We’re proud to share that ecls translations was selected as one of only six UK companies to join the GM Business Growth Hub delegation at ruhrSUMMIT 2025, held in Bochum, Germany this summer. The opportunity came through the Innovation Bridge UK partnership, an initiative designed to foster international collaboration between Greater Manchester and the Ruhr region – two thriving centres of innovation.
Introducing Innovation Bridge UK
The Innovation Bridge UK initiative is designed to connect Manchester’s expertise in cybersecurity, digital identity, greentech and localisation with Germany’s dynamic and fast-growing innovation hubs.
With our deep sector expertise and client-centered approach, we were proud to contribute to this cross-border exchange of ideas and capabilities. As a company specialising in translation and localisation, our mission is to break down language and cultural barriers so businesses can expand with clarity and confidence. The partnership and summit offered the perfect stage to demonstrate how strategic language services can help bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, strengthen international connections and unlock new opportunities.
Highlights from ruhrSUMMIT 2025
The summit brought start-ups, investors, corporates and partners together under one roof to foster moments of collaboration, connection and international insight.
A standout talk by Philipp Klöckner explored the latest trends in AI, while the dedicated AI & Tech Arena showcased cutting-edge technologies reshaping the future of business. We were also inspired by the HERHOOD initiative, which championed female entrepreneurship through networking opportunities and masterclasses.
Immersing Ourselves in Bochum’s Startup Ecosystem
Day two featured a morning networking breakfast at VMRay hosted by Anne Thiele, where GM Business Growth Hub delegates learned more about the strategic objectives of local economic development agencies such as Duisburg Business & Innovation GmbH, Wirtschaftsförderung Bottrop and Essen Wirtschaft (EWG - Essener Wirtschaftsförderung), as well as the business support available. We then got the chance to pitch our companies in an open, engaging atmosphere. We shared what makes ecls translations uniquely valuable – our personalised customer service and deep sector expertise that drive real results for clients.
The afternoon took us to werkX, a vibrant innovation hub where we connected with representatives from Bochum Economic Development and Cube 5, among others. Engaging with Bochum’s startup ecosystem gave us a deeper understanding of the region’s business culture and strong appetite for international collaboration.
Looking Ahead
The trade mission to the Ruhr as one of six companies selected for the Innovation Bridge partnership was incredibly valuable for ecls translations’ understanding of the region and plans to develop stronger ties there. The summit showcased impressive innovation depth, collaborative spirit and strategic approaches to building sustainable startup communities.
Having the opportunity to spend time with delegates from Manchester, who are experts in the fields of cybersecurity, digital identity and greentech, and who share our passion for startup business and international collaboration, was inspiring.
We’re incredibly grateful to GM Business Growth Hub and Business Metropole Ruhr GmbH for curating such a rich and rewarding experience. We’re already looking forward to furthering discussions at the “Greater Manchester – Germany Innovation Summit” in September 2025 and to seeing how these new international connections evolve into continued partnerships, fuelled in part by the power of quality translation. Here’s to the next chapter of collaboration between Manchester and the Ruhr.
Interested in working across languages and cultures with confidence? Contact us to learn how ecls translations can help your business thrive internationally.