Manchester Prize
The Manchester Prize is a multi-year challenge prize funded by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology to reward UK-led breakthroughs in artificial intelligence for the public good. Now in its second year, teams are invited to submit innovative AI to accelerate progress towards a net zero energy systems. Up-to 10 of the most promising solutions will receive £100,000 in seed funding, up to £60,000 of compute and additional non-financial support to develop products capable of winning the £1 million grand prize in spring 2026.
- Opening date: (Midnight)
- Closing date: (Midday)
Contents
Summary
Objectives
The Manchester Prize is a multi-million-pound, multi-year challenge prize, launched in 2023 and funded by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology to reward UK-led breakthroughs in artificial intelligence for the public good. Every year for a decade, it is rewarding innovations that will help transform the lives of people across the UK and continue to secure the UK’s place as a global leader in cutting-edge innovation.
The second year of the Manchester Prize is now open for entries. The challenge focus is on using AI innovation to accelerate progress towards a net zero energy system. Teams are invited to submit AI solutions that deliver on at least one of the following objectives:
accelerates the UK’s adoption of clean energy technologies at scale,
enables efficient or low-cost operations of clean energy systems,
significantly reduces energy demand or optimises energy usage.
Up to 10 of the most promising solutions selected by the judges at the end of the entry phase will each be supported with £100,000 in seed funding, up to £60,000 of compute and additional non-financial support to develop products and services capable of winning the £1 million grand prize in spring 2026.
Teams are invited to submit an entry to the Manchester Prize through the challenge website portal. The deadline for applications is 12pm on January 17th, 2025.
We are open to applications from a wide range of approaches and projects which can demonstrate the utilisation of AI to support the above objectives. We do not seek to proscribe or limit the types of approaches that will be in scope of the challenge. We welcome applications from any teams meeting the eligibility criteria who have developed AI solutions if you believe they can support at least one of the three above clean energy objectives.
Eligibility
Eligible entrants: Entries must come from organisations legally incorporated in the UK (e.g. private limited companies, non-profits, charities, universities). We will not accept applications from individuals or unincorporated groups. (Incorporation costs around £50 straightforward applications are normally processed within 24 hours, please check the site to confirm your individual needs.)
Geographical scope: The lead entrant organisation must be based in the United Kingdom and must be able to receive funds into a UK bank account in the name of the lead entrant. Organisations other than the lead entrant organisation may be based outside of the UK.
Consortia entries: Teams may enter as a consortium but must nominate one organisation as the lead entrant to submit the application. The lead entrant organisation representing finalist teams will be the organisation that enters into contracts and receives funding from the Manchester Prize.
Previous Manchester Prize finalists: Finalists from the first Manchester Prize are eligible to participate if submitting a new and original solution, which is distinct from their first Manchester Prize submission.
Employees of Challenge Works and DSIT prohibited: Employees of Challenge Works (Nesta, or any company within the same group) or DSIT, and any immediate family of those employees, and any other individuals working on, or connected to, the prize are not eligible to enter.
Conflicts of interest: Any conflict of interest or perceived conflict of interest, as more particularly detailed in the terms and conditions, may result in a participant being disqualified from participation. Conflicts of interest must be declared and mitigation agreed with Challenge Works. If you think this may affect you (or any of your partners, if applicable), please contact the team info@manchesterprize.org.uk.
Objectives
The Manchester Prize is a multi-million pound, multi-year challenge prize, launched in 2023 and funded by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology to reward UK-led breakthroughs in artificial intelligence for public good.Challenge prizes support open innovation creating a level playing field for established and previously untested innovators alike, enabling the most promising ideas to progress, supported with funding and expert capacity-building support.Artificial Intelligence holds incredible potential to transform all areas of our lives and unlock new avenues to tackle shared global challenges. AI has the potential to grow the economy, improve public services, tackle climate change, and lies at the heart of this mission-driven government. The Department for Science Innovation and Technology is determined to speed up its adoption across the economy to transform public services and kickstart growth. The Manchester Prize is focused on backing pioneering new AI solutions to some of the most important and difficult challenges in society. Every year for a decade, it is rewarding innovations that will help to transform the lives of people across the UK and continue to secure the UK’s place as a global leader in cutting-edge innovation. The first Manchester Prize launched in December 2023 rewarded UK-led innovations that overcome challenges in the fields of **energy, environment and infrastructure.**The second Manchester Prize, launched in November 2024, will reward UK-led organisations with AI solutions that enable the UK to accelerate progress towards a net zero energy system.
Dates
19th November 2024: Entry Phase Opens
17th January 2025: Entry Phase Closes
April 2025: Announcement of successful finalists
January 2026: Submission of entries for grand prize judging
March 2026: Grand Prize Winners Announcement
How to apply
Applications are through the Manchester Prize website through the submission platform. Prospective applicants will also find further information about the prize, application and judging process and eligibility criteria on the Manchester Prize website.
Supporting information
Manchester Prize Innovator Handbook [Guidance for Applicants]
A downloadable version of the Submission Form [945 kb] [All applications must be made through the submission platform]