Tech giant Cisco targets Northern startups with new Manchester innovation hub

American multinational tech firm Cisco is teaming up with Manchester Science Partnerships (MSP) to establish a new innovation centre in the North West.

The move, which comes as part of Cisco’s $1bn plan to expand its UK footprint, will see the firm create Mi-IDEA, a joint venture with MSP that will work with early-stage firms across the North to develop innovative technologies.

Mi-IDEA, which stands for Manchester Inspired – Innovation Digital Enterprise Alliance, will focus on digital healthcare, Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities and the digital creative sector.

Additionally, the Manchester facility will provide post-accelerator and established tech businesses with a tailored programme to help them develop both confidence and capabilities.

Cisco’s chief executive for the UK and Ireland, Phil Smith, said: “The city of Manchester has innovation in its DNA. Our investment in the city builds on our ongoing commitment to support new digital businesses and high-tech entrepreneurs across the UK.

“Mi-IDEA will be uniquely positioned to tap into local, national and international innovation ecosystems. It will benefit from MSP’s existing partnerships across the region and be a key part of the NVI.”

He added: “Coupled with Cisco’s successes at IDEALondon and Cisco CREATE, we’re confident that Mi-IDEA will deliver a unique environment in which tech companies in Manchester can grow.”

Set within No. 1 MSP Central, a 70,000 sq ft development in Manchester’s innovation district, Mi-IDEA will also serve as a second UK site for Cisco CREATE, a collaborative research function that works with industry partners, start-ups, universities, research institutions and government.

Manchester Science Partnerships’ head of innovation, Anne Dornan, commented: “Mi-IDEA is a reflection of our long-term commitment to growing the digital technology sector in the region and the culmination of our partnership work with Cisco since the National Virtual Incubator was launched in 2012.

“In high growth sectors it’s vital to provide targeted and specialist support programmes with access to global supply chains in order to unlock the potential economic impact for the UK.”

She continued: “Bringing together diverse partners from across public, private and academic sectors to drive innovation and economic growth is at the heart of MSP and a hugely rewarding endeavour. We are excited to see this project come to fruition.”

Cisco has its UK headquarters at Feltham in West London.