
Three Competitions
The five companies selected from each application process will embark on a 10-week programme to develop transformative solutions.
Programme 1
Launch: 29 April 2024
Application Deadline: 24 May 2024
10-week Programme Duration:
24 June 2024 - 30 August 2024
Programme 2
Launch: 5 August 2024
Application Deadline: 30 August 2024
10-week Programme Duration:
23 September 2024 - 29 November 2024
Programme 3
Launch: 20 January 2025
Application Deadline: 14 February 2025
10-week Programme Duration:
10 March 2025 - 23 May 2025
Visit each Programme website to learn more.
Programme Structure
Application Window (7 Weeks)
Startups and SMEs will have a deadline to submit their application. Judges will carefully select 5 companies that will have the opportunity to participate in the 10-week program.
Programme (10 Weeks)
Winners will benefit from ongoing mentorships, engaging training sessions, and valuable technical validation.
Demo
The program concludes with the highly anticipated Demo Day, providing an opportunity for participants to showcase their transformative solutions.
Apply to contribute to innovation that matters.
Access to Cisco Relationship
The programme offers an opportunity to establish a partnership and relationship with Cisco.
Relationship with Local Authorities
Winners will engage and connect with local authorities, potential customers and key stakeholders.
Training, Mentoring, and Technical Validation
Winners will attend workshops, training and regular check-ins with technical validation provided by Cisco professionals.
Winning start-ups will receive a £5,000 grant designated for solution development.
About the GM One Network
The Greater Manchester (GM) One Network will create a single active network infrastructure across a large proportion of public sector organisations, enabling network services across Greater Manchester to be provided more efficiently, securely, and flexibly.
Startups and SMEs selected for GM LINK’s 10-week programme will be leveraging the GM One Network in their journey to create and deliver social impact for the region. Learn more at the links below.
GM LINK is presented by Cisco Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Country Digital Acceleration
With over 1300 projects spanning across 50 countries, Cisco's CDA program collaborates with government and private sector leaders to build sustainable, secure, and inclusive communities powered by ethical and innovative technology solutions.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) works with other local services, businesses, and community partners to improve the region. Their vision is to make GM one of the best places in the world to grow up, get on and grow old - getting there through a combination of economic growth, and the reform of public services.
The Digital Security Hub (DiSH) is an innovative and collaborative ecosystem based in the heart of Manchester. DISH offers support to startups and growing digital security businesses with access to mentors and coaching, and dedicated growth programmes through the consortium partners. In addition, DiSH will inspire and educate the future workforce by offering cyber and digital skills workshops working with local primary schools, colleges and employers. DiSH will help foster innovation and growth in the UK’s digital and cyber security sectors, with aims to support 500 new start-ups and create more than 1,000 jobs locally.
Lancaster University is the lead academic partner for the DiSH consortium appointed by Manchester City Council to create the DiSH, including Lancaster University, Barclays Eagle Labs, Plexal and The University of Manchester, are also providing a range of cyber and digital educational initiatives from the site.
DiSH is headquartered in an 11,000-square-foot state-of-the-art space in Manchester's city centre, at Heron House, but is accessible virtually from anywhere. The site includes co-working or private office space for businesses and entrepreneurs and provides access to networking opportunities, business growth programmes and industry expert mentors.
Lancaster University on behalf of the DiSH consortium is pleased to be providing dedicated support and expertise to the GM Link programme.
