Sustainable innovation accelerator launches in Manchester

A startup accelerator focusing on sustainable innovation has opened its doors in Manchester and welcomed its first cohort of companies working in areas including AI, quantum computing and decarbonisation.

Zebox launched in Manchester on Wednesday, its sixth location globally, to support UK and Northern Europe startups.

The hub, based in Portland Street, was launched by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

Founded in 2018 by Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, Zebox bring together entrepreneurs and industry leaders and says it has worked with over 250 startups.

Its headquarters is in Marseille, France. The accelerator has additional locations in the Caribbean, Ivory Coast, the US and Asia Pacific.

“Our mission at Zebox is to connect the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of startups with the expertise and global impact of corporate leaders,” said Martin Bremner, managing director at Zebox UK.

“This not only enables them to accelerate growth but to answer global challenges together by developing the sustainable solutions of tomorrow.”

Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig said: “Zebox’s choice of Manchester as the location for its UK hub reflects the city’s track record for innovation and sustainability.

“We hope that the future-facing work the startups based here will develop will have wider benefits through decarbonisation – supporting the battle against climate change – as well as creating jobs and investment.”

Joe Manning, Managing Director at MIDAS, Manchester’s inward investment agency, said the accelerator is an “invaluable addition to our lively business scene”.

Read more: Greater Manchester regional tech report