Bosch opens doors to Tameside firms in hydrogen breakthrough

Ten Greater Manchester businesses, including those from Tameside, are being offered a rare opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes access to Bosch’s world-leading hydrogen headquarters in Germany, as part of a new initiative to boost the region’s clean energy future.

The Hydrogen Supply Chain Innovation Challenge, launched by GM Business Growth Hub in partnership with Bosch and Manchester Metropolitan University, will give participating firms first-hand insight into how hydrogen is developed, tested, and applied across industries.

Successful applicants will join a study visit to Bosch’s German HQ in January 2026, alongside a programme of workshops, mentoring, and commercial support running through to March 2026. The aim is to help Greater Manchester businesses pivot into the fast-growing hydrogen supply chain and compete for major UK contracts.

The Challenge comes as the Greater Manchester Combined Authority consults on its new hydrogen and fuel cell strategy – part of the city-region’s ambitious goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2038.

The project also builds on Greater Manchester’s long-standing partnership with Germany’s Ruhr region and the cutting-edge research already taking place at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Fuel Cell Innovation Centre.

Bosch, one of the world’s largest technology firms and ranked among Europe’s top ten holders of hydrogen production patents, is investing heavily in hydrogen as part of its global decarbonisation drive.

Eman Martin-Vignerte, Director of External Affairs at Bosch, said: “By opening up our facilities, we want Greater Manchester businesses to see how hydrogen is applied in the real world, from production to automotive systems. This challenge is about sharing that experience so local companies can identify where they fit, develop their capabilities, and bring hydrogen solutions to market in the UK.”

Throughout the programme, Bosch engineers will share expertise on hydrogen technologies, while the Hub will provide commercial mentoring and connections to industry leaders. Local businesses could also gain an edge when competing for government-backed hydrogen tenders.

Janine Smith, Director at GM Business Growth Hub, said: “Manchester was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and now, across Greater Manchester, we’re once again driving the next wave of change – this time through clean energy. This challenge gives our firms a front-row seat with Bosch, one of the global leaders in hydrogen technology, and the opportunity to help shape the supply chains of the future.”

Amer Gaffar, Director of Industrial Strategy Partnerships at Manchester Metropolitan University, added: “Greater Manchester has set ambitious goals on hydrogen, and we’ve been central to shaping that strategy. What excites me is that this isn’t about distant promises – it’s about creating realistic, tangible opportunities now. With support from Bosch, local firms can help make the city-region a genuine hydrogen hub and lead the UK’s clean tech future.”

Applications are open now for Greater Manchester SMEs with an interest in hydrogen. Businesses will need to outline their current capabilities, their appetite to diversify into hydrogen, and their vision for where they could fit into the supply chain.

The deadline for expressions of interest is 23 October, with successful participants announced in November.

To apply, visit: www.businessgrowthhub.com/programmes/gm-hydrogen-supply-chain-innovation-challenge.