About GM LINK
Welcome to GM LINK – where companies and organisations applied, won, and went through a 10-week programme offering them a chance to redefine the future for their startups or SMEs.
The purpose of this programme was to create significant social value in the areas of Health and Climate Tech by demonstrating innovative products, services, and applications. By strategically leveraging the GM One network, the programme was dedicated to incubating startups and SMEs that aligned with the areas of focus and objectives of Greater Manchester.
Thank you!
The GM LINK Programme has proven what is possible when bold ideas, public sector challenges, and cross sector collaboration come together with purpose. Over three cohorts we have seen 13 winning teams push boundaries, build trust, and deliver real solutions, all made possible by the commitment of our ecosystem partners, mentors, and stakeholders across Greater Manchester. Thank you to everyone who contributed time, insight, infrastructure, and energy to help these innovations move from concept to deployment.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO BUILDING ON THIS FOUNDATION TOGETHER!
You can learn more about the GM LINK programme in the Idea Book 2025.
Open the Idea BookWatch the Journey
At a Glance
3 Programmes Delivered
69 total registrants from 40 organisations.
13 winners selected across 3 cohorts.
+12+28+39. Net Promoter Score grew
70% of winning teams are based in Greater Manchester.
100% of healthcare teams are interested in joining Lister Alliance.
85% of teams are now active with the Growth Company.
65+ strategic connections for pilot, funding, or partnership links.
Social value programs are really critical for the Combined Authority. They help us go further and faster, and use our spend more wisely.
— Phil Swan • Director of Digital, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
GM LINK shows what meaningful digital transformation looks like when local ambition meets global expertise and innovators get the right tools to solve real problems. The impact on health and climate priorities is already clear.
— Adele Every • Managing Director, UK & Ireland Public Sector, Cisco
Participant feedback
“Fantastic wrap-around support — best mentoring we’ve ever had in an accelerator.”
“Cisco and GMCA felt like genuine partners, not sponsors.”
“Helped us meet exactly the right people. The GMCA link opened doors we couldn’t reach ourselves.”
“Mentors and their introductions unlocked new funding conversations for us.”
Three Programmes
The 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:
30 September 2024 - 11 December 2024
Programme 3
Launch: 20 January 2025
Application Deadline: 14 February 2025
10-week Programme Duration:
24 March 2025 - 30 May 2025
Visit each Competition website to learn more about the application process.
Programme Structure
Application Window (4 Weeks)
Startups and SMEs will have a deadline to submit their application. Judges will carefully select 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.
The Lister Alliance is an innovation programme developed and funded by Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) initiative. Working with government leaders across the globe, CDA aims to build sustainable, secure, and inclusive communities powered by ethical and innovative technology solutions. The Lister Alliance’s mission is to embed digital technologies seamlessly across the NHS. Get the opportunity to join the Lister Alliance ecosystem as a partner, shaping the future of healthcare technology!
