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 Nanotechnology

Paragraf

Grant in 2025
Paragraf Ltd. is a UK-based company established in 2015, specializing in the development and production of graphene-based electronic devices and materials. The company employs contamination-free technology to create high-purity graphene products, which are designed to enhance the performance of various electronic applications. Paragraf's innovations include devices for green energy generation, such as solar photovoltaic cells, as well as advanced sensors for monitoring environmental and health-related parameters. These products aim to optimize process and quality control across industries including electronics, energy, healthcare, and agriculture. By leveraging graphene's unique properties, Paragraf seeks to significantly impact the electronics industry and contribute to advancements in automation and disease research.

AllFocal Optics

Grant in 2024
AllFocal Optics revolutionizes display technology through groundbreaking nanophotonic solutions.

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.

Beta Bugs

Venture Round in 2023
Beta Bugs is an insect genetics company focused on developing high-performance breeds of Black Soldier Fly for insect farmers. The company's primary mission is to enhance the productivity of the insect protein sector, making it competitive with traditional feed ingredients such as fishmeal and soymeal. To achieve this, Beta Bugs operates a breeding program called HiPer-Fly® and runs an egg production site known as The Multiplier®, supplying its breeds to both UK and international markets. By leveraging biotechnology and breeding techniques, Beta Bugs aims to establish a sustainable protein source that converts food waste into high-quality protein for use in livestock, aquaculture, and pet feed, thereby providing an alternative to conventional feed sources. The company is headquartered at the Easter Bush Campus, collaborating with the Roslin Institute, a leader in animal genetics.

Quinas Technology (ULTRARAM)

Grant in 2023
Quinas is a leading-edge developer of revolutionary next-generation dual-use semiconductor memory technology designed to drive the proliferation of intelligent devices for Future Compute, Novel AI and Military/Aerospace. ULTRARAM is a revolutionary new type of computer memory that was invented and is under development in the Physics Department at Lancaster University. It combines speed, endurance, retention, and energy efficiency into a single memory concept. These astonishing properties are achieved by harnessing a quantum mechanical effect called resonant tunnelling. Benefits to end user: Ultra-efficient - extending battery life and/or reducing battery weight in the field Non-volatile - data retained in the absence of power, instant reboot for fast response when power is restored. High endurance - high reliability with long lifetime High performance - no compromise in speed despite non-volatility Low carbon – reduces large system power consumption. Sectors: -Future Compute -Novel AI -Data Centres -Automotive -Military/Aerospace

Metalchemy

Grant in 2023
Metalchemy is a nanotechnology company focused on developing innovative products and bioplastics derived from green nanomaterials. The company specializes in bio-nanotechnology that addresses food waste by transforming it into usable nanomaterials. Through its advancements, Metalchemy aims to make green nanotechnology accessible to a wider audience, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future while actively tackling the climate crisis.

Nanovery

Grant in 2023
Nanovery Limited, founded in 2018 and based in London, United Kingdom, specializes in developing nanorobots aimed at detecting cancer mutations. The company's innovative platform utilizes artificial intelligence to facilitate the rapid and ultra-sensitive identification of challenging biomarkers in blood samples. These nanorobots can capture circulating tumor DNA and emit a fluorescent signal, enabling healthcare professionals to conduct point-of-care tests. By facilitating early cancer detection, Nanovery aims to enhance patient outcomes and increase survival rates. The organization is supported by a team of experts in nanotechnology, medicinal chemistry, and artificial intelligence, along with backing from leading academics, clinicians, and industry leaders.

Intrinsic Semiconductor Technologies

Grant in 2023
Intrinsic Semiconductor Technologies focuses on developing silicon-oxide-based resistive random-access memory (RRAM) technologies. The company specializes in creating memristive devices that serve as next-generation non-volatile memory solutions. Their technology is fully air stable and compatible with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) processes, allowing for integration into standard devices even at advanced process nodes. This capability enables the production of low-power, cost-effective semiconductors that can operate under higher power ratings, including elevated frequencies and temperatures. Intrinsic's offerings can be configured for various applications, such as multilevel memory, hardware acceleration for machine learning, and neuromorphic computing, positioning the company at the forefront of innovation in the semiconductor industry.

Paragraf

Grant in 2022
Paragraf Ltd. is a UK-based company established in 2015, specializing in the development and production of graphene-based electronic devices and materials. The company employs contamination-free technology to create high-purity graphene products, which are designed to enhance the performance of various electronic applications. Paragraf's innovations include devices for green energy generation, such as solar photovoltaic cells, as well as advanced sensors for monitoring environmental and health-related parameters. These products aim to optimize process and quality control across industries including electronics, energy, healthcare, and agriculture. By leveraging graphene's unique properties, Paragraf seeks to significantly impact the electronics industry and contribute to advancements in automation and disease research.

