Unit M deep tech accelerator
Unit M pays 25,000 pounds, with no equity, to deep tech teams in Greater Manchester. Applications close on October 19, 2026.
The Unit M deep tech accelerator is a six month program for researchers, technical founders, and early stage deep tech ventures in Greater Manchester. Selected teams receive 25,000 pounds of equity free funding, plus commercialisation support, mentoring, and training on pitching to investors. You do not have to be affiliated with the University of Manchester.
The page welcomes technical founders, research driven startups, and researchers who are exploring commercialisation, as long as they are based in Greater Manchester. Researchers should have tried to take their work toward a business, not only written academic papers. Other founders should be past the idea stage, ideally with a prototype or some market testing. The page asks for technology readiness level 3 or 4. You can apply before the company is registered if you intend to register by the start of the program. People based outside Greater Manchester cannot apply.
Applications close at 3pm on Monday, October 19, 2026. An information session is on September 29, 2026. A bootcamp follows on November 3 and 4. The cohort is announced in the week of November 16, and delivery runs from November 2026 to April 2027. The Apply now button on the program page opens the application form.
Unit M lists interest in advanced materials and manufacturing, quantum computing and photonics, artificial intelligence and data infrastructure, biotechnology and health technologies, climate and energy, robotics and automation, and space and aerospace. It says it wants teams already on a path toward an investment ready deep tech startup.