Ten Greater Manchester companies will gain direct access to Bosch’s hydrogen headquarters in Germany, as part of a new initiative to help local businesses move into the sector.
The Hydrogen Supply Chain Innovation Challenge is being delivered by GM Business Growth Hub, Bosch, and Manchester Metropolitan University, and will run until March 2026. It forms part of Greater Manchester’s target to reach net zero by 2038 and build a local hydrogen economy.
Participants will visit Bosch’s German facilities in January 2026, take part in workshops, and receive mentoring and commercial support. The programme is intended to help businesses compete for contracts in the UK hydrogen supply chain.
Bosch is among Europe’s largest investors in hydrogen and is ranked in the top ten for patents.
Eman Martin-Vignerte, Director of External Affairs, Governmental and Political Relations at Bosch, said: “By opening up our facilities, we want Greater Manchester businesses to see how hydrogen is applied in the real world, from production to automotive systems.
“This challenge is about sharing that experience so local companies can identify where they fit, develop their capabilities, and bring hydrogen solutions to market in the UK.”
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Janine Smith, Director at GM Business Growth Hub, pictured, said: “Manchester was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and now, across Greater Manchester, we’re once again driving the next wave of change – this time through clean energy.
“This challenge gives our firms a front-row seat with Bosch, one of the global leaders in hydrogen technology, and the opportunity to help shape the supply chains of the future.”
Amer Gaffar, Director of Industrial Strategy Partnerships at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “Greater Manchester has set ambitious goals on hydrogen, and we’ve been central to shaping that strategy.
“What excites me is that this isn’t about distant promises – it’s about creating realistic, tangible opportunities now. With support from Bosch, local firms can help make the city-region a genuine hydrogen hub and lead the UK’s clean tech future.”
The project also links to Greater Manchester’s international partnership with Germany’s Ruhr area and the work of Manchester Met’s Fuel Cell Innovation Centre. Applications are open until 23 October, with successful participants announced in November.
