East Midlands AI & Data Economy R&D Companies Directory

Nottingham Trent University is a leading UK academic institution that leverages Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and collaborative R&D to translate research into industrial application. Their work spans diverse sectors including MedTech, AgriTech, construction, and logistics, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence, digital twins, and advanced materials to solve complex operational and sustainability challenges. The university acts as a primary research partner for SMEs and large enterprises, facilitating the adoption of innovative technologies to drive productivity and Net Zero outcomes.

Wyser develops AI-powered tools to improve access to justice and streamline legal and employment dispute resolution. Their work has evolved from an AI disputes triage tool to automated employment law guidance, and more recently to research on reducing bias in automatic speech recognition models and conversational AI for eliciting ESG preferences in pension funds.

Added Scientific is a micro enterprise specialising in additive manufacturing (3D printing) research and development. They design and produce components using selective laser melting, glass laser sintering, large format LCD printing, and inkjet printing, serving sectors including automotive, quantum technologies, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment. Their work has evolved from collaborative lightweighting projects to leading feasibility studies in quantum and pharma, and most recently scaling production of proprietary 3D-printed spacers for desalination.

Recap Technologies develops software for cryptocurrency accounting and tax reporting, focusing on privacy and collaboration. Their first grant enabled a product for individuals to track and report crypto finances, while the second expanded into a collaborative platform for accountants with AML/KYC and due diligence features. The company has evolved from a consumer tool to a professional services platform.

Highway Resource Solutions Limited designs and manufactures safety systems for temporary road works, using GNSS and IoT technologies. Their grant history evolved from developing a Galileo-based hazard detection system for construction sites to creating internet-connected temporary traffic lights that adjust to real-time traffic flows. They collaborate with industry partners like Colas and focus on improving safety and efficiency for highway authorities.

Anteam develops an AI-powered community-based logistics network to reduce carbon emissions in last-mile delivery. Founded in 2020, the company has progressed from a feasibility study demonstrating CO2 savings to developing a low-carbon rewards programme and an AI optimisation solution trialled with a large retailer. Their work focuses on disrupting traditional logistics by enabling more efficient, community-driven delivery models to address climate change.

Kounteq is a fintech company developing an AI-powered augmented analytics platform called Robin, which acts as a Virtual CFO for SMEs. The platform aims to provide real-time business performance insights, reducing reliance on manual spreadsheets and third-party reports. Their work focuses on helping SMEs improve visibility, productivity, and profitability through AI-driven data analysis.

KS Composites develops composite materials and tooling solutions, with a focus on reducing cost and environmental impact. Their work has evolved from developing flax-carbon hybrid tooling materials to integrating AI and graphene sensors for structural health monitoring of composite components in industries such as construction, aerospace, and automotive.

XCAM Scientific develops quantum technology payloads for space applications, specialising in cold atom sensors for ultra-sensitive gravity mapping. Their work focuses on translating laboratory quantum sensing into commercial space products for Earth observation, resource detection, and deep space navigation.

Alaris Linwave is a micro-enterprise specialising in signals intelligence (SIGINT) solutions for airborne surveillance platforms. The company contributes to the development of miniaturised electronic warfare payloads for UAVs, focusing on geolocating satellite phone communications for maritime security and rescue operations.

Built For Good Technology develops a smart glasses-based closed captioning system called WatchWord, enabling deaf and hard of hearing cinema-goers to view subtitles at any screening. The company works with the UK Cinema Association and has licensed its system to two independent cinemas, with plans to expand back-catalogue subtitle availability and enter European and US markets.

Future Makers operates a community hub in Nottingham focused on circular economy principles, repurposing plastic waste through art and design. The company builds plastic recycling studios and develops educational programmes to engage schools and the public in sustainable plastic use. Their work has evolved from setting up a repurposing facility to creating a structured educational initiative for primary schools.

Cofactory is an R&D-focused biotechnology firm that leverages bioinformatics and artificial intelligence to optimise biological production processes. Their work centres on identifying and unlocking high-value biochemical pathways in sustainable agriculture and aquaculture sectors. By mining complex genetic datasets, the company aims to reduce manufacturing costs for cellular agriculture and improve resource efficiency in seaweed farming.

DC PROMO develops software platforms for the live performance touring industry, focusing on cost-effectiveness, post-Brexit compliance, and sustainability. Their work has evolved from a general touring software (GY6) to an AI-driven platform (Gignite) that empowers emerging artists and supports net zero aims.

Land Quality Management is a micro/small company that applies machine learning to extract structured data from site investigation report PDFs, enabling geoenvironmental professionals to access ground condition and contamination data for improved risk assessment. Their work focuses on accelerating contamination risk management for construction projects, particularly on brownfield sites.

Chronic Insanity creates interactive digital theatre experiences where audiences control the casting of performers rather than narrative choices, aiming to solve the problem of underwhelming endings in traditional branching stories. Their work focuses on live performance for spatial computing, allowing real-time customisation of performances.

Mojatu is a micro enterprise developing an AI-powered digital platform for storytelling and fact-checking, targeting disadvantaged communities. The company aims to streamline content creation and publishing while reducing carbon emissions, as evidenced by its sole Innovate UK grant in 2024.

Chanodil has developed a Product Relationship Management (PRM) platform that enables circular fashion value chains by connecting brands, suppliers, consumers, and recyclers. Using digital product passports with QR codes and RFID tags, the platform creates digital twins of products to enhance supply chain transparency, automate compliance reporting, and facilitate circularity. The company's single grant from Innovate UK focuses on building this platform within the fashion industry.

Plaudeo develops a spatial audio platform that brings the atmosphere of live sports and entertainment events into homes. The company uses 3D audio technology to create immersive virtual environments, aiming to replicate real-time event acoustics for remote audiences. Their work began with a Creative Catalyst 2024 grant to prototype this platform.

Bruce Asbestos is a micro enterprise based in the East Midlands that creates contemporary artworks using post-consumer recycled plastics and 3D digital prototyping. Their work addresses the lack of sustainable materials in the art world by pioneering circular systems for material reuse and reducing waste in the creative process.