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

Scott James O'Brien

Director, Innovation Finance

Nigel Walker

Deputy Director, Lending and Investor Partnerships

Dave Wilkes

Director of Innovation Ecosystem

Past deals in 3D Printing

Axial3D

Venture Round in 2024
Axial3D specializes in 3D printing technology for healthcare, focusing on creating precise, patient-specific anatomical models derived from CT and MRI scan data. By providing a unique Online Ordering Portal, they enable clinicians to securely upload scans, allowing Axial3D's expert team to generate accurate physical models of patients' anatomy. These 3D printed models enhance the understanding of medical abnormalities, promote innovative surgical techniques, and ultimately improve surgical outcomes. The company's approach bridges the gap between technology and medicine, empowering surgeons and medical practitioners to effectively plan and rehearse complex procedures, thereby advancing the standards and efficiency of surgical interventions.

Vector Photonics

Grant in 2024
Vector Photonics is a spin-out company from the University of Glasgow, located in Glasgow, Scotland, a notable center for optical and photonics innovation. The company specializes in developing advanced semiconductor laser technology aimed at enhancing data communications and additive manufacturing processes, including metal and plastic printing. Its innovative approach centers on photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers, which are cost-effective and emit light from their top surface, similar to vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). This design facilitates easy packaging and integration into printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic assemblies, allowing various industries to seamlessly adopt this semiconductor laser technology into their operations.

Authentise

Grant in 2024
Authentise Inc. is a technology company based in Mountain View, California, specializing in process automation software for additive manufacturing. Founded in 2012, the company provides solutions that facilitate the preparation, optimization, and secure streaming of 3D designs directly to printers, while also enabling real-time production monitoring. Its core product is a Manufacturing Execution System that integrates with data from 3D printers and other digital manufacturing devices to automate various processes, such as order status updates and traceability reporting. Authentise also offers SendShapes, allowing users to send STL files for printing, and the Authentise Streaming API, which enables the distribution of 3D design products. The company's technology serves a diverse clientele, including retailers, brands, 3D design sellers, and printing bureaus, ensuring secure production of a wide range of items from spare parts to customized products.

Ultima Forma

Grant in 2024
Ultima Forma is a manufacturer based in England that specializes in producing lightweight, high-strength, multi-functional metallic engineering components. The company is focused on developing an innovative manufacturing process that enables the creation of complex 3D multi-material components with locally tailored nanoengineered characteristics. By offering customized solutions, Ultima Forma aims to redefine traditional manufacturing methods and deliver components with specific shapes and material properties, enhancing the performance and functionality of various applications.

Photocentric

Grant in 2024
They are a leading manufacturer of liquid photopolymer resin for 3d printing as well as more traditional 2d printing, available in many packaging formats.

Rivelin Robotics

Grant in 2024
Rivelin Robotics specializes in the development of advanced robotic solutions for metal additive manufacturing post-processing. The company's AI technology, known as NetShape®, enables robots to autonomously perform tasks such as cutting, grinding, and polishing metal, thereby enhancing efficiency in manufacturing. By integrating state-of-the-art sensors and processes, Rivelin's robots offer improved dexterity and versatility, making industrial operations safer and more efficient. This innovation aims to eliminate repetitive and labor-intensive tasks, ultimately reducing costs and protecting the health of workers in the manufacturing sector.

Additive Manufacturing Solutions

Seed Round in 2023
Additive Manufacturing (AM) refers to the entire process chain involved in selectively adding material and generating three-dimensional shapes. Because of this, AM is frequently referred to as 3D printing.

Sum Vivas

Grant in 2023
Sum Vivas is a technology company that specializes in creating highly realistic, AI-powered digital humans. These digital entities can interact with customers in both physical and digital environments, providing businesses with innovative tools to enhance customer experiences, boost sales, and improve service. The company's platform allows for the creation of digital doubles of specific individuals or generic, immersive characters, complete with customizable surroundings and apparel.

Peptimatrix

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Peptimatrix is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of an innovative, animal-free 3D cell culture platform. Utilizing a peptide hydrogel technology, the company aims to reduce and replace the use of animals and animal-derived products in drug development and research, promoting more efficient and ethical cell culture experiments. Backed by prominent UK research councils, Peptimatrix brings together experts in matrix biology, cancer science, toxicology, and biomaterial engineering to create reproducible, reliable, and ethical in vitro disease and development models.

