What happens when bold ideas, breakthrough science and artificial intelligence come together?

Following the AI for Science Summit, Venture Café Manchester opens its doors for a special Thursday Gathering exploring the people, ideas and technologies transforming the future of scientific discovery.

We'll be joined by senior representatives from the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), including its Chief Technology Officer, for ARIA 101 — an accessible, behind-the-scenes conversation about how ARIA works, why it backs ambitious and unconventional research, and how researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators can get involved.

We'll then turn our attention to one of science's most exciting emerging frontiers: Agentic AI. In an interactive, unconference-style workshop led by the UK Agentic Science Network, we'll explore how increasingly autonomous AI systems could change the way scientific research is conceived, conducted and translated into real-world breakthroughs.

As always, there'll be plenty of time for the conversations and unexpected connections that make Venture Café special. Whether you're a scientist, founder, investor, technologist or simply curious about what's next, come ready to share ideas, challenge assumptions and meet people working at the frontiers of innovation.