The UK government is targeting 10 GW of hydrogen production capacity by 2030, and industry leaders have previously warned the country must act quickly or risk missing out on the global hydrogen economy, forecast to be worth $8 trillion by 2050.
Delivered by GM Business Growth Hub with Bosch and Manchester Metropolitan University, the Hydrogen Supply Chain Innovation Challenge will give selected firms direct insight into how hydrogen systems are designed and tested.
The launch comes as the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), working with Manchester Met, opens consultation on its new hydrogen and fuel cell strategy.
The document sets out new targets to accelerate decarbonisation across the city-region and strengthen its position as a leader in hydrogen.
Bosch, one of the world’s largest engineering and technology companies, is investing heavily in hydrogen and is ranked among Europe’s top ten for hydrogen production patents.
Greater Manchester’s international partnership with Germany’s Ruhr area has helped pave the way for the collaboration with Bosch. Greater Manchester is also home to Manchester Met’s Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, which is at the forefront of hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
“By opening up our facilities, we want Greater Manchester businesses to see how hydrogen is applied in the real world, from production to automotive systems” said Eman Martin-Vignerte, Director of External Affairs, Governmental and Political Relations at Bosch. “This challenge is about sharing that experience so local companies can identify where they fit, develop their capabilities, and bring hydrogen solutions to market in the UK.”
Firms will take part in a site visit to Bosch Germany in January 2026, as well as workshops and development sessions. The challenge runs until March 2026, with further support beyond that date.
Alongside the Bosch visit, participants will receive mentoring and commercial support from the Hub, and opportunities to connect with a network of industry leaders.
“Manchester was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and now, across Greater Manchester, we’re once again driving the next wave of change - this time through clean energy” added Janine Smith, Director at GM Business Growth Hub. “This challenge gives our firms a front-row seat with Bosch, one of the global leaders in hydrogen technology, and the opportunity to help shape the supply chains of the future.”
Applications are now open. Businesses will need to complete an application form outlining their capabilities, their appetite to pivot into hydrogen, and where they see themselves in the supply chain. Expressions of interest close on 23 October, with successful participants announced in November.
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