GM Hydrogen Supply Chain Innovation Challenge
Read time: 2 minutes
Read time: 2 minutes
The GM Hydrogen Supply Chain Innovation Challenge is a collaboration between GM Business Growth Hub, Bosch, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), Green Economy and regional partners. Launched in November 2025, the programme connected local green technologies and services firms with global expertise to accelerate hydrogen supply chain development in Greater Manchester.
Decarbonising supply chains—particularly tackling Scope 3 emissions—remains one of the most complex barriers to achieving net zero. Greater Manchester requires a resilient, local hydrogen supply chain capable of supporting energy-intensive industries while ensuring businesses had the knowledge, skills and access to compete in emerging markets
The programme brought together eight Greater Manchester-based companies and provided structured support to accelerate their supply chain readiness.
Support included:
The programme strengthened the competitiveness of eight SMEs, improved their ability to access hydrogen-related contracts and tenders, and helped position Greater Manchester businesses within UK and European hydrogen supply chains.
The programme delivered hands-on technical upskilling in hydrogen production and fuel cell technologies, closed critical knowledge gaps through direct engagement with Bosch, and helped participating firms define clear pathways to supply chain readiness across manufacturing, engineering and system integration.
The initiative helped build a connected local supply chain from previously fragmented capabilities, strengthened international partnerships including links with Germany’s hydrogen economy, and accelerated progress towards Greater Manchester’s net zero ambitions through coordinated, place-based collaboration.
“By combining academic research, industry innovation, and practical support, we’re helping build a regional supply chain that will not only drive net-zero ambitions but also secure Greater Manchester’s role as a global hydrogen hub.”
Amer Gaffar, Director of Industrial Strategy Partnerships, MMU
“Hydrogen is an important part of the energy transition… This initiative from Greater Manchester is an excellent idea and brings together a consortium of expertise and drive to make hydrogen an economic growth success for GM.”
Chris Lake, Bosch UK & IE
“The visit strengthened confidence in the consortium’s direction and underscored the potential of cross-sector collaboration to drive meaningful progress.”
Jamie Walker, Endress+Hauser
“This project presents a real opportunity to strengthen Greater Manchester’s green tech supply chain, ensuring local suppliers are skilled and ready to develop key infrastructures that turns environmental policy into opportunity, economic growth and skilled local jobs."
Amy House, Director, Green Economy
This initiative shows how targeted support, global collaboration and local ambition can unlock economic opportunities while accelerating decarbonisation. By aligning innovation with commercial outcomes, Greater Manchester is strengthening its role in the hydrogen economy.
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