AI pioneer spin-out Polaron wins inaugural £1 million Manchester Prize

Polaron AI was set up in November 2023 by Imperial College London researchers, Drs Dr Isaac Squires, Steve Kench and Sam Cooper.

Its artificial intelligence technology was described as dramatically accelerating the development of new advanced materials “from years to a matter of days”.

The generative AI leverages microstructural image data to allow engineers to characterise materials, quantify variation, and optimise designs faster by exploring thousands of material designs in under a day.

Co-founder and CEO Squires said: “We are thrilled to have won the first ever Manchester Prize - it has been an extraordinary team effort. In the last year, we have turned the research we pursued at Imperial College London into a commercial product, using our AI to reduce years of materials development into a matter of days.” 

Set up by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology in 2023 and delivered by Challenge Works with the objective of harnessing AI solutions that would deliver public good, the Manchester Prize inaugural competition attracted 300 entries.

Ten finalists received £100,000 to develop their ideas over a year before a ceremony at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall with the winner announced by minister for AI Feryal Clarke and judging panel chair, Loughborough vice chancellor Nick Jennings. 

Last year saw the launch of the second prize, which will culminate in the winning entry receiving £2 million for an AI breakthrough that could help make Britain a clean energy superpower.

Finalists announced in May 2025 will get £100,000 in seed funding, £60,000 in computer credits plus other non-financial support. The winner will be announced in 2026.

Pic: l-r Judging panel chair Nick Jennings, Feryal Clark MP, Isaac Squires, Steve Kench, Sam Cooper (Credit: Manchester Prize)