Ionoptika

Grant in 2021
Ionoptika is the provider of high-performance ion beam technologies for surface analysis and nanofabrication applications, and are the experts in cluster ion beams for secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS).

Anaphite

Seed Round in 2021
Anaphite Limited, established in 2016 and located in Bristol, United Kingdom, focuses on the development of graphene-based nanomaterials. The company specializes in creating graphene-enhanced cathodes designed for high-power, high-energy, and cost-effective lithium-ion batteries. Anaphite's innovative approach involves integrating graphene into composite materials through a scalable and economical process. This technology results in advanced properties that make their nanomaterials suitable for a variety of applications, including energy storage, air purification, and thermal management. By prioritizing affordability and versatility, Anaphite aims to make significant contributions to the commercialization of these technologies.

Camallergy

Grant in 2021
Camallergy Limited, based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, is a biopharmaceutical company established in 2015 that focuses on developing and manufacturing oral immunotherapy drugs and other pharmaceutical products specifically for food allergies. The company's primary offering is a novel oral immunotherapy designed to treat peanut allergies, which aims to provide patients with "bite-proof" protection within 14 weeks of therapy. This patient-centric treatment addresses the urgent needs of millions suffering from food allergies and is rooted in clinical research conducted at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Camallergy's unique intellectual property and treatment regimen exemplify its commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals affected by these allergies.

Iceni Labs

Grant in 2020
Iceni Labs is an innovation commercialisation enterprise, with integrated research, development, test and manufacturing capability. Inter-disciplinary by nature, we combine commercial expertise with academic excellence, across the Defence and Security, Energy, Health and Consumer sectors. Our professional networks bridge artificial intelligence, automated creativity, electronics, energy, materials, nanotechnology and software. We invent and innovate in-house, foster high-potential technologies, and aggregate capabilities globally, to produce innovative, disruptive products that deliver more than the sum of their parts. By providing technical, executive, commercial and capital support, our Innovation-Exploitation Programme enhances value proposition and reduces risk exposure, while developing creativity, flexibility and robustness. Our goal is for our ‘wrap around’ idea to patent to product approach to become recognised globally as a catalyst for successful innovation. We are bridging the challenging gap between ‘thinking’ and ‘doing’.

Glaia

Grant in 2020
Glaia specializes in developing nanotechnology-based solutions aimed at enhancing sustainable agriculture. The company focuses on products that improve food security and address climate change challenges. Glaia's innovations enable plants to harvest light more efficiently and streamline biomass production processes, leading to increased crop yields. By optimizing plant performance, these solutions assist farmers in boosting agricultural productivity while alleviating the strain on natural resources.

Iceni Labs

Grant in 2020
Iceni Labs is an innovation commercialisation enterprise, with integrated research, development, test and manufacturing capability. Inter-disciplinary by nature, we combine commercial expertise with academic excellence, across the Defence and Security, Energy, Health and Consumer sectors. Our professional networks bridge artificial intelligence, automated creativity, electronics, energy, materials, nanotechnology and software. We invent and innovate in-house, foster high-potential technologies, and aggregate capabilities globally, to produce innovative, disruptive products that deliver more than the sum of their parts. By providing technical, executive, commercial and capital support, our Innovation-Exploitation Programme enhances value proposition and reduces risk exposure, while developing creativity, flexibility and robustness. Our goal is for our ‘wrap around’ idea to patent to product approach to become recognised globally as a catalyst for successful innovation. We are bridging the challenging gap between ‘thinking’ and ‘doing’.

Anaphite

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Anaphite Limited, established in 2016 and located in Bristol, United Kingdom, focuses on the development of graphene-based nanomaterials. The company specializes in creating graphene-enhanced cathodes designed for high-power, high-energy, and cost-effective lithium-ion batteries. Anaphite's innovative approach involves integrating graphene into composite materials through a scalable and economical process. This technology results in advanced properties that make their nanomaterials suitable for a variety of applications, including energy storage, air purification, and thermal management. By prioritizing affordability and versatility, Anaphite aims to make significant contributions to the commercialization of these technologies.

Iceni Labs

Grant in 2019
Iceni Labs is an innovation commercialisation enterprise, with integrated research, development, test and manufacturing capability. Inter-disciplinary by nature, we combine commercial expertise with academic excellence, across the Defence and Security, Energy, Health and Consumer sectors. Our professional networks bridge artificial intelligence, automated creativity, electronics, energy, materials, nanotechnology and software. We invent and innovate in-house, foster high-potential technologies, and aggregate capabilities globally, to produce innovative, disruptive products that deliver more than the sum of their parts. By providing technical, executive, commercial and capital support, our Innovation-Exploitation Programme enhances value proposition and reduces risk exposure, while developing creativity, flexibility and robustness. Our goal is for our ‘wrap around’ idea to patent to product approach to become recognised globally as a catalyst for successful innovation. We are bridging the challenging gap between ‘thinking’ and ‘doing’.

