Manchester’s creative scene has been invited to access an £18 million fund to help develop future digital businesses through a competition being held by the Government’s innovation agency, the Technology Strategy Board.

Companies will be invited to compete for a share in the fund by putting forwards ideas for research and development projects, with each bid from a creative business having to involve a technology partner from industry or academia.

A free-to-attend briefing event will be held in Manchester on 24 June by the Creative Industries Knowledge Transfer Network (CI KTN) and Chinwag at Bridgewater Hall on Lower Mosley Street.

Companies must register in advance.

Two levels of funding will be offered with fast track projects receiving up to £99,000 and larger funding projects receiving up to £3 million.

A video interview with the TSB has been produced by the CI KTN to supply more details of the project.

John Cass, director of the CI KTN said: “Manchester and the wider North West is a hot bed of innovation among creative businesses, technology companies and academics and this is a great opportunity for them to come together and develop exciting ideas that will drive the growth of the digital sector.

“Our event will provide valuable insights into how to enter the competition, there will be an opportunity to hear from the Technology Strategy Board and a session on writing proposals and pitching,” added Cass.