Innovate UK

Innovate UK is a non-departmental public body established in 2007 and based in Swindon, United Kingdom. Funded by a government grant, it supports innovation in science and technology by providing funding services to businesses across various sectors and regions. The organization aims to drive productivity and economic growth by facilitating advancements that contribute to the UK’s economic landscape. In addition to funding, Innovate UK offers a range of services and information related to business and economic development, thereby fostering a supportive environment for innovation.

Mike Biddle

Programme Director of Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund

Will Drury

Executive Director, Digital and Technologies

Paul Gadd

Deputy Director

Dr. Tom Jenkins

Deputy Director

Tim Murley

Interim Chief Investment Officer

Scott James O'Brien

Director, Innovation Finance

Dave Wilkes

Director of Innovation Ecosystem

Past deals in Manufacturing

Productive Machines

Grant in 2023
Productive Machines specializes in software optimization for the machining industry, helping manufacturers enhance productivity and sustainability. The company utilizes a digital twin of the machining process, incorporating physics, mechanics, dynamics, distortion, and vibration data to simulate and test millions of parameters. This approach allows manufacturers to refine their CAM and Gcode, ultimately improving part quality and reducing cycle times. By addressing issues such as chatter vibrations and tooling costs, Productive Machines enables machining companies to achieve better surface finishes and dimensional accuracy, streamlining their operations and reducing costs. The company emerged as a spin-out from the UK Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, reflecting its commitment to advancing manufacturing technologies.

Dyman

Seed Round in 2022
Dyman Advanced Materials specializes in the development of a patented technology aimed at enhancing the manufacturing process of synthetic diamonds. This innovative approach seeks to improve the efficiency of the traditional high-pressure and high-temperature method used in diamond synthesis, resulting in reduced production costs. By providing a more economical production method, Dyman's technology serves both the industrial and gemstone market sectors, facilitating the broader availability of high-quality synthetic diamonds.

Vector Homes

Grant in 2022
Vector Homes creates a new method for constructing homes and choosing the materials to use. Vector Homes recycles the materials and enhance them with nanotechnologies to create unique properties for superior construction materials.
FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics is a provider of a machine-agnostic data analytics platform designed to enhance machining productivity through data-driven insights. The platform offers real-time visibility into shop floor operations, allowing users to monitor the status of each machine and identify unplanned downtime. By utilizing cloud-based technology, FourJaw enables small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector to access critical analytics that support improved operational efficiency and productivity. Through its comprehensive approach, FourJaw aims to empower manufacturers with the tools necessary to optimize their processes and make informed decisions.

Meritor

Grant in 2021
Meritor, Inc. is a global supplier specializing in drivetrain, braking, mobility, and aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicles and industrial markets. With over a century of experience, the company designs, develops, and manufactures a wide range of components, including axles, drivelines, braking systems, and suspension solutions, primarily for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, trailers, buses, and off-highway equipment. Meritor operates through two main segments: Commercial Truck, which focuses on original equipment manufacturers, and Aftermarket and Industrial, which serves replacement part customers. The company also provides complementary products such as brake shoes, automatic slack adjusters, and shock absorbers. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Meritor employs over 9,000 people across various global locations, serving markets in North America, South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Meritor was founded in 1909 and was formerly known as ArvinMeritor, Inc. before rebranding in 2011.

TextureJet

Grant in 2020
TextureJet designs, develops, and deploys machine tools and technologies for surface processing in high value manufacturing.

M-XR

Grant in 2020
M—XR is developing 3D production technology that allows brands, studios and creators to digitise the real-world accurately and automatically. Thus enabling them to leverage the infinite world of 3D with the highest quality 3D models.

