16 September 2025: Manchester-based NoCodeLab.ai (www.nocodelab.ai) has become an official industry partner of the Centre for Digital Innovation (CDI), a collaboration of universities funded by Innovate UK and led by Manchester Metropolitan University.
This collaboration will equip non-technical founders, business leaders, and SMEs with the skills to rapidly design, prototype, and test digital products using cutting-edge AI-powered development tools. With less than 1% of the global population possessing traditional coding skills - and software remaining the most powerful tool for innovation - this partnership addresses a critical barrier to entrepreneurship.
Bringing NoCodeLab's innovative "Vibe Coding" methodology to the CDI and Manchester Met's digital innovation programmes is part of a collaborative network initiative that includes the University of Salford and Lancaster University. With the CDI forming a key element of the UK Government's £100 million Innovation Accelerator programme in Manchester, this partnership establishes a supercluster of digital expertise across AI, cybersecurity, industrial digitalisation, and immersive technology.
NoCodeLab.ai joins an elite group of CDI industry partners including Barclays, IBM, Cisco, and Fujitsu, reflecting Manchester Met's confidence in their expertise to shape the future of Greater Manchester’s digital landscape.
Professor Jennie Shorley, Academic Director at the Centre for Enterprise at Manchester Met and Principal Investigator for CDI, said: "We are delighted to welcome NoCodeLab.ai as an industry partner. This partnership strengthens our mission to equip businesses with cutting-edge digital skills while establishing Greater Manchester's digital supercluster as the UK's premier innovation hub.
Sara Simeone, Founder of NoCodeLab.ai, explained: "We're honoured to join the Centre for Digital Innovation as an industry partner. Revolutionary AI development platforms are emerging rapidly, but without proper guidance, they remain inaccessible to most entrepreneurs and business leaders. Our Vibe Coding methodology bridges this gap, transforming promising AI tools into practical business solutions. We work with founders to navigate platforms like Lovable, Bolt, and Cursor, alongside AI assistants like Claude, Gemini, ChatGPT, turning ambitious ideas into tangible products that create new pathways for the 99% of innovators who don't speak code."
Deborah Cleary, Co-Founder and Director of Growth at NoCodeLab.ai, added: "This collaboration demonstrates that systematic capability building is achievable and essential. Our hands-on approach empowers entrepreneurs to generate intellectual property, reduce reliance on external developers, and accelerate time to market. The CDI programme launches this week (17 September), and we're excited to see the innovative products and solutions that our participants will create."
About the Partnership: The collaboration integrates NoCodeLab.ai's practical AI Coding methodology into the CDI and the Centre for Enterprise's innovation programmes, offering entrepreneurs and business direct access to cutting-edge no-code development skills and accelerating Greater Manchester's position as a leading digital innovation hub.
Programme Details: The CDI programme launches on the 17th of September 2025. See https://centrefordigitalinnovation.ac.uk/ for details.
About NoCodeLab.ai: NoCodeLab.ai is a Manchester-based digital innovation company that democratises access to AI-powered development through its revolutionary "Vibe Coding" methodology. Since May 2025, the company has trained nearly 500 people, bridging the critical gap between emerging AI development platforms and practical business applications for the 99% of innovators who don't possess traditional coding skills. Founded by Sara Simeone (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarasimeone/) and co-led by Deborah Cleary (https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahjanecleary/), NoCodeLab.ai works with universities, public bodies, investors, and private sector innovators nationally, regionally, and globally. The company offers free monthly Vibe Coding masterclasses available at www.nocodelab.ai/roadmap and runs quarterly four-week Launchpad Accelerator programmes throughout the year.
For NoCodeLab.ai media enquiries or interview requests, please contact Deborah Cleary on press@nocodelab.ai or deborah@nocodelab.ai.
About the Centre for Digital Innovation (CDI): The Centre for Digital Innovation (CDI) is a UK Government-funded Innovation Accelerator driving digital transformation in the North West. A unique partnership of universities, colleges and industry, CDI empowers businesses with access to cutting-edge expertise, research and facilities across four key strands: artificial intelligence, cyber security, industrial digitalisation and immersive technology. As a supercluster of digital innovation, CDI leads regional thought leadership by fostering cross-sector collaboration and shaping the future of digital skills and innovation.
About the Centre for Enterprise: The Centre for Enterprise at Manchester Metropolitan University empowers leaders to innovate and grow through our triple-accredited Business School. Our expert team translates cutting-edge research into practical solutions for businesses. We focus on upskilling, embracing emerging technologies, and boosting productivity by providing access to business and technical expertise and research. Our dedicated academics and professionals are committed to transforming the North West economy. With £48 million in funding from the UK and Europe, we have collaborated with over 3000 small to medium enterprises, creating over 570 jobs and developing over 200 innovative products, helping businesses thrive and become more sustainable.
For CDI and the Centre of Enterprise media enquiries, please contact Daniel Cottam (he/him), Press & Communications Officer, Communications Department, Manchester Metropolitan University on D.Cottam@mmu.ac.uk