Manchester Innovation District Partners with Platform94 to Foster International Collaboration and Growth Opportunities

Manchester, known as the birthplace of the industrial revolution, has once again become a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. The city's £1.7bn innovation district, Sister, has recently made headlines by announcing an international partnership with Ireland's Platform94. This collaboration is set to create new opportunities for startups, promote knowledge exchange, and facilitate market entry support between the two regions.

Collaboration between Sister and Platform94

Located in Galway, Platform94 offers similar resources to Sister, providing tech businesses in the West of Ireland with workspaces, access to a supportive business community, and corporate partnerships. With this partnership, both hubs will provide reciprocal access to workspaces, encouraging collaboration and international links between the West of Ireland and Greater Manchester.

Excitement from the Mayor of Greater Manchester

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, expressed his excitement for this partnership, stating, "Both Greater Manchester and Galway are home to thriving digital and tech sectors, with shared strengths in areas like AI and medical technologies." Burnham further explained that during a recent trade mission to Ireland, they explored opportunities for collaboration, and this partnership is a result of those discussions. He believes that this partnership will not only help innovative companies work together but also provide them with access to new markets.

Promoting Knowledge Exchange and Market Entry Support

The partnership between Sister and Platform94 will also promote knowledge exchange between startups in both hubs and provide market entry support for businesses looking to expand into new regions. Liz Bamber, Director of Place at Sister, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "This is more than just sharing desks; it's about supporting businesses to grow and expand, and share talent, ideas, and ambition." Bamber also believes that by linking Sister and Platform94, they are creating a frictionless environment for entrepreneurs to scale across borders and leverage industry experts.

Thriving Tech and Digital Sectors in Greater Manchester and Galway

This partnership is a testament to the thriving tech and digital sectors in both Greater Manchester and Galway. Many Irish companies have chosen to establish their UK base in Greater Manchester, and this partnership will make the process of expansion smoother for future businesses, leading to more investments and job opportunities in the city region.

The Power of International Connections

In addition to promoting collaboration and growth opportunities, this partnership also highlights the importance of international connections and partnerships in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship. By breaking down borders and fostering relationships between different regions, we can create a stronger and more interconnected global community.

A Promising Development for the Innovation Ecosystem

In conclusion, the partnership between Manchester's Sister and Ireland's Platform94 is a promising development for the innovation ecosystem in both regions. It is a testament to the thriving tech and digital sectors in both Greater Manchester and Galway and emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in driving growth and success for startups. As we continue to see the rise of innovation districts and the importance of global connections, this partnership serves as a shining example of the power of collaboration.

"This is more than just sharing desks; it's about supporting businesses to grow and expand, and share talent, ideas, and ambition." - Liz Bamber, Director of Place at Sister

FAQ

What is Sister?

Sister is Manchester's £1.7bn innovation district.

What is Platform94?

Platform94 is located in Galway and offers resources for tech businesses in the West of Ireland.

Why is this partnership important?

This partnership will create new opportunities for startups and promote knowledge exchange and market entry support between the two regions.

How will this partnership benefit businesses?

This partnership will provide reciprocal access to workspaces, encouraging collaboration and international links between the West of Ireland and Greater Manchester.

How does this partnership showcase the power of collaboration?

By linking Sister and Platform94, this partnership creates a frictionless environment for entrepreneurs to scale across borders and leverage industry experts, showcasing the power of collaboration in driving growth and success for startups.

In conversation with: Sister's Brad Topps

Source: https://www.uktech.news/featured/manchester-innovation-district-signs-international-partnership-deal-20190129