Icaruus

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Icaruus specializes in designing and manufacturing apparel and equipment tailored for brands, medical institutions, and large workforces. The company operates on an on-demand manufacturing model, which allows for local production and direct delivery to end users. This approach minimizes the need for warehousing and lowers barriers to entry in the apparel and equipment industries. In addition to standard clothing items such as base layers, mid-layers, and t-shirts, Icaruus is also involved in apparel recycling and sustainable innovation research, reflecting its commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

Space Forge

Seed Round in 2020
Space Forge Limited is a company based in Bristol, United Kingdom, that focuses on the development of reusable satellites. Established in 2018, the company specializes in manufacturing super materials, including unique alloys and crystals, that are produced in space and cannot be replicated on Earth. These materials have applications across various industries, including computing, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals. Space Forge operates laboratories in Bristol and Wales to facilitate its research and production activities.

Dyman

Grant in 2020
Dyman Advanced Materials specializes in the development of a patented technology aimed at enhancing the manufacturing process of synthetic diamonds. This innovative approach seeks to improve the efficiency of the traditional high-pressure and high-temperature method used in diamond synthesis, resulting in reduced production costs. By providing a more economical production method, Dyman's technology serves both the industrial and gemstone market sectors, facilitating the broader availability of high-quality synthetic diamonds.

Naturbeads

Grant in 2020
Naturbeads, a company working to manufacture a replacement ato the ocean-polluting microbeads that, despite initial bans in “rinse-off” cosmetics, are found in many personal and home care products and paints. Naturbeads manufacture a biodegradable alternative to plastic microbeads that could reduce micro plastic pollution in the oceans. The technology to create the cellulose microbeads was developed at the University of Bath by Professors Janet Scott and Davide Mattia from the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies in 2017

Actuation Lab

Grant in 2020
Actuation Lab specializes in manufacturing machine components designed for industries operating in extreme environments, such as marine, mining, and offshore sectors. The company focuses on addressing the challenges of high servicing requirements and limited longevity associated with traditional actuators. By utilizing innovative technology known as the Callimorph, which generates movement through fluid pressure-induced morphing, Actuation Lab's components are resilient, powerful, and lightweight. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also reduces servicing and handling costs, allowing industries to streamline their processes and improve overall performance.

CloudNC

Grant in 2020
CloudNC Ltd. is a London-based company that specializes in developing software for designing tooling paths for numerically controlled (NC) machine tools. Founded in 2015, it offers a cloud computing service that automates the programming of computerized numerical control (CNC) milling machines, significantly enhancing efficiency in the manufacturing industry. By replacing traditional skilled human roles in metal component production, CloudNC's technology transforms CNC milling machines into user-friendly devices that can produce parts with minimal human intervention. This innovation allows clients to improve profitability per machine, streamline lead times, and enhance scalability. CloudNC aims to modernize the manufacturing sector, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable industrial revolution while addressing the industry's historical inefficiencies.

ZEG

Grant in 2019
Recovering 3D models using 2D images

Naturbeads

Grant in 2019
Naturbeads, a company working to manufacture a replacement ato the ocean-polluting microbeads that, despite initial bans in “rinse-off” cosmetics, are found in many personal and home care products and paints. Naturbeads manufacture a biodegradable alternative to plastic microbeads that could reduce micro plastic pollution in the oceans. The technology to create the cellulose microbeads was developed at the University of Bath by Professors Janet Scott and Davide Mattia from the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies in 2017

Verdel Instruments

Seed Round in 2019
Verdel Instruments Ltd specializes in the development of two-dimensional mass spectrometry (2DMS) technology, focusing on equipment for structural analysis and sequencing. Established in 2018 and located in Coventry, United Kingdom, the company provides advanced mass spectrometry solutions utilized in analytical laboratories. These solutions enable the identification of key components and impurities across various sectors, including biopharmaceuticals, food, chemical products, and environmental analysis. By allowing researchers to obtain structural information from complex mixtures, Verdel Instruments plays a crucial role in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of analytical processes.

TextureJet

Grant in 2019
TextureJet designs, develops, and deploys machine tools and technologies for surface processing in high value manufacturing.

Valuechain.com

Grant in 2018
Valuechain.com enables global manufacturing customers, suppliers and partners to connect, collaborate and increase competitiveness. They engage with every tier and commodity within complex manufacturing supply chains and generate tangible benefits through our innovative collaboration, business improvement and enterprise solutions.

