Centre for Sustainable Innovation

What Centre for Sustainable Innovation does

The Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI) is a research and business support centre operating within Salford Business School at the University of Salford in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom. Founded in 2023 with 11-50 employees, it delivers digital transformation, change management, sustainability, and general business consultancy to small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and microbusinesses primarily across Greater Manchester and the North West of England. Its service portfolio comprises publicly funded accelerator-style programmes (Help to Grow: Management Course, Innovation Labs, Creative Tech Labs, BUILD AI, Made Smarter, Know Digital), paid consultancy engagements, and knowledge exchange partnerships that connect businesses with University of Salford academic staff and a broader affiliate network.

The centre does not develop proprietary technology products. Its technology footprint consists of co-developed digital tools and programme-led AI engagement: SmartScan (a barcode/GTIN-based construction product data retrieval tool developed with GS1 UK), HighFive (an AI fraud-detection solution co-developed with HF for insurance and legal sectors), and the BUILD AI accelerator that trains SMEs to build MVPs using third-party AI-assisted coding platforms such as NoCodeLab.ai. CSI also operates within several research networks, including DICE Network+ (EPSRC-funded circular economy in digital sectors), FIVE-C Network, MITIH (immersive technologies), ISONet (innovation support, with Lancaster University), and NWSmart5.0 (manufacturing cybersecurity).

Commercially, CSI operates across three revenue streams: (1) government and publicly funded programmes (Innovate UK, UK Shared Prosperity Fund via Greater Manchester Combined Authority, EPSRC, Royal Academy of Engineering, DSIT) delivered at no cost to participating SMEs; (2) paid consultancy services for businesses seeking tailored support in digital transformation, sustainability, or organisational change; and (3) knowledge exchange partnerships under schemes such as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. Pricing for consultancy is not publicly disclosed. The go-to-market is event-driven and community-led, relying on partner referrals (NatWest Accelerator, Business Growth Hub, GMCA) rather than direct sales. CSI is wholly owned by the University of Salford, has no external shareholders, and reports no standalone revenue figures.

Name

Centre for Sustainable Innovation

Legal name

Centre for Sustainable Innovation

Website

https://sustainable-innovation.salford.ac.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

University of Salford research centre delivering funded accelerator programmes, consultancy, and knowledge exchange partnerships in digital transformation, sustainability, and change management to SMEs, startups, and microbusinesses across Greater Manchester and North West England.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Manchester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government-Funded Programmes: CSI delivers fully funded programmes (Innovation Labs, Creative Tech Labs, Help to Grow) supported by Greater Manchester Combined Authority UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Innovate UK, and other public funding bodies. These are provided at no cost to participating SMEs.
2. Consultancy Services: CSI provides paid consultancy engagements for businesses seeking tailored support with sustainability, digital transformation, and organisational change.
3. Knowledge Exchange Partnerships: Facilitates knowledge transfer partnerships between academia and industry, potentially involving external funding from bodies such as Innovate UK.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI) is a University of Salford research and business support centre that provides paid consultancy (digital transformation, change management, sustainability) and fully or partially funded training and accelerator programmes (Help to Grow Management Course, Innovation Labs, Creative Tech Labs, BUILD AI, Made Smarter) to SMEs, startups and larger businesses in Greater Manchester and the North West of England. It also co-develops digital tools and applied research projects with industry partners in areas such as AI fraud detection, barcode-based product data, immersive technology, and circular economy.

Product overview

The Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI) is a university-based innovation center offering a portfolio of advisory services and funded programmes. Core service offerings include Digital Transformation, Change Management, Sustainability consultancy, and general business Consultancy. The portfolio spans innovation programmes including Help to Grow: Management Course (12-week management training), Innovation Labs (3-day innovation sprints), Creative Tech Labs (immersive/AI technology workshops), BUILD AI (AI-assisted MVP development), and Made Smarter digital transformation support. Research initiatives include NWSmart5.0 (manufacturing cybersecurity), MITIH (immersive technologies), DICE Network+ and FIVE-C Network (circular economy research), and ISONet (innovation support). Digital tools developed include SmartScan (construction product data via barcode scanning) and HighFive (AI fraud detection for legal/insurance). The CSI Exchange workshop series delivers practical skills training. Services are targeted at SMEs, startups, and industry partners in Greater Manchester and the North West.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CSI Exchange: A practical workshop series for SMEs, start-ups and alumni businesses delivered by the Centre for Sustainable Innovation, covering topics such as marketing strategy, leadership, and sustainability.
• Innovation Labs
• BUILD AI
• Help to Grow: Management Course
• Creative Tech Labs