Rivelin Robotics

Grant in 2023
Rivelin Robotics specializes in the development of advanced robotic solutions for metal additive manufacturing post-processing. The company's AI technology, known as NetShape®, enables robots to autonomously perform tasks such as cutting, grinding, and polishing metal, thereby enhancing efficiency in manufacturing. By integrating state-of-the-art sensors and processes, Rivelin's robots offer improved dexterity and versatility, making industrial operations safer and more efficient. This innovation aims to eliminate repetitive and labor-intensive tasks, ultimately reducing costs and protecting the health of workers in the manufacturing sector.

Rivelin Robotics

Grant in 2021
Rivelin Robotics specializes in the development of advanced robotic solutions for metal additive manufacturing post-processing. The company's AI technology, known as NetShape®, enables robots to autonomously perform tasks such as cutting, grinding, and polishing metal, thereby enhancing efficiency in manufacturing. By integrating state-of-the-art sensors and processes, Rivelin's robots offer improved dexterity and versatility, making industrial operations safer and more efficient. This innovation aims to eliminate repetitive and labor-intensive tasks, ultimately reducing costs and protecting the health of workers in the manufacturing sector.

Kromek Group

Grant in 2021
Kromek Group is a technology company specializing in the development, manufacturing, and sale of radiation detection products across various sectors, including medical imaging, nuclear detection, and security screening. The company offers a range of high-resolution detection solutions that utilize cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) and scintillator technologies to identify cancerous tissues and hazardous materials. Its product portfolio includes handheld gamma detectors, thermal neutron detectors, gamma-ray imaging systems, and advanced medical imaging devices such as CZT gamma detectors for SPECT imaging and photon-counting spectral CT. In the security domain, Kromek provides personal radiation detectors, networked radiation detection systems, and innovative detection algorithms for explosives. The company is dedicated to scientific research and development, continually pushing the boundaries of imaging technology and material analysis. Kromek Group operates globally, serving markets in the United Kingdom, North America, Asia, Europe, and Australasia, and distributes its products through various channels, including direct sales and partnerships with original equipment manufacturers. Headquartered in Sedgefield, the United Kingdom, Kromek Group was incorporated in 2013.

4D Biomaterials

Grant in 2020
4D Medicine specializes in creating innovative solutions for the targeted and controlled regeneration of human tissue through the development of degradable, implantable medical devices. Utilizing novel photopolymer materials, the company is advancing a range of products that are currently undergoing regulatory clearance with the Food and Drug Administration. These resorbable medical devices aim to enhance patient outcomes in various applications, including musculoskeletal surgery, soft tissue repair, and drug delivery. By focusing on regulatory approval and effective medical applications, 4D Medicine seeks to provide valuable options for medical device suppliers and healthcare providers.

M-XR

Grant in 2020
M-XR is engaged in the development of advanced 3D production technology, aimed at enabling brands, studios, and creators to accurately and automatically digitize real-world objects. The company's platform utilizes a custom-engineered system combined with machine learning to capture and extract complex 3D information that was previously difficult to obtain. This technology allows clients, particularly in the fashion industry, to seamlessly convert their products into high-quality 3D models, thereby unlocking new possibilities in virtual and augmented reality experiences. By focusing on research and development, M-XR aims to enhance the accessibility and utility of 3D content for a variety of applications.

VividQ

Grant in 2020
VividQ Limited is a software company specializing in the development of a framework that enables the generation, compression, and transmission of 3D holographic images and video. The company offers several key products, including VividQ Capture, which standardizes 3D data for holographic display, and VividQ Squeeze, a compression solution for point cloud data storage. Additionally, VividQ Core facilitates multi-user interactions with holograms, while VividQ View allows developers to integrate various spatial light modulators into their systems. The company's technology is utilized across various sectors, including consumer electronics, augmented and virtual reality, automotive displays, and immersive simulations. Founded in 2015 and based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, VividQ collaborates with leading original equipment manufacturers to integrate its advanced software and hardware solutions into next-generation consumer devices, aiming to create a seamless blend of real and virtual experiences.

