A Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) digital enterprise accelerator was tonight named “Innovation Thought Leader (Organisation)” at the 2025 Innovation Awards.
The Centre for Digital Innovation received the prestigious accolade, after a year-long process of voting and judging, at a finale awards dinner attended by 500 people at Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.
James Crawley, senior lecturer in enterprise practice at MMU and part of the Centre for Digital Innovation, reacting to news of the win, said: “It’s amazing to be a winner. We’ve put so much work into this project for the last two years. To highlight what we’ve been doing in Greater Manchester is fantastic. We’re thrilled.”
Innovation accelerator in the North West
The Centre for Digital Innovation (CDI), a consortium led by MMU, is a UK Government-funded innovation accelerator driving digital transformation in the North West.
A unique partnership of universities, colleges and industry, CDI empowers businesses with access to cutting-edge expertise, research and facilities across four key strands: artificial intelligence, cyber security, industrial digitalisation and immersive technology.
As a supercluster of digital innovation, CDI leads regional thought leadership by fostering cross-sector collaboration and shaping the future of digital skills and innovation.
James added: “Our innovation is a programme that’s been running for the last two years in Greater Manchester, helping to support the growth of digital innovation products around AI, cybersecurity, immersive tech and 3D printing.”
Innovation Awards are open to individuals, businesses and organisations across the UK
Dr Richard Fallon, CEO of the Technology Supply Chain (TSC) membership organisation, which runs the annual Innovation Awards, said: “Congratulations to the Centre for Digital Innovation. We had more entries than ever before this year, and the competition for each category was stronger than it’s ever been.
“Each winner can be justifiably proud and can look forward to ongoing support from the 5,000-member TSC network as they chart their course to future success.”
The Innovation Awards recognise, celebrate and reward the businesses, organisations and individuals who are dedicated to innovation.
The awards are open to innovative individuals, businesses and organisations – including universities, local councils and catapults – based in the UK.