Nanna Therapeutics

Grant in 2019
Nanna Therapeutics Limited is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, focused on developing drugs for age-related diseases, including mitochondrial, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular/metabolic, joint/tissue diseases, and cancer. Founded in 2012, the company aims to address the unmet medical needs in these areas by targeting fundamental cellular processes to create innovative treatments. Nanna Therapeutics employs a proprietary platform known as the Totally Integrated Medicines Engine (TIME), which utilizes advanced technologies such as microfluidics, nanofabrication, and artificial intelligence to enhance drug discovery. This platform enables the rapid creation and functional screening of millions of novel compounds, thereby accelerating the development of transformative medicines for conditions that currently lack effective therapies. As of April 2020, Nanna Therapeutics operates as a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd.

Anaphite

Seed Round in 2019
Anaphite Limited, established in 2016 and located in Bristol, United Kingdom, focuses on the development of graphene-based nanomaterials. The company specializes in creating graphene-enhanced cathodes designed for high-power, high-energy, and cost-effective lithium-ion batteries. Anaphite's innovative approach involves integrating graphene into composite materials through a scalable and economical process. This technology results in advanced properties that make their nanomaterials suitable for a variety of applications, including energy storage, air purification, and thermal management. By prioritizing affordability and versatility, Anaphite aims to make significant contributions to the commercialization of these technologies.

Beta Bugs

Grant in 2018
Beta Bugs is an insect genetics company focused on developing high-performance breeds of Black Soldier Fly for insect farmers. The company's primary mission is to enhance the productivity of the insect protein sector, making it competitive with traditional feed ingredients such as fishmeal and soymeal. To achieve this, Beta Bugs operates a breeding program called HiPer-Fly® and runs an egg production site known as The Multiplier®, supplying its breeds to both UK and international markets. By leveraging biotechnology and breeding techniques, Beta Bugs aims to establish a sustainable protein source that converts food waste into high-quality protein for use in livestock, aquaculture, and pet feed, thereby providing an alternative to conventional feed sources. The company is headquartered at the Easter Bush Campus, collaborating with the Roslin Institute, a leader in animal genetics.

Irresistible Materials

Grant in 2018
Irresistible Materials Ltd is a materials technology company based in Swansea, United Kingdom, specializing in the development and commercialization of fullerene-based photoresist technology for lithography applications. Established in 2010 as a spin-out from the University of Birmingham, the company collaborates with partners such as Nano-C Inc to advance novel materials aimed at the next generation of microchips. Irresistible Materials has built a robust patent portfolio that includes innovative resist materials for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and e-beam lithography, as well as hard-mask materials. By focusing on fullerene as an alternative to traditional polymer-based photoresists, the company aims to support the semiconductor industry’s needs for increasingly smaller microchip feature sizes. Through ongoing collaboration with the University of Birmingham and a growing network of global partners, Irresistible Materials continues to enhance and expand its materials portfolio.

Xerion Healthcare

Grant in 2017
Xerion Healthcare Limited, founded in 2015 and based in Thame, United Kingdom, specializes in developing and commercializing innovative nanoparticle treatments aimed at improving cancer care. The company focuses on utilizing titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which are injected into tumors prior to standard radiotherapy. This method enhances the effectiveness of radiotherapy by amplifying the dose of free radicals generated by X-rays, allowing for more effective treatment of dense tumors. Xerion Healthcare is currently advancing its technology for head, neck, and pancreatic cancers, with the goal of improving patient outcomes while minimizing side effects associated with conventional cancer treatments.

LIFNano Therapeutics

Grant in 2016
LIFNano Therapeutics, established in 2013 as a spin-out from the University of Cambridge, is a clinical-stage company dedicated to the development of targeted therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis. The company specializes in utilizing nanotechnology to deliver the biologic Leukaemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF), aiming to repair damaged tissues, including neurons in the brain and spinal cord. By focusing on natural treatment options, LIFNano Therapeutics seeks to provide innovative solutions for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory diseases affecting the brain and immune system.

Tecrea

Grant in 2015
Tecrea Ltd is involved in basic research that results in transformative technologies for biomedicine. We focus on creative ways to use nanotechnology to improve cell delivery of reagents and drugs. We view cell delivery as a central problem in biological research and biomedicine, and improved delivery strategies can enable better application of many reagents and drugs. By improving delivery, Tecrea Ltd enables scientists to bring forward modern molecular medicines to the clinic.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.