Northern Gritstone

Phlux Technology is a photonics company that specializes in the development of advanced infrared sensing technology. Established in September 2020 as a spin-out from the University of Sheffield, Phlux focuses on creating high-performance infrared sensors designed for applications in LIDAR, fiber sensing, and imaging systems. The company aims to provide affordable infrared sensors that bridge the performance gap between InGaAs single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) and conventional InGaAs avalanche photodiodes (APDs). By enhancing the capabilities of laser rangefinders and other sensor systems, Phlux Technology enables clients to expand the operational limits of eye-safe sensor applications.

Robotics, teleoperation, software

Partful is a technology company that specializes in developing 3D explosion parts catalog and work instructions software. Its platform offers an interactive 3D experience, allowing consumers to visualize products and parts in detail. This innovative approach enables users to easily identify, locate, and order the correct components from a single exploded view. By streamlining the process of maintenance and repair operations, Partful's solutions help businesses reduce downtime, enhance safety, and achieve cost savings. The company's focus on improving operational efficiency through advanced visualization tools positions it as a valuable partner for organizations seeking to optimize their parts management processes.

Exciting Instruments Limited, based in Sheffield, is a joint venture that merges the software expertise of Bulldozer Limited with the specialized knowledge of Dr. Timothy Craggs in single-molecule research. The company develops innovative bench-top instruments for single-molecule spectroscopy, focusing on two-color fluorescence detection. These instruments are designed to facilitate discoveries in biophysics, life sciences, drug discovery, and medical diagnostics. By incorporating cloud connectivity and real-time data visualization, Exciting Instruments aims to streamline the research process for scientific professionals, enhancing their ability to conduct effective analysis and visualization of complex data.

Silveray is a company focused on developing affordable large-area direct conversion detectors specifically for the X-ray imaging market. It leverages advanced core technology that delivers high-performance X-ray imaging through the use of nanoparticle-based X-ray conversion materials. These materials are produced as a semiconductor ink, which is then deposited onto a pixel backplane. This innovative approach enables healthcare providers and various industries to generate an electrical current response to detected X-ray photons, all while maintaining a sustainable cost point. Silveray aims to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of X-ray imaging solutions.

MicroLub develops fat-replacement and texture-enhancing protein technologies for reduced-fat and plant-based foods. It creates next-generation ingredients and microgels that minimize molecular friction to improve sensory performance, enabling smoother and creamier textures. Its patented protein-polysaccharide formulations have applications in the food and personal care industries, addressing sustainability and consumer needs by supporting lower-fat, appealing products.

Phagenesis Limited is a medical device company based in Manchester, United Kingdom, founded in 2007. It focuses on developing innovative technology to treat dysphagia, a condition often associated with stroke and brain injuries that impairs safe swallowing. The company's flagship product, Phagenyx, consists of a base station that delivers targeted electrical stimulations to patients while recording and storing their information, and a catheter that is introduced through the nose to stimulate the pharynx. This approach leverages the brain’s neuroplasticity, enabling patients to relearn essential swallowing functions that may have been lost due to brain damage. Phagenesis aims to improve the recovery process for stroke patients in acute care settings by utilizing a method developed by Prof. Shaheen Hamdy of the University of Manchester, which has been validated through publication in reputable scientific and medical journals.

Adsilico is a medical technology company that specializes in developing advanced computer simulations to assess the safety and performance of medical devices. By using virtual patients, the company helps clients identify potential issues early in the development process, expedite time to market, and reduce the costs associated with traditional clinical trials.

Pragmatic is a developer of ultra-low-cost flexible integrated circuits, known as FlexICs, which are thinner than human hair and can be seamlessly embedded in various objects. This innovative technology allows designers to create application-specific flexible devices efficiently and at a fraction of the cost and time compared to traditional silicon circuits. Pragmatic also offers standard FlexIC products that enhance established applications like RFID and NFC, facilitating the creation of smart objects that can interact with consumers and their environments. The company's manufacturing is powered by the FlexLogIC production system, which enables cost-effective, high-volume production with significantly lower capital investments compared to conventional silicon fabrication methods. Pragmatic's technology is being increasingly adopted by a diverse range of global companies in markets such as consumer goods, retail, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, gaming, and security. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, Pragmatic operates its first billion-unit production facility in Sedgefield.

