Artificial intelligence technologies aimed at reducing industrial emissions in the UK’s cement and steel sectors are among the ten finalists announced for this year’s £2 million Manchester Prize.
The annual award, now in its second year, recognises UK-led AI innovations that deliver social good.
This year’s competition focuses on clean energy, with finalists developing technologies designed to accelerate the country’s transition to net zero.
Among the shortlisted projects are an AI-powered system that optimises furnace operations to reduce carbon emissions in steel manufacturing, and an AI-based process control tool to cut emissions from cement production—two of the most energy-intensive industrial processes.
The Manchester Prize is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and delivered by Challenge Works, part of the Nesta group.
It aims to support artificial intelligence breakthroughs that benefit the economy, enhance public services, and promote an equitable shift towards a clean energy system.
Finalists will now receive further support to develop and demonstrate their solutions, with the overall winner set to be announced later this year.
Peter Kyle, secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, said: “AI is opening up transformative new ways to tackle climate change and support the UK’s ambition to become a clean energy superpower.
“That includes using the technology to keep our homes warm, while also supporting projects which will use AI to slash carbon emissions in our cement and steel industries – sectors which account for 16% of global emissions.”
Innovative applications of AI in retail and e-commerce, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, automotive, transport & logistics, and more will be celebrated at the Robotics & Automation Awards on 29 October 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.roboticsandautomationawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s robotics and automation sectors!
