The University of Salford is a key innovation partner across Greater Manchester’s priority sectors, supporting SMEs in advanced manufacturing, digital and creative industries, health and life sciences, and green growth. Our ecosystem includes:

NERIC for robotics and automation; Energy House Labs for net‑zero materials and climate testing; the Data Science & AI Hub for machine learning and predictive analytics; and the Acoustics Laboratories (NIAAM). SMEs access prototyping and technical development through the Morson Maker Space, THINKlab, Civil Engineering Labs and materials testing; businesses can also access support and funding through the University and the Centre for Sustainable Innovation .

Health and life sciences innovation is strengthened through simulation suites, specialist clinics and human performance labs.

Creative digital capacity is centred at MediaCity UK, supporting screen, gaming and immersive technologies.

Applied research at Salford is delivered through industry‑embedded programmes such as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, Industrial PhDs, consultancy and contract research, enabling companies to work directly with academic experts to develop, test and implement innovative solutions.

 Together, these assets enable SMEs to innovate, test, adopt new technologies and grow within the GM economy.