Floreon is a company that specializes in developing a plant-based bioplastic designed as a sustainable alternative to traditional oil-based plastics. The company's innovative material is created by enhancing standard polylactic acid (PLA) with a specially formulated compound, resulting in a fully compostable and high-performing bioplastic. This unique formulation emerged from a commitment to create a greener and safer plastic solution, addressing the limitations of existing options in the market. After four years of development, including a collaboration with the University of Sheffield, Floreon has produced a tough bioplastic that not only competes with conventional plastics in performance but also significantly reduces carbon emissions, aligning with clients' sustainability objectives.

Pencil Biosciences is focused on advancing gene-editing technology through the development of a novel, programmable genome-modulation platform. This innovative approach seeks to address the limitations of existing gene-editing technologies, providing new therapeutic options for patients with rare diseases. By enhancing the precision and efficacy of genome modulation, Pencil Biosciences aims to facilitate a wide range of applications in the medical field, ultimately supporting healthcare professionals in overcoming the challenges associated with traditional gene-editing methods.

C-Capture Limited designs and develops solvent systems that capture carbon dioxide from flue gases and other emission sources. The company’s proprietary technology enables reversible, non‑toxic removal of CO2 in post‑combustion capture processes, making power generation and hard‑to‑abate industries more environmentally friendly and cost‑effective. Founded in 2008, the firm is headquartered in Leeds, United Kingdom.

Mimetrik is a developing solution to real-world healthcare problems that are now unsolved or inadequately addressed.

AssetCool is a thermal metaphotonics company that develops photonic coatings and materials to improve electrical network performance. Its products lower overhead line temperatures, increase conductor ampacity, and reduce carbon emissions, enabling higher capacity on existing lines while cutting energy losses, operating costs, and environmental impact.

Optalysys Inc. is a technology company specializing in the development and commercialization of optical coprocessors designed for artificial intelligence and deep learning applications. Founded in 2013 and based in Reno, Nevada, Optalysys leverages low-power laser light to perform processor-intensive tasks, such as convolution functions for image classification and recognition. Its optical systems are aimed at enhancing the performance of various applications, including autonomous vehicles, medical image analysis, and weather forecasting, all while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional computing hardware. The company's innovative technology enables supercomputing capabilities on edge and mobile devices, enhances the efficiency of existing systems, and incorporates quantum secure encryption to protect sensitive data during processing.

LC AuxeTec is a materials company based on synthetic auxetic materials that enables resistance to high impact applications.

Recourse is a experiential skills development platform allows clinicians to immediately put theory into practice by simulating complex interactions with conversational digital humans. It support healthcare & life science organizations to achieve optimal performance.

Founded in 2015, Slingshot Simulations operates a Simulation-as-a-Service platform. It enables rapid simulation of complex large-scale systems and offers tools for automated configuration, deployment, management, and analysis.

QV Bioelectronics is focused on improving the lives of brain tumor patients through its innovative electric field therapy implant, GRACE. Developed in collaboration with leading neurosurgeons in the UK, GRACE aims to enhance life expectancy for patients suffering from glioblastoma, a brain tumor known for its poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Recognizing the significant gaps in effective therapies, co-founder Dr. Richard Fu, an academic neurosurgeon, teamed up with biomedical engineer Dr. Chris Bullock to address design flaws in existing electric field therapies. Their solution leverages advanced materials science, including the use of graphene, to optimize device performance and patient outcomes. Since its inception, QV Bioelectronics has garnered nearly $1 million in funding from various UK institutions and over $1 million from international life science investors. The company operates from its research hub in Alderley Park, Cheshire, and boasts a multidisciplinary team with extensive experience in bringing innovative medical devices to the clinic.

Phlux Technology is a photonics company that specializes in the development of advanced infrared sensing technology. Established in September 2020 as a spin-out from the University of Sheffield, Phlux focuses on creating high-performance infrared sensors designed for applications in LIDAR, fiber sensing, and imaging systems. The company aims to provide affordable infrared sensors that bridge the performance gap between InGaAs single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) and conventional InGaAs avalanche photodiodes (APDs). By enhancing the capabilities of laser rangefinders and other sensor systems, Phlux Technology enables clients to expand the operational limits of eye-safe sensor applications.

Imperagen is a biotechnology company focused on enzyme engineering, artificial intelligence, and synthetic biology. It develops a life science platform that integrates patented advances in enzyme simulation, AI, synthetic biology, and automation to create novel enzyme products for manufacturing complex drug molecules. Its applications span laboratory tools, enzyme replacement therapies, and drug delivery systems, helping healthcare sectors address speed, capacity, and scalability challenges.

Opteran reverse-engineers biological brains to create neuromorphic software for autonomous machines. Harnessing evolutionary principles, Opteran provides robust, low-cost autonomy on the edge without requiring AI, data centers, or training.