2026 Innovate UK Grant Winners Directory

Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains is a leading UK-based developer of advanced electric propulsion and energy storage systems for high-performance automotive applications. Leveraging their expertise from Formula 1, the company focuses on engineering compact, high-efficiency electric drive units and next-generation battery technologies. Their work has evolved from fundamental research into rare-earth-free motors and solid-state battery concepts toward the industrialisation of integrated electric drive systems.

Less Common Metals is a specialist manufacturer and supplier of complex alloy systems and rare earth metals, serving as a critical link in the global permanent magnet supply chain. Their work has evolved from initial feasibility studies into UK-based rare earth magnet production to leading complex, circular economy initiatives that integrate recycling, material processing, and industrial scrap reclamation. They bridge the gap between raw material sourcing and high-performance automotive and energy applications.

Newable Trade Limited provides business growth and global innovation support services, helping UK companies scale and expand internationally through Innovate UK programmes. The company appears to operate as a delivery partner for innovation and trade facilitation, with no publicly available technical R&D focus from its grant history.

Oxford Brookes University is a research-intensive academic institution that leverages its expertise in engineering, digital technologies, and social sciences to drive industrial innovation through collaborative R&D and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. Their work spans diverse domains including net-zero automotive propulsion, circular economy materials, digital regulatory frameworks, and AI-driven health and business analytics. By bridging the gap between fundamental research and commercial application, the university supports UK businesses in scaling operations and adopting sustainable, high-tech solutions.

The University of Derby acts as a prominent academic research institution that leverages Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and collaborative R&D to bridge the gap between theoretical research and industrial application. Their work spans diverse domains, including sustainable materials, AI-driven engineering inspection, healthcare diagnostics, and environmental management. By partnering with both SMEs and large manufacturers, the university translates academic expertise into commercial solutions, particularly focusing on Net Zero, digital twins, and advanced manufacturing processes.

PHINIA (formerly part of BorgWarner) is a large-scale engineering firm specialising in fuel systems and aftermarket components for internal combustion engines. Their work focuses on transitioning heavy-duty and off-highway transport to zero-carbon fuels, specifically hydrogen and alcohol-based alternatives. Through collaborative R&D, they integrate advanced fuel injection, compression, and digital modelling technologies to decarbonise sectors where battery-electric solutions are currently impractical.

GL Industrial Services UK Limited is a large-scale industrial services provider that specialises in technical consultancy and engineering solutions for the energy and utility sectors. Their work has evolved from early-stage feasibility studies in carbon capture to leading data-driven innovation in smart metering and participating in large-scale infrastructure repurposing for decarbonisation. They leverage deep technical expertise to support the transition of national gas networks towards sustainable, low-carbon operations.

Finchetto is a UK-based photonic computation SME developing all-optical network switches that eliminate optoelectrical conversion, reducing data centre switch energy consumption by up to 90%. Their technology has progressed from a SMART grant prototype to an SBRI-funded telecommunications switch in collaboration with BT, and is now being miniaturised for high-performance computing and AI data centre markets.

Skyports Deliveries is a specialist drone logistics operator focused on integrating autonomous uncrewed aircraft systems into complex airspace environments. They develop and deploy end-to-end drone delivery networks, primarily serving the healthcare and maritime sectors to improve operational efficiency and connectivity. Their work has evolved from early-stage collaborative research into regional airspace integration to leading commercial-scale ship-to-shore and medical delivery trials.

Thermulon is a deep-tech start-up developing high-performance silica aerogel insulation materials to improve fire safety and energy efficiency in buildings and electric vehicle batteries. Their novel chemical process aims to make aerogels affordable at scale, addressing the Grenfell Tower tragedy's legacy and the thermal runaway risk in EV batteries. Their work has evolved from building insulation to EV thermal barriers, with increasing focus on manufacturing scale-up and digital twin optimisation.

Minviro develops life cycle assessment (LCA) software tools to quantify and improve the environmental performance of mineral supply chains. Their technology spans mining, battery, semiconductor, and hydrogen sectors, integrating digital product passports and blockchain traceability for circular economy assessments. Starting with a mining LCA tool, they have expanded into a platform serving multiple industries with a focus on critical raw materials and net-zero transitions.

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust is a leading UK healthcare provider that integrates clinical excellence with advanced research and innovation. The Trust actively develops and validates medical technologies, ranging from AI-driven diagnostic tools for macular disease to metagenomic sequencing devices for intensive care. Through its leadership in national accelerator programmes, the organisation plays a pivotal role in scaling early-stage FemTech and MedTech ventures within the UK health ecosystem.

Cardiff Metropolitan University is a research-intensive academic institution that leverages the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme to bridge the gap between academic expertise and industrial application. Their work spans diverse sectors including construction, MedTech, and data analytics, focusing on embedding circular economy principles, digital transformation, and sustainable manufacturing processes into commercial operations. Through extensive collaborative R&D, they provide SMEs and housing associations with the technical frameworks required to achieve net-zero targets and operational efficiency.

The University of Bath acts as a leading academic research institution, facilitating the transfer of advanced technical expertise to industry through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme. Their work spans diverse sectors including aerospace, subsea engineering, healthcare, and sustainable construction, focusing on embedding complex mathematical modelling, AI, and sensor technologies into commercial products. The institution consistently bridges the gap between fundamental research and industrial application to drive innovation across UK businesses.

Mint Innovation is a clean technology company specialising in the development of proprietary hydrometallurgical processes for the recovery of critical minerals from spent lithium-ion batteries. By establishing a circular supply chain for materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, the company enables the domestic production of EV battery components. Their work focuses on scaling low-carbon refining technologies to support the automotive industry's transition to net zero.