Why Hydrogen? Why Now?
Hydrogen offers significant potential to support the UK’s journey to net zero, particularly for industries that are hard to decarbonise. Hydrogen can be harnessed to generate green electricity, power transport, and fuel manufacturing, making it central to creating a resilient, competitive and low-carbon industrial base.
The UK Government’s Hydrogen Strategy sets a target of 10GW of low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030, with at least half from electrolysis. To achieve this, the UK must not only deploy electrolysers but also build robust, local supply chains to support their production, integration, and operation.
Why Greater Manchester?
Greater Manchester is the perfect launchpad:
- Net Zero by 2038 - the UK’s boldest regional target
- Strong industrial heritage, now ready to pivot to hydrogen
- Global partnerships, including with Germany’s Ruhr region
- Research excellence, including MMU’s industry-leading Fuel Cell Innovation Centre
- Support ecosystem - GM Business Growth Hub, Green Economy, and Energy Innovation Agency
That’s why Greater Manchester is primed to form a world-class hydrogen supply cluster.
What Is the Bosch Challenge?
Bosch is scaling up industrial production of its hydrogen electrolysis stack, drawing on decades of fuel-cell expertise and advanced manufacturing capabilities. This challenge connects Bosch’s cutting-edge technology with Greater Manchester’s industrial strengths.
Local Supply Chain Opportunity:
Bosch’s highly competitive electrolyser technology is ready for deployment, and UK public sector contracts increasingly require local supply chain involvement. This opens up opportunities for UK businesses to support Bosch’s rollout.
Strategic Collaboration:
The challenge aims to identify UK-based companies that can provide the components, engineering, and operational support needed to install and run Bosch electrolysers locally from fabrication to commissioning.
Bosch’s Advantage & GM’s Role:
Bosch brings world-class electrolyser design and performance, while GM businesses are invited to provide the infrastructure, manufacturing, and operational capabilities — essentially building the “vehicle” around Bosch’s “engine.”
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking to identify a cohort of up to 10 trailblazing/innovative GM-based businesses ready to step into the hydrogen supply chain.
Tier A – System Integrators:
- Electrolyser system distributors (sales, warranties, customer interface)
- Packagers (assembly, containerisation, FAT testing)
- Process engineers (system design, compliance, documentation)
Tier B – Component Specialists:
- Power electronics (rectifiers, inverters, transformers)
- Water systems (purification units, tanks, polishers)
- Gas handling (compressors, dryers, buffers)
- Thermal systems (heat exchangers, cooling units)
- Sensors & controls (SCADA, monitoring, leak detection)
Why Apply?
- This isn’t just another innovation challenge. It’s your entry into a global hydrogen ecosystem:
- Collaborate directly with Bosch, a global pioneer in industrial innovation
- Site visit at Bosch in Germany (Jan 2026)
- Receive mentoring and expert commercial support from the GM Business Growth Hub
- Co-develop a demonstrator electrolyser system using your components
- Build credibility, become investment-ready, and position your business for supply contracts
Key Dates
- Expression of Interest Closes: Thurs, 23th Oct 2025
- Panel Screening: End Oct
- Cohort Announced: Nov 2025
- Supplier Integration Site Visit to Bosch Germany: Jan 2026
- Workshops: Jan – Mar 2026
- Showcase & Action Plans: Mar 2026
Apply Now!
If you're ready to help build the future of clean energy and want to be part of Greater Manchester's hydrogen manufacturing revolution, we want to hear from you.
Deadline for Expressions of Interest: Thurs, 23 October 2025
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