Ten Greater Manchester businesses are set to gain rare, behind-the-scenes access to Bosch’s global hydrogen headquarters in Germany, as part of a new initiative aimed at helping UK firms break into the fast-growing hydrogen market.
The Hydrogen Supply Chain Innovation Challenge is being delivered by GM Business Growth Hub in partnership with Bosch and Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met). The programme aligns with Greater Manchester’s ambition to reach net zero by 2038 and establish itself as a national leader in hydrogen and clean energy technology.
The collaboration with Bosch has been made possible through Greater Manchester’s international partnership with Germany’s Ruhr region. The city region is already home to Manchester Met’s Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, a UK hub for hydrogen and fuel cell research and innovation.
Bosch, one of the world’s largest engineering and technology companies, is investing heavily in hydrogen systems and ranks among Europe’s top ten patent holders for hydrogen production technologies.
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 technology is applied in the real world — from production to automotive systems.
This challenge is about sharing our experience so local companies can identify where they fit, build their capabilities, and bring innovative hydrogen solutions to market in the UK.”
Throughout the challenge, Bosch engineers will share their expertise in developing and testing hydrogen systems, helping participating firms understand the requirements of the global hydrogen supply chain. This could lead to collaboration opportunities with Bosch or other major players in the sector, while also positioning local firms to compete for UK hydrogen production tenders.
Participants will visit Bosch’s German hydrogen HQ in January 2026, followed by a series of workshops, mentoring, and development sessions running until March 2026, with continued support thereafter.
Alongside the Bosch engagement, the Growth Hub will provide mentoring, commercial guidance, and networking opportunities with industry leaders and investors.
Janine Smith, Director at GM Business Growth Hub, said:
“Manchester was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, and now, across Greater Manchester, we’re driving the next great transformation — this time through clean energy.
This challenge gives our firms a front-row seat with Bosch, one of the world’s foremost hydrogen innovators, and a chance to play a key role in shaping the supply chains of the future.”
The announcement comes as the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Manchester Metropolitan University launch a consultation on a new hydrogen and fuel cell strategy designed to accelerate the region’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
