South East Manufacturing, Materials & Mobility R&D Companies Directory

The Faraday Institution is the UK's independent institute for electrochemical energy storage research and skills development. It coordinates large-scale, multi-disciplinary research programmes to accelerate the development of battery technologies and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. As a research and technology organisation, it acts as a central hub for academic and industrial collaboration in the energy storage sector.

Safran Electrical & Power is a major aerospace manufacturer specialising in electrical power generation, distribution, and conversion systems for commercial and advanced aircraft. Their work focuses on developing high-efficiency electrical machines, power electronics, and hybrid propulsion technologies to support the transition to more-electric and all-electric aviation. Through a long-standing history of collaborative R&D, they have evolved from improving conventional starter-generator efficiency to leading the development of complex hybrid-electric propulsion systems for next-generation large airliners and eVTOL platforms.

Thales UK is a large-scale technology integrator specialising in aerospace, defence, and security systems, with a strong focus on digital transformation and autonomous systems. Their work has evolved from early-stage robotics and autonomous vehicle research into the development of complex digital twins, reconfigurable manufacturing, and secure communication infrastructure for national critical systems. They consistently leverage public-private partnerships to bridge the gap between fundamental research and operational deployment in high-stakes environments.

BMW Motorsport is a specialised engineering division of the BMW Group, focusing on the development of high-performance electric and hybrid vehicle technologies. Their work centres on advancing battery storage, lightweight structural materials, and circular supply chain solutions to accelerate the automotive industry's transition to zero-emission mobility. Through extensive collaboration with UK academic and industrial partners, they have evolved from internal combustion engine optimisation to leading large-scale battery electric vehicle (BEV) powertrain integration and manufacturing capability projects.

The University of Surrey is a leading UK research institution that leverages its extensive academic expertise to drive industrial innovation across telecommunications, aerospace, and sustainable energy. Through its grant history, the university has evolved from fundamental research into a key partner for large-scale industrial consortia, focusing on the development of 5G/6G networks, digital twins, and net-zero manufacturing technologies. Its work bridges the gap between theoretical research and commercial application by collaborating with diverse industry partners to solve complex engineering and societal challenges.

YASA is a specialist manufacturer of high-performance axial-flux electric motors and power electronics, primarily serving the premium and luxury automotive sectors. Originally an independent innovator, the company is now a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz and focuses on developing lightweight, high-efficiency powertrain solutions. Their work has evolved from feasibility studies for high-volume manufacturing to leading complex, multi-partner consortia for integrated electric drive units and advanced suspension systems.

Oxa Autonomy Ltd (formerly Oxbotica) is an autonomous vehicle software company spun out from Oxford University's Mobile Robotics Group. It develops the Selenium autonomy software stack for self-driving vehicles, focusing on perception, localisation, and control, and has deployed its technology in on-road passenger services and off-highway logistics. The company has evolved from feasibility studies on low-cost sensor fusion to leading large-scale pilot projects for autonomous ride-sharing and goods delivery.

WAE Technologies is a specialist engineering firm that provides advanced electrification, battery systems, and lightweight structures for the automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors. Originally spun out of motorsport, the company has evolved into a key player in the UK's low-carbon supply chain, focusing on high-performance battery pack design, thermal management, and digital manufacturing platforms. Their work bridges the gap between fundamental research and commercial application, often acting as a technical partner in large-scale automotive electrification projects.

McLaren Automotive is a British manufacturer of luxury high-performance sportscars and supercars that integrates advanced engineering and materials science to push the boundaries of automotive performance. Their research and development efforts focus on lightweight structures, electrified powertrains, and advanced manufacturing processes like additive manufacturing and automated composites. Through extensive collaboration with academic and industrial partners, they aim to transition high-performance technologies into broader automotive and aerospace applications.

Ricardo UK is a global strategic engineering and environmental consultancy that specialises in clean energy propulsion, advanced thermal management, and vehicle electrification. Their work has evolved from traditional automotive powertrain optimisation to developing complex, modular hydrogen and battery-electric systems for heavy-duty, maritime, and niche commercial transport sectors. They consistently integrate digital modelling, lifecycle analysis, and systems engineering to support the transition to net-zero mobility.

