2022 Innovate UK Grant Winners Directory

The Scale-Up Institute is a research and technology organisation focused on providing strategic business advisory services and peer-to-peer networking support for high-growth companies. Their work centres on facilitating the Innovate UK EDGE programme, which provides tailored guidance to help UK businesses scale effectively. They have consistently acted as a lead delivery partner for national business growth initiatives.

Blue Bear Systems Research is a UK SME specialising in unmanned air systems (UAS) and zero-emission aviation technologies. Their work spans from detect and avoid systems for BVLoS drone operations to hydrogen-electric propulsion for regional aircraft and maritime hovercraft. Over a decade, they have evolved from UAV component research to leading large-scale demonstrations of commercially viable, zero-carbon air transport networks.

SeeQC UK develops superconducting quantum computers and quantum-as-a-service platforms, with expertise spanning cryogenic cooling, cryo-CMOS control electronics, active magnetic shielding, and machine learning for qubit control. Their work targets applications in drug discovery, defence simulation, and scalable quantum error correction, evolving from early feasibility studies to collaborative commercial-scale projects, including a live testbed for quantum error correction.

The University of Sussex is a leading UK research institution that bridges the gap between fundamental academic inquiry and industrial application, particularly in quantum technologies, mental health digital platforms, and environmental sustainability. Their work has evolved from foundational physics research into high-impact collaborative projects, frequently partnering with industry to commercialise innovations in atomic clocks, quantum computing, and AI-driven healthcare. They actively support regional industrial decarbonisation and circular economy initiatives through cross-disciplinary research and knowledge transfer partnerships.

Potenza Technology is a specialist automotive engineering firm focused on the development of advanced electric powertrain systems, battery management technology, and vehicle integration solutions. Over their grant history, they have evolved from a collaborative partner in early-stage electric vehicle research to a lead developer of sophisticated, situationally-aware battery management systems for commercial and light-duty vehicles. Their work consistently addresses the critical challenges of battery safety, thermal management, and energy efficiency in the transition to zero-emission transport.

Wayland Additive is a micro/small enterprise based in Yorkshire that develops the NeuBeam® electron beam additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Their work addresses critical challenges in producing large, stress-free, and high-performance metal parts for aerospace, medical implant, and energy sectors. Over their grant history, they have evolved from foundational powder reuse and process stability research through to commercial-scale systems, data-rich process monitoring with AI/ML, and sustainable applications such as copper windings for electric vehicle motors.

Adaptix develops a novel flat-panel X-ray source using an array of solid-state emitters, enabling low-cost, low-dose portable 3D imaging (digital tomosynthesis). Their technology targets medical diagnostics (orthopaedics, chest, dental, breast, veterinary) and non-destructive testing for aerospace and electronics. The company has progressed from feasibility studies to FDA-cleared products and is expanding into larger industrial inspection.

Plasgran is a large-scale plastics recycling specialist focused on developing advanced mechanical recycling processes for post-consumer polypropylene. Their work addresses the critical gap in the circular economy by enabling the conversion of food-grade plastic waste into high-value, food-safe packaging materials. By establishing closed-loop recycling routes, they aim to reduce reliance on virgin polymers in the food and drink sector.

The University of Huddersfield, through its Advanced Machinery & Productivity Initiative (AMPI), acts as a central research and innovation hub for the UK's advanced manufacturing sector. By bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application, the university facilitates the development of intelligent machinery, robotics, and cooperative systems to enhance national productivity and supply chain resilience. Their work focuses on providing technical resources, R&D facilities, and a skills pipeline to support equipment manufacturers in adopting next-generation production technologies.

Xampla is a Cambridge-based deep-tech company that develops biodegradable, plant-protein-based materials to replace single-use plastics and synthetic polymers. Founded as a spin-out from the University of Cambridge, the company harnesses the natural self-assembly properties of plant proteins to create films, coatings, and microcapsules for packaging, food fortification, seed coatings, and personal care applications. Their grant history shows progression from feasibility studies through applied R&D to commercial-scale production, culminating in a product launched with Just Eat in Q2 2025.

Universal Quantum is a quantum computing company developing hardware and software for scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computers. Their work spans quantum operating systems (NISQ.OS), cryo-CMOS control electronics, and error-corrected quantum processors, targeting commercial applications in drug discovery, material science, and logistics. The company collaborates extensively with UK academic and industrial partners within the National Quantum Technology Programme.

Antikor Biopharma is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering the OptiLink platform for fragment-drug conjugates (FDCs), a novel class of targeted cancer therapeutics. Unlike traditional antibody-drug conjugates, their smaller format enables deeper tumour penetration, rapid clearance, and higher therapeutic index. Through a succession of Innovate UK grants, they have advanced a lead candidate (ANT-045) for gastric cancer to IND-enabling studies and expanded their pipeline to colorectal and ovarian cancers, demonstrating a consistent focus on difficult-to-treat solid tumours.

Operational Solutions develops counter-unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS) and autonomous drone operations technology for airport security and public space protection. They lead large collaborative projects integrating multiple sensors, time synchronization, and real-time threat detection to protect airspace from hostile drones. Their work evolved from feasibility studies to a major deployment at Heathrow Airport under the Future Flight Challenge.

IR SPV3 is a specialised entity established to deploy advanced recycling infrastructure for post-consumer mixed flexible plastic packaging. The company focuses on scaling proprietary separation technology to process complex plastic waste streams that are currently unsuitable for conventional mechanical or chemical recycling methods. Their work centres on the operationalisation of large-scale demonstrator plants to divert plastic from landfill and incineration.

The University of Strathclyde SIPF acts as a research and innovation hub focused on regional economic transformation through the application of advanced digital technologies in the dairy sector. By integrating IoT, 5G, and blockchain, the organisation facilitates the development of a fully traceable and sustainable supply chain for rural economies. Their work bridges the gap between academic research and industrial manufacturing to drive high-value employment and environmental efficiency.