Company: News
OLAI Backed by GMCA Business Growth Hub Funding
OLAI has secured funding from Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Business Growth Hub to support the next stage of its growth.
OLAI has secured funding from Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Business Growth Hub, backing the next stage of the company’s growth as it works to close the digital Independence Gap for older and disabled adults across the UK.
The grant adds to a fast-moving five months for the Manchester-founded startup, which has also been named to Tech Nation’s Breakout 50 and selected as a NextWave 2026 finalist, competing for a share of £2 million in investment.
About the opportunity
OLAI is building assistive technology that supports older adults, disabled adults, and people living with conditions such as dementia and autism to complete everyday digital tasks independently and with confidence, from booking a GP appointment to managing online banking.
OLAI works with public-sector, retail, venue, and banking organisations, alongside a home app for individual users.
Support from Business Growth Hub, GMCA’s programme for ambitious, high-growth Greater Manchester businesses, will help OLAI launch further within Greater Manchester and build out its pipeline of public- and private-sector partnerships across the region and beyond.
What’s next
With Business Growth Hub funding secured, OLAI is focused on launching to the app store and public-sector healthcare, while growing its network of accessibility partners across public and private sectors, from healthcare and local authorities to retail, banking, stadiums, and visitor attractions.
Follow OLAI’s journey and learn more at olaiapp.com.