Manchester Prize Round 2: Clean Energy Systems
10 finalist teams have now been selected
Launched in 2023, the Manchester Prize is a multi-million pound, multi-year challenge prize, funded by the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to reward UK-led breakthroughs in artificial intelligence for public good.
Every year, £1 million will be awarded to a team of innovators with the most cutting-edge AI solution; solutions that will help to transform the lives of people across the UK and continue to secure the UK’s place as a global leader in pioneering innovation.
The winner for Round One was announced in March 2025.
The second round of the Manchester Prize will bring brilliant British innovation to bear to deliver a clean, secure energy future for the UK. Whether in energy, healthcare, or beyond, we’re backing AI innovations to deliver real and lasting change across the country.
Round Two: Clean Energy Systems
The second Manchester Prize will be awarded to the most innovative and impactful AI solution enabling the UK to accelerate progress towards a net zero energy system.
Key areas of focus
- Accelerating the UK’s adoption of clean energy technologies at scale
- Enabling efficient or low-cost operations of clean energy systems
- Significantly reducing energy demand
- Optimizing energy usage
Finalist phase
10 of the most promising solutions will each be supported with:
- £100,000 in seed funding
- Up to £60,000 of compute
- Additional non-financial support
The winning solution will receive a £1 million grand prize in spring 2026.
Round One
Launched in December 2023, the first Manchester Prize sought breakthrough ideas for overcoming challenges in the fields of energy, environment and infrastructure.
Entry to the Manchester Prize: Round One has now closed.
The winner of the £1 million grand prize for the first Manchester Prize was announced in March 2025.