Nexeon develops and manufactures silicon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, aiming to increase energy density and extend electric vehicle range. Their technology has evolved from fundamental research on high-capacity silicon anodes to scale-up of manufacturing processes and integration into solid-state batteries. The company has secured significant Innovate UK funding to advance from lab-scale prototypes to a larger production facility in South Oxfordshire.

TRL is a world-leading research and technology organisation specialising in transport safety, mobility innovation, and infrastructure performance. They provide independent technical expertise, data analysis, and testing services to help government and industry stakeholders navigate the transition to autonomous, connected, and zero-emission transport systems. Their work spans the entire lifecycle of transport innovation, from fundamental safety research and policy development to the practical deployment of automated vehicle pilots and infrastructure modelling.

Evolito specialises in the development of high-power, high-torque axial flux electric motors and power electronics specifically engineered for the aerospace sector. Originating from automotive motor technology, the company focuses on enabling the electrification of regional aircraft, e-VTOLs, and airships. Their work has evolved from adapting foundational motor technology for flight to integrating complex electric propulsion and non-propulsive energy systems within broader aircraft architectures.

Oxfordshire County Council is a local government authority that acts as a strategic partner and living lab host for large-scale innovation projects in transport, energy, and social care. The council facilitates the deployment of emerging technologies, including autonomous mobility, smart energy grids, and digital health solutions, by providing the regulatory and geographic infrastructure required for real-world testing. Their work has evolved from infrastructure-focused transport trials to complex, multi-stakeholder international research programmes aimed at achieving net zero and social sustainability.

McLaren Applied Technologies is a high-performance engineering firm that specialises in advanced power electronics, digital engineering tools, and electrified powertrain systems. Their work focuses on transitioning automotive and industrial sectors toward zero-emission mobility by developing scalable manufacturing processes and high-efficiency power conversion technologies. Over their grant history, they have evolved from participating in collaborative autonomous vehicle research to leading complex industrial consortia focused on the domestic supply chain for silicon carbide power electronics.

Alloyed is a materials science and engineering firm that specialises in the computational design of high-performance alloys and advanced manufacturing processes. By leveraging their proprietary 'Alloys-by-Design' platform, they solve complex metallurgical challenges for the aerospace, automotive, and medical sectors, enabling the creation of components that surpass legacy materials in performance and printability. Their work has evolved from fundamental alloy optimisation to the development of integrated digital qualification platforms and hybrid manufacturing systems.

GRIDSERVE develops solar-powered electric vehicle charging forecourts that combine ultra-rapid charging, battery storage, and solar generation to address public concerns about mass-market EV adoption. Their work evolved from a feasibility study to a demonstrator project, with additional involvement in smart local energy systems. They aim to roll out a national network of over 100 community charging hubs, balancing grid challenges while expanding renewable energy generation.

Ceres Power is a developer of high-efficiency solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and electrolyser technology, branded as 'SteelCell'. Their work focuses on enabling clean energy generation and hydrogen production across diverse sectors including automotive, residential power, and maritime shipping. Over time, the company has evolved from developing range-extender modules for light commercial vehicles to integrating fuel cell systems into large-scale maritime and industrial energy infrastructure.

EMPEL Systems designs and manufactures next-generation integrated electric motor and power electronics systems, focusing on modular and scalable architectures for automotive and industrial applications. Their technology aims to improve power density, reduce parts count, and support the transition to zero-emission vehicles, with projects spanning feasibility studies to industrialisation of silicon carbide inverters and air compressor drives for hydrogen fuel cells.

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is a public sector research establishment responsible for the UK's fusion energy programme and the development of remote handling technologies. Through its RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments) facility, the organisation applies expertise in robotics, autonomous systems, and simulation to solve complex inspection and maintenance challenges in hazardous environments. Their grant history reflects a strategic evolution from nuclear-specific remote handling to broader applications in connected and autonomous vehicle testing and urban mobility infrastructure.