Products and services

• Digital Transformation Consultancy Advisory and consultancy services helping businesses adopt and implement new digital technologies and innovation strategies, drawing on University of Salford expertise for SMEs, startups and larger organisations.
• Change Management Consultancy Organisational change consultancy services for businesses from startups to multinationals, focused on process improvement, profitability enhancement, and restructuring for the demands of today's economic landscape.
• Sustainability Consultancy Expert guidance on sustainability practices and net-zero strategies to help businesses meet environmental targets, manage regulatory pressure, and improve efficiency.
• General Business Consultancy Business consultancy bridging industry, academia and policymakers to support innovation projects, with tailored paid engagements for businesses seeking digital, sustainability, or change support.
• Help to Grow: Management Course A 12-week management course designed for SME managers and leaders in Greater Manchester to gain insights, skills, and strategies to boost business growth and build confidence.
• Innovation Labs A fully funded three-day innovation sprint that helps businesses progress innovations from idea to commercialisation, with expert guidance on go-to-market strategy.
• Creative Tech Labs A fully funded three-day workshop in partnership with MITIH for early-stage creative technology projects using AI, VR, or immersive technology to advance, implement or launch ideas.
• BUILD AI Accelerator A fully funded accelerator programme helping microbusinesses and SMEs develop value propositions and turn ideas into functional MVPs using AI-assisted coding tools, delivered with NoCodeLab.ai.
• Know Digital Digital skills and innovation programme for businesses seeking to upskill teams and adopt new digital tools.
• Made Smarter Digital Transformation Programme Regional digital transformation initiative supporting manufacturing businesses with digital adoption, delivered as a fully funded programme through Made Smarter.
• CSI Exchange Workshop Series A practical knowledge exchange workshop series for SMEs, startups, and alumni businesses covering topics such as marketing strategy, leadership, sustainability project design, and communication skills.
• SmartScan An innovative digital tool for the construction industry that allows users to scan barcodes/GTINs to access validated digital product data including performance data, certificates, and manuals, enhancing safety and compliance.
• HighFive AI Fraud Detection An AI-powered ethical fraud detection solution for the insurance and legal sectors, developed with academic validation from the University of Salford and designed to identify fraudulent claims earlier and with more accuracy.

Quantifiable outcome

• Knowledge exchange partnerships generated over £2 billion for the UK economy between 2010 and 2020
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• DICE Network+ (Digital Innovation and Circular Economy)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025EPSRC-funded national network bringing together ten UK universities to accelerate circular economy transition in digital sectors. CSI contributes expertise through Dr. Silvia Tedesco and Professor Mandy Parkinson.
• GS1 UK LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with GS1 UK Ltd to develop SmartScan, a digital tool for accessing validated construction product information through barcode scanning. The partnership combined University of Salford expertise in system design and data modelling with GS1 UK's industry standards and real-world challenges.
• NoCodeLab.aicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with NoCodeLab.ai to deliver the BUILD AI accelerator programme. NoCodeLab provides AI-assisted development expertise and offers participating businesses free build credits worth approximately £5,000 over 12 months.
• Think LabsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Think Lab at University of Salford to support Lagan's Foundation in developing an operational prototype for product commercialisation.
• NatWest AcceleratorsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNatWest Accelerator referred Lagan's Foundation to the Help to Grow: Management Course programme. NatWest serves as a referral channel for CSI programmes.
• MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub (MITIH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMITIH is an Innovate UK-funded hub that partners with CSI on Creative Tech Labs programme. The hub focuses on supporting businesses working with AI, VR, immersive technologies, and virtual production.
• Greater Manchester Business Growth HubcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with Business Growth Hub for Innovation Labs delivery and general SME referrals. The Hub offers Innovation Vouchers up to £5k for eligible SMEs.
• Lancaster UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint initiative with Lancaster University Management School on ISONet (Innovation Support Organisation Network) to strengthen the UK's innovation support ecosystem.
• The Making RoomssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with The Making Rooms (B Blackburn) as part of the 'Inspiring the Next Generation of Green Engineers' initiative, contributing to outreach activities.
• Friends of Energy House 2.0supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partnership providing guided tours of Energy House 2.0 as part of the 'Inspiring the Next Generation of Green Engineers' project.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Digital Catapult: UK-wide technology and digital innovation accelerator funded via Innovate UK; operates at a larger scale but with comparable digital transformation programmes, AI accelerator activity, and university-adjacent delivery model.
• Connected Places Catapult: UK innovation catapult supporting place-based and SME-led technology adoption; comparable to CSI in catalysing regional innovation ecosystems and working with Innovate UK-funded partner networks.
• National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB): Membership body strengthening university-business collaboration across the UK — directly relevant to CSI's ISONet research agenda and broader KTPs and knowledge exchange positioning.

Direct peers

• GM Business Growth Hub: Greater Manchester's locally-funded SME business growth service offering fully-funded programmes, vouchers, and one-to-one support — directly mirroring CSI's Innovation Labs and SME-facing delivery model in the same geography.
• Innovate UK Business Connect (formerly Knowledge Transfer Network): National UK innovation-knowledge-exchange and business-support network connecting academia with industry; shares CSI's mandate of bridging universities and SMEs via funded programmes and KTP-style activities.
• Centre for Enterprise, Manchester Metropolitan University: Sister university innovation and enterprise centre in the same city, providing SME growth support, consultancy, and knowledge exchange — directly comparable in operating model and customer base.
• Climate-KIC UK: Climate-innovation community and accelerator operating across the UK and Europe; comparable niche focus on sustainability and circular-economy innovation with deep ties to UK universities and SMEs.
• Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE): UK charity providing sustainability advice, research, and innovation programmes to SMEs and communities — directly comparable in mission (sustainability, net-zero) and target customer mix.

Regional players

• Lancaster University Management School: Northern England university school delivering executive education, business innovation programmes, and the joint ISONet initiative with CSI — comparable region and academic model, partner rather than competitor in practice.

Emerging players

• Edge Hill University — Innovation & Enterprise: Smaller North West university running comparable SME-facing enterprise, growth and innovation support funded through GMCA and similar regional mechanisms — emerging peer with overlapping client pool.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SalfordCSI
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@csi-salford
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/centre-for-sustainable-innovation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Centre for Sustainable Innovation