Almac Group

Grant in 2018
Almac Group is a prominent contract development and manufacturing organization based in Craigavon, United Kingdom, specializing in a comprehensive array of services for the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. With over 40 years of organic growth, the company employs more than 4,500 skilled professionals and operates facilities in the UK, Ireland, the United States, and Asia. Almac Group's offerings encompass research and development, biomarker discovery and development, active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacture, formulation development, clinical trial supply, and companion diagnostic development. The group also includes Almac Diagnostics, which focuses on biomarker discovery and validation, providing services such as bioinformatics solutions and genomic analyses. Additionally, Almac Discovery is dedicated to oncology, concentrating on innovative cancer treatment approaches during the discovery and preclinical stages. Through continuous investment in state-of-the-art technology and services, Almac Group supports clients throughout the entire biopharmaceutical product lifecycle, from preclinical development to commercialization.

CloudNC

Grant in 2017
CloudNC Ltd. is a London-based company that specializes in developing software for designing tooling paths for numerically controlled (NC) machine tools. Founded in 2015, it offers a cloud computing service that automates the programming of computerized numerical control (CNC) milling machines, significantly enhancing efficiency in the manufacturing industry. By replacing traditional skilled human roles in metal component production, CloudNC's technology transforms CNC milling machines into user-friendly devices that can produce parts with minimal human intervention. This innovation allows clients to improve profitability per machine, streamline lead times, and enhance scalability. CloudNC aims to modernize the manufacturing sector, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable industrial revolution while addressing the industry's historical inefficiencies.

Flexciton

Grant in 2017
Flexciton Ltd. is a London-based company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence-driven software for production planning and scheduling in the manufacturing sector. Founded in 2016, the company aims to enhance operational efficiency by providing tools that optimize machine operation schedules and maintenance, as well as energy consumption. Flexciton's advanced algorithms and data analytics capabilities allow manufacturers to create optimized production schedules rapidly, significantly reducing operational costs. The company has gained recognition for its innovative approach, being named one of the world's most disruptive companies in 2018. Despite its early-stage status, Flexciton collaborates with prominent manufacturers, positioning itself as a key player in a multi-billion dollar market focused on industrial automation and efficiency improvements.

Additive Manufacturing Technologies

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
Additive Manufacturing Technologies specializes in automated post-processing solutions for 3D printed parts, targeting high-volume production across various industrial sectors. The company integrates advancements in material science, chemistry, hardware engineering, robotics, and machine learning to enhance the quality and reliability of 3D printed components. By focusing on the post-processing phase, AMT helps companies optimize their additive manufacturing facilities, improving efficiency and reducing lead times and manufacturing costs. Their technology supports a seamless digital workflow, enabling clients to meet market-ready specifications effectively and scale up production capabilities.

CloudNC

Grant in 2016
CloudNC Ltd. is a London-based company that specializes in developing software for designing tooling paths for numerically controlled (NC) machine tools. Founded in 2015, it offers a cloud computing service that automates the programming of computerized numerical control (CNC) milling machines, significantly enhancing efficiency in the manufacturing industry. By replacing traditional skilled human roles in metal component production, CloudNC's technology transforms CNC milling machines into user-friendly devices that can produce parts with minimal human intervention. This innovation allows clients to improve profitability per machine, streamline lead times, and enhance scalability. CloudNC aims to modernize the manufacturing sector, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable industrial revolution while addressing the industry's historical inefficiencies.

MakieLab

Grant in 2011
MakieLab is building social toys & games from the same dataset. They're taking 3D modelling for games, and 3D printing for manufacture, and building a pipeline to automatically produce both from a set of characters, furniture, or similar game and toy objects. Their first product is Makies, a new kind of future-smashing toy: customisable, 3D-printed, locally made, and game-enabled. Since Makies first launched in 2012, they've released two apps centering around super creative fashion play (Makies Doll Factory and Makies FabLab), launched Makies into Selfridges and Hamleys (London), won some lovely toy awards and shipped Makies to all four corners of the Earth.
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