Pictured L-R: Lucas Martin, Chris Wright, David White, Fiaz Sadiq, Naomi Timperley, Laura Malins, Ben Davies, Sarah Foster, Michael Jakubiak, Elliot Morris, Markella Mikkelsen, Giles Harridge, Ross Boardman, Martin Leigh, Ben Oldfield.
Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester, the innovation hub focused on catalysing an AI ecosystem within Greater Manchester, has announced the latest cohort of eight high-potential AI scaleups selected to take part in its brand-new AI accelerator.
The TIC Engine Room is designed to help ambitious scaleups achieve global growth, with founders receiving tailored support from specialist advisors to redesign their growth strategy, prepare for fundraising, strengthen their operations and build scalable sales, marketing and partnership functions.
The businesses taking part in the programme are AI-chat plugin Rove.chat; generative AI consultants Mozstro; maritime sustainability firm Grafmarine; wave pattern analysis platform NeuWave; document generator Papermill; mental health diagnostics firm ND Axon; audio mixing and sound company Salsa Sound; and genomics solution MolMart.
Founders taking part in the programme went through a selective recruitment process designed to identify the AI-first scaleups in Greater Manchester with the strongest market potential, the most innovative technology, and a clear vision for growth.
Aimed at companies who have generated £500k in turnover or raised £500k in investment, the six-month programme will support founders through a series of hybrid delivery sessions, board advisor and expert clinics, and one-to-one mentoring from entrepreneurs in residence.
Delivered by award-winning business consultant Naomi Timperley and entrepreneur Sarah Foster, the TIC Engine Room will empower some of Greater Manchester’s most promising AI scaleups to accelerate their growth, expand into new markets, and turn cutting-edge technology into scalable, high-impact businesses.
The TIC Engine Room kicks off in November 2025.
Liz Scott MBE, Executive Director at Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester, said:
“Following the success of our previous accelerator programmes, we’re very pleased to launch the TIC Engine Room and welcome our first cohort – bringing together such a high-calibre group of businesses, including several we’ve had the pleasure of previously supporting.
“This is the first programme in our portfolio that has a dedicated focus on global growth and success, and I have every confidence that these companies will not only thrive during the programme but continue to grow and make an impact long after it concludes.”
Martin Leigh, Director at Grafmarine, added:
“We’re thrilled to be part of the first cohort of the TIC Engine Room. Having already participated in a previous TIC programme, we understand just how valuable the experience and support can be.
“We’ve only just begun exploring the potential of energy use in the maritime sector, and the TIC Engine Room offers the guidance, mentoring, and strategic insight we need to take our work further. With this support, we’re excited to refine our approach, grow our impact, and reach a truly global audience.”
Michael Jakubiak, Founder and CEO at ND AXON, added:
“Our mission is to support those living with undiagnosed mental health conditions, and we’ve already made strong progress within the healthcare sector. Being accepted into the first TIC Engine Room cohort represents a fantastic opportunity to build on that work.
“We’re excited to leverage this support to expand our reach, enhance our impact, and ensure more people can benefit from the solutions we’re developing.”
For more information, please contact:
Leila Wynne, Tangerine Communications: Leila.Wynne@tangerinecomms.com
About Turing Innovation Catalyst:
The Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester (TIC) is a new not-for-profit focussed on catalysing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem within Greater Manchester (GM). Through the delivery of an ambitious programme of work, TIC is using AI to power the growth of careers, businesses and the regional economy.
TIC is providing support across GM through initiatives including an AI Accelerator; Venture Programme; Skills Programmes and a Collaborative R&D offering. All of TIC’s initiatives have been designed with DEI and ethical considerations at their core.
TIC is funded as part of the GM Innovation Accelerator and is being incubated within the University of Manchester.
www.ticmanchester.org
