Manchester Prize

Manchester Prize

The first Manchester Prize will be awarded to the most innovative and impactful AI solution which demonstrates social benefit by overcoming challenges in the fields of energy, environment and infrastructure.

The Manchester Prize, an initiative of the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, will award £1 million every year to a team of innovators with the most cutting-edge AI solution for public good.

Up to ten finalist teams will initially receive £100,000 each, a generous package of non-financial support, and access to free computing power to develop their innovation.

One finalist will win the £1 million grand prize in early 2025.

Find out how to enter

Key dates

Manchester Prize opens for entries
7 December 2023
Entries to the Manchester Prize close
1 February 2024
Up to 10 finalists announced
April 2024
Final submissions due
January 2025
Grand Prize winner announced
March 2025
  • 2023
  • 2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
  • 2025

Solutions could include:

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Reducing energy costs for consumers by using AI to model household energy use and identify targeted interventions, such as retrofitting and replacement.

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Supporting emergency service response by bringing together a range of spatial data about the road and built environment to improve last mile routing.

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Improving the response to extreme weather conditions by using AI and earth observation data to predict areas vulnerable to flooding, or to support better real-time spatial data of events such as wildfires and flash floods.

5

Reducing disruption to public services through predictive modelling of infrastructure resilience, with automated scheduling of maintenance, such as deploying teams to fix potholes or other traffic obstructions.

6

Enhancing food security by using earth observation and soil data to monitor and improve farming productivity and crop yield.

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Improving efficiency and reducing resource consumption in manufacturing by using AI to optimise or automate energy-intensive processes.

“Through my career in artificial intelligence, I’ve seen its immense potential to transform the world for the better. In the next few years, we will undoubtedly see fascinating and impactful applications of AI that will have a profound impact on our lives, society and the planet. That’s why I’m delighted to join the Manchester Prize as chair of judges. I look forward to seeing the creativity this new annual prize stimulates, rewarding UK-led AI innovations that work for public good. But I also hope it fosters wide discussion and diverse thinking about this emerging field of technology. Science and technology are at their best when multiple perspectives and ideas come together. Encouraging that innovation and collaboration is the aim of the Manchester Prize, and I can’t wait to see who enters.” 

Nick Jennings, Chair of the Manchester Prize Judging Panel

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