The Innovation Retreat
Participating in Manchester Metropolitan University's prestigious Innovation Retreat programme, accelerating our journey to bring cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to market
About the Innovation Retreat
The Innovation Retreat is a prestigious E19 Programme funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund, managed by the Growth Company, and delivered by Manchester Metropolitan University's Centre for Enterprise.
The programme aims to accelerate SME innovation through a unique blend of strategic space, social capital development, knowledge translation, and adult learning principles.
Programme Details
- Funding: £5,855 grant support
- Duration: 4 half-day sessions including 2-day residential retreat
- Cohort: Cohort 5 (July 2025)
- Focus: AI Shield Sentinel development and market launch
Introduction Session
Half day at MMU (10:00-13:00)
Retreat Day 1
Residential at Oddfellows on the Park (10:00-16:00)
Retreat Day 2
Residential at Oddfellows on the Park
Action Planning
Half day at MMU (10:00-13:00)
Key Programme Principles
Building innovation capacity through proven methodologies
Work on the business, not in it. Dedicated time for strategic thinking
Develop challenge peer support networks with like-minded innovators
Bridge the gap between innovation theory and practical action
Adult, experienced learner-focused approach to education
Programme Objectives
What we aim to achieve through the Innovation Retreat
Build understanding of innovation principles and develop practical capacity to innovate within our cybersecurity solutions
Create measurable impact through strategic knowledge transfer from academic research to practical business application
Develop and implement comprehensive action plans for delivering AI Shield Sentinel innovations to market
Identify and implement repeatable innovation processes that support iteration of new business models
Programme Curriculum
Comprehensive innovation training across four intensive sessions
Problem Statement
Principles of Lean Innovation
Value Proposition
Early Adopters
Market Analysis
Features and Benefits
Assumption Testing
Market Testing
Prototype Planning
Lo-Fi Prototype
Showcase
Dynamic Capabilities
Gap Analysis
Finances for Innovation
Action Planning
Next Steps
Business Benefits
How the Innovation Retreat supports our growth
Strategic Time
Dedicated time to work on the business, not in it
Peer Network
Develop a support network of innovative business leaders
Innovation Process
Adopt a repeatable, lean innovation process
Action Plan
Develop comprehensive plan to take innovation to market
Gap Analysis
Identify support needed to successfully innovate
Funding Access
Apply for funding through available mechanisms
Centre for Enterprise Track Record
Proven success in supporting business innovation
Businesses Supported
Startups Created
Jobs Created
Technical Assists
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support of the Year
Business Collaborator of the Year
Business/Industry Collaboration of the Year - University
Interested in Innovation Support?
Learn more about how we're using innovation methodologies to transform cybersecurity for vulnerable communities