GMColleges is delighted to be a consortium partner in Greater Manchester’s Centre for Digital Innovation.

What is the Centre for Digital Innovation (CDI)?

The Centre for Digital Innovation (CDI) is one of the UK Government’s innovation accelerator programmes announced earlier this year.

Funded by Innovate UK, CDI is a consortium of Greater Manchester universities, GM FE Colleges and industry partners who together will create a supercluster of digital expertise to help the region’s businesses achieve their goals through digital innovation.

An exciting opportunity for FE and Business

CDI is an exciting venture into new ground for Further Education. Our colleges are experienced and equipped for addressing the training needs of business and providing skills for the labour market that exists today.

Through the CDI project, our business relationships will expand into business change, connecting our local partners with the wider innovation ecosystem, improving local access to R&D and new tech that can drive productivity and improved business performance.

Our roadshows focus on 4 increasingly important developments:

  • Industrial Digitalisation (Industry 4.0) – including 3D printing, Digital Twin and Internet of Things
  • Artificial Intelligence – including ChatGPT, mechatronics and robotics
  • Immersive Technology – including XR and AR for use in content creation and training environments
  • Cyber Security – the necessary underpinning to digitalise business safely, professionally and in accordance with procurement requirements

We call on businesses to get involved

Launching in December 2023, and throughout 2024, the FE Colleges of Greater Manchester will host a series of Digital Innovation Roadshows where SMEs can connect with free business Innovation advice and support. You will find out more about new technologies and network with fellow business leaders who have changed the way they work.

We want to hear from employers about how we can create a greater culture of innovation and drive productivity in our local business communities.

Join us

If you are part of a small or medium sized business, based across the Greater Manchester region, join us at one of our local events, or complete the form to stay in touch.

CDI Roadshow Trafford: 8:15am-12:30pm on 3rd October at Hopwood Hall College

Our next roadshow caters for every business who is seeking innovative ways to excel their marketing, training and communication needs with virtual reality.

Follow CDI at GMColleges on Eventbrite to receive alerts about future events.

Get in touch

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