Space Forge

Seed Round in 2020
Space Forge Limited, founded in 2018 and based in Bristol, United Kingdom, focuses on developing reusable satellites for manufacturing unique materials in space. The company's innovative approach allows for the production of super materials that cannot be created on Earth, utilizing the advantages of the space environment. Space Forge manufactures alloys, metals, and crystals used across various industries, including computing, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals. By leveraging space-based manufacturing, the company aims to contribute to a cleaner industrial revolution, helping clients reduce energy loss and carbon emissions while producing lighter vehicles and improving material properties. The company operates laboratories in Bristol and Wales to support its research and development efforts.

Rivelin Robotics

Grant in 2019
Rivelin Robotics specializes in the development of advanced robotic solutions for metal additive manufacturing post-processing. The company's AI technology, known as NetShape®, enables robots to autonomously perform tasks such as cutting, grinding, and polishing metal, thereby enhancing efficiency in manufacturing. By integrating state-of-the-art sensors and processes, Rivelin's robots offer improved dexterity and versatility, making industrial operations safer and more efficient. This innovation aims to eliminate repetitive and labor-intensive tasks, ultimately reducing costs and protecting the health of workers in the manufacturing sector.

ZEG

Grant in 2019
ZEG is a developer of a 3D model platform designed for various consumer goods, including furniture, shoes, and clothing. The platform utilizes computer vision and deep learning technologies to create photorealistic 3D content, allowing clients to effectively showcase their products. By offering an efficient means to present goods in three-dimensional and extended reality formats, ZEG helps businesses reduce both the time and costs associated with product visualization. This innovative approach enhances the consumer experience and aims to increase conversion rates for clients.

Gravity Sketch

Grant in 2019
Gravity Sketch Limited, established in 2014 and based in London, develops innovative 3D creation tools. It offers multi-platform solutions, including Gravity Sketch VR and Gravity Sketch iOS, empowering design teams to create, collaborate, and refine 3D models, geometries, and artwork more efficiently. The company's intuitive tools aim to streamline workflows and enhance productivity across various industries, such as transportation, industrial design, and apparel.

Sensat

Grant in 2018
Sensat, established in 2015 and headquartered in London, specializes in a cloud-based 3D virtual engineering platform. It uses mapping drones to gather precise survey data, which is then processed through its software, Mapp. This software creates exact topographical replicas of sites, optimizing pre-construction planning, design, and bidding processes. Sensat's platform also enables infrastructure owners and operators to visualize and manage live project information in 2D, 3D, and 4D, facilitating data-driven decision-making and remote project monitoring.

Gravity Sketch

Grant in 2017
Gravity Sketch Limited, established in 2014 and based in London, develops innovative 3D creation tools. It offers multi-platform solutions, including Gravity Sketch VR and Gravity Sketch iOS, empowering design teams to create, collaborate, and refine 3D models, geometries, and artwork more efficiently. The company's intuitive tools aim to streamline workflows and enhance productivity across various industries, such as transportation, industrial design, and apparel.

Additive Manufacturing Technologies

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
Additive Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) specializes in automated post-processing technology aimed at enhancing the efficiency of additive manufacturing operations. The company's flagship platform, PostPro, significantly improves the cost, quality, safety, and throughput involved in the production of 3D printed parts. By automating the traditionally manual and expensive post-production steps, AMT enables manufacturers to transition their facilities into high-volume production lines. This innovative approach not only accelerates lead times but also reduces overall manufacturing costs, making it an attractive solution for clients looking to scale their additive manufacturing capabilities.

MakieLab

Grant in 2011
MakieLab specializes in the design and manufacturing of customizable 3D-printed toys and games aimed at children aged three and older. The company leverages 3D modeling and printing technologies to create a streamlined process that produces a variety of characters and objects for play. Their flagship product, Makies, is an innovative toy that allows users to customize 10-inch fashion dolls and accessories through digital interfaces, including apps like Makies Doll Factory and Makies FabLab. Since its launch in 2012, MakieLab has expanded its presence by partnering with prominent retailers such as Selfridges and Hamleys in London, earning several awards for its unique offerings while distributing its products globally.
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