2025 Innovate UK Grant Winners Directory

The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) is a world-class research organisation specialising in environmental science, focusing on the interactions between land, water, and air. They develop advanced monitoring technologies, digital twins, and data-driven models to address critical challenges in biodiversity, soil health, and water management. Their work has evolved from fundamental ecological research to leading large-scale, multi-actor European projects that integrate innovative governance and technical solutions for climate resilience.

DePe Gear Company is a precision gear and transmission manufacturer based in the West Midlands, specialising in high-accuracy components for electric vehicle drivetrains, heavy commercial vehicles, and aerospace applications. The company has evolved from traditional gear manufacturing to developing advanced transmission solutions for zero-emission vehicles, collaborating with leading automotive and aerospace partners on electric drive units and aircraft taxi systems.

National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC is a critical infrastructure operator responsible for the high-voltage electricity transmission network across England and Wales. The company focuses on modernising grid operations to support the transition to Net Zero, developing technologies for system strength, asset management, and cross-vector energy integration. Their R&D portfolio has evolved from traditional maintenance to advanced digital twin modelling, AI-driven asset diagnostics, and innovative infrastructure design.

UK Power Networks is a major electricity distribution network operator serving London, the South East, and the East of England. The company focuses on the modernisation of grid infrastructure to support the transition to Net Zero, developing digital and commercial solutions for flexibility, system resilience, and the integration of low-carbon technologies like heat pumps and electric maritime transport. Their R&D strategy has evolved from traditional network management to a highly collaborative, data-driven approach involving cross-sector partnerships to solve complex energy system constraints.

Magnomatics is an engineering company specialising in the design and manufacture of magnetic gear systems and pseudo direct drive (PDD) electric machines. Their technology targets high-torque-density applications in automotive, marine, aerospace, rail, and renewable energy sectors, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. The company has evolved from proof-of-concept magnetic continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) to full-scale prototypes and field trials, and more recently into manufacturing process development and rare earth magnet recycling.

Duality Quantum Photonics develops integrated quantum photonics technologies, including photonic chips for quantum computing, networking, and sensing. The company's work spans quantum operating systems, low-loss optical connectors, cryogenic packaging, and quantum neural networks for fusion energy. Their projects have evolved from foundational quantum software to scalable hardware for quantum networks and computing.

Advanced Infrastructure Technology is a small UK company developing digital platforms and AI-driven tools for energy system planning, carbon management, and electric vehicle infrastructure. They specialise in local area energy planning, carbon flow modelling, and trustworthy machine learning for energy data, working extensively with local authorities and energy network operators to accelerate the net zero transition.

The University of Kent functions as a major academic research institution, leveraging its expertise in engineering, physics, and social sciences to drive innovation in decarbonisation, maritime logistics, and advanced materials. Through extensive collaboration with industry partners and public sector bodies, the university translates fundamental research into practical solutions for complex challenges such as green energy transition, sustainable food production, and secure digital infrastructure. Its research portfolio has evolved from theoretical physics and social policy to high-impact applied R&D in clean maritime technology and precision agriculture.

Rothamsted Research is a world-leading agricultural science institute that focuses on developing sustainable solutions for crop production, soil health, and pest management. Their work bridges the gap between fundamental bioscience and practical on-farm application, frequently collaborating with commercial spin-outs and industry partners to translate research into field-ready technologies. Their portfolio has evolved from traditional plant pathology and entomology into advanced digital agriculture, biostimulants, and nature-based climate solutions.

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) is a pioneer in the development of superconducting quantum computing processors and Quantum Compute-as-a-Service (QCaaS) solutions. The company focuses on building enterprise-ready quantum hardware integrated into commercial data centre environments to solve complex computational challenges. Their work has evolved from early-stage circuit layout optimisation and operating system development to large-scale error correction and industry-specific applications in battery chemistry and AI.

The University of Manchester is a leading UK research institution that leverages the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme to bridge the gap between academic expertise and industrial application. Their work spans diverse domains including advanced materials, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and environmental sustainability, facilitating the commercialisation of research through deep collaboration with commercial partners. The university consistently acts as a lead partner, embedding specialised technical capabilities into businesses to drive innovation and operational efficiency.

Protean Electric is a specialist developer and manufacturer of in-wheel motor (IWM) technology for the automotive sector. Their work focuses on high-efficiency electric drive systems and power electronics, aiming to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by OEMs. The company has evolved from a technology pioneer into a manufacturer focused on localising production and industrialising sustainable, high-voltage drive components within the UK.

National Grid Electricity System Operator (NGESO) is the independent body responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Great Britain's electricity transmission system. Their R&D activities focus on digitalising network management, enhancing cyber resilience against emerging threats, and developing whole-system planning tools to facilitate the transition to a net-zero energy future. They frequently collaborate with academic institutions, distribution network operators, and technology specialists to integrate distributed energy resources and optimise infrastructure deployment.

GE Vernova is a global leader in energy and power systems, focusing on the development of advanced electrical machines, power electronics, and integrated drive architectures. Their work spans the decarbonisation of heavy industry, marine, and rail sectors through high-power density electrification and the integration of renewable energy sources. Over their grant history, they have evolved from fundamental marine power system optimisation to leading complex, multi-sector infrastructure projects for net-zero energy hubs.

The University of Leeds is a leading UK research institution that leverages Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) to translate academic expertise into industrial innovation. Their work spans diverse sectors, including MedTech, advanced manufacturing, and environmental sustainability, by embedding advanced digital, material, and operational methodologies into commercial business processes. The university consistently acts as a knowledge hub, bridging the gap between fundamental research and practical, market-ready applications for industry partners.