01 / MAKE
Make a prototype.
Materials or components to turn a sketch into a first working version. Something you can hold, show and improve.
For Manchester’s scientists & engineers
Small grants.Big possibilities.
Micro-grants of up to £500 for science and engineering students at The University of Manchester. Help turn a prototype, experiment or technical idea into a first practical step.
Applications aren’t open yet. Join the mailing list to hear when they launch.
↗ Quick & simple↗ Science & engineering+ Independent initiative
Help build the first fund
Founding partners.
Help establish the first grant fund for student science and engineering. Select a logo space to enquire about becoming a founding partner.
01 / The idea
Give an idea
its first chance.
A prototype, a scientific experiment, an engineering challenge. Sometimes a small amount of funding can help an idea take its first step. We want to help science and engineering students investigate a question, test a design and learn by doing.
What a grant could help with · illustrative examples
02 / TEST
Test an idea.
Tools or supplies for a small experiment. Find out what works, what doesn’t, and what to try next.
03 / INVESTIGATE
Explore a question.
Supplies for a small scientific investigation. Collect early evidence and find out where a promising question leads.
02 / Help make it happen
Back the first wave
of student ideas.
We’re inviting businesses, alumni and individual supporters to help establish the first Manchester Builds grant fund.
Interested in funding a grant or contributing to the wider programme? We’d like to hear from you.
Talk to us about sponsorship [email protected]03 / For students & supporters
Hear when
applications open.
Applications aren’t open yet. Join the mailing list for grant news and application dates. Full eligibility and selection details will be announced before the first round.Open to students and anyone interested in supporting student science and engineering. Signing up is not a grant application.
Who is Manchester Builds for?
We’re developing micro-grants for science and engineering students at The University of Manchester. Full eligibility criteria will be published before the first application round opens.
What kinds of projects could be funded?
The focus is science and engineering: prototypes, experiments, technical proofs of concept and small investigations. For example, a grant could help with components, materials or testing supplies. Eligible costs will be confirmed when applications open.
How much funding will be available?
Individual micro-grants will be up to £500. The first funding round is being developed, and the number of grants will depend on the funding available.
How will I receive the funds?
If your application is successful, the grant will be paid into your personal bank account. Please don’t send bank details by email or through the mailing-list signup form.
When can I apply?
Applications aren’t open yet, and a launch date hasn’t been announced. Join the mailing list to hear about grant news and application dates.
Is this run by the University?
No. Manchester Builds is an independent initiative, not affiliated with or endorsed by The University of Manchester.
How can I support the fund?
We’d like to hear from businesses, alumni and individual supporters interested in backing student science and engineering. Contact us to discuss contributing to the first grant fund.