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Discover the next-generation technology that will drive UK manufacturing and design
Experience Enabling Innovation at Advanced Engineering 2025
Step into the Enabling Innovation Zone, located near the Main Stage, where ten pioneering small businesses will showcase their latest ideas. Meet the innovators behind the breakthroughs and see their creations in action through live demonstrations.
On Thursday 30th November, 9:50–10:45, these trailblazers will pitch their ideas in a Dragon’s Den-style competition on the Main Stage. A panel of judges – including potential investors and technology partners – will decide the overall winner, who will be awarded a trophy at 10:45am.
The winning company will also receive a free exhibition stand at next year’s Advanced Engineering, along with recognition and publicity for their truly game-changing product.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the next generation of engineering innovation in action!
Meet the 10 Enabling Innovation Finalists
SenseNC
Productive Machines is a UK-based deep tech company spun out from the University of Sheffield’s AMRC. It developed SenseNCTM, the world’s first autonomous milling optimisation software. Integrated with CAM platforms like Siemens NX and Mastercam, it predicts and prevents issues such as chatter and tool breakage before machining begins. Manufacturers use it to reduce waste, energy use, and cycle times-saving £30k to £100k per machine annually. Backed by experts in machining physics and AI, Productive Machines empowers manufacturers to produce better parts, faster, right the first time-driving productivity, sustainability, and precision in CNC manufacturing.
Rapid Fusion Medusa
Rapid Fusion is revolutionising industrial manufacturing with Medusa, a UK-designed hybrid platform that unites pellet extrusion, filament 3D printing, and CNC milling in one enclosed, automated unit. Built for large-format, high-precision applications, Medusa reduces lead times, improves part accuracy, and eliminates the need for multiple machines. With real-time monitoring, automated tool changes, and support for advanced materials, it enables faster, more efficient production across aerospace, automotive, energy, and R&D sectors. Backed by a multidisciplinary team and ISO-aligned quality systems, Rapid Fusion delivers innovative, scalable solutions that redefine how complex parts are made — faster, smarter, and sustainably.
Reduce- Reuse- Recycle Process
Process Treatments Ltd is a UK-based specialist in high-performance metalworking fluids, aqueous cleaners, press lubricants, and paint strippers. Established in 2001, with headquarters in Lancashire and laboratories in Manchester, we support manufacturing and re-manufacturing industries with advanced chemical solutions. Our patented Metalworking Fluid Decontamination Unit (MWFDU) and oil-free cutting fluids extend fluid life, reduce disposal costs, and eliminate harmful biocides. With over 130 years of combined team experience and ISO 9001:2015 accreditation, we deliver reliable, sustainable products and expert support to optimise industrial processes and meet growing health, safety, and environmental demands.
HalioGen: No-Membrane Flow Battery for 10–16 Hour Energy Storage
HalioGen Power is pioneering safe, scalable, and sustainable long-duration energy storage with its patented zinc–bromine flow battery. Designed for 10–16 hour storage, HalioGen’s no-membrane, single-tank system is non-flammable, fully recyclable, and free of critical minerals like lithium or cobalt. Modular and easy to deploy, it fills the key gap between short-duration lithium-ion and multi-day storage, enabling 24/7 renewable energy. Ideal for grid-constrained areas, remote sites, and industrial decarbonisation, HalioGen delivers reliable power where and when it’s needed-supporting a cleaner, more resilient global energy system.
Recyclable silver conductive ink
Ail Arian, a spin-out from Swansea University, is pioneering recyclable silver conductive inks for printed electronics. Designed with end-of-life recovery in mind, our inks help manufacturers cut scope-3 emissions by up to 70% and recover valuable materials that would otherwise be lost. Using a patented, non-toxic process involving magnets, we extract silver from waste streams and reuse it to create new inks-enabling the first fully circular system for printed electronics. Ideal for short-lifespan products like biosensors and smart packaging, Ail Arian offers a sustainable, cost-effective solution to the growing challenge of electronic waste.
Multi Fuel Micro Gas Turbine
HyperGen is redefining micro power generation with a next-generation Micro Gas Turbine built for efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. Our system combines a high-temperature radial turbine, achieving up to 1200°C, with a groundbreaking multi-fuel architecture compatible with over 10 liquid and gas fuels, including biomethanol, biogas, and hydrogen blends. Designed for durability and low maintenance, it outperforms piston generators in power-to-weight ratio, lifespan, and noise. Ideal for off-grid, remote, and transitional energy markets, HyperGen’s compact, modular units deliver high efficiency and fuel flexibility, lowering costs and enabling cleaner, more resilient energy wherever it’s needed.
Marionette Universal Control System
DCE is a UK-based robotics company revolutionising how industries adopt remote and autonomous systems. Our Marionette™ Universal Control System retrofits existing vehicles, like HGVs, ATVs, and construction equipment, for safe, autonomous or remote operation. Deployed on complex sites like UK nuclear facilities, Marionette delivers a flexible, cost-effective solution with common safety, control, and communication architecture. Designed and built in Britain, it reduces vendor lock-in and extends equipment life. With in-house engineering, ISO 9001 certification, and a multidisciplinary team, DCE accelerates automation across construction, energy, defence, and infrastructure, delivering smarter, safer, and more efficient operations today.
THINKITTECH LTD AMSynchro
THINKITTECH LTD is redefining quality in additive manufacturing with AMSynchro, a platform designed to deliver predictive assurance across the entire lifecycle of metal powders. Powder is the foundation of additive manufacturing, yet it remains the industry’s greatest blind spot. Even a single unseen flaw can lead to costly recalls, wasted resources, production delays and in the most critical cases the failure of billion-dollar missions. AMSynchro addresses this challenge by giving manufacturers clarity, control and confidence before a single part is built. The system transforms powder from a consumable material into a trusted digital asset by combining monitoring, advanced analytics and secure records that can be relied upon for compliance and auditing. Founded by Emanuele Zanchettin, a software innovator with more than 25 years of experience in mission-critical systems and eight years in additive manufacturing, THINKITTECH brings together a skilled team with deep expertise in AI, IoT and advanced engineering. Created to meet the zero-defect standards required in space and built to scale across aerospace, defence, medical, nuclear, maritime and automotive sectors, AMSynchro enables organisations to manufacture more safely, more sustainably and more efficiently, ensuring that quality is never left to chance.
A Virtual Reality Platform for High-Voltage Safety Training
The Faraday Centre, in collaboration with Teesside University, has developed the Faraday Nexus, a Virtual Training Environment (VTE) using immersive VR to simulate real-world high-voltage equipment and procedures. Designed to complement traditional hands-on training, the Nexus overcomes geographical and financial barriers while providing safe access to high-value industrial assets. Built using photogrammetry and LiDAR, it includes customisable scenarios, gamified learning, and a secure learner management system. Developed in line with industry best practices, this innovative solution enhances electrical safety training and has been recognised through academic publications and global demonstrations.
Projected Safety Lighting
At Bear Safety, we’ve replaced outdated static signage with intelligent, projected safety systems using cutting-edge laser and LED technology. Our solutions provide dynamic, maintenance-free visual cues in high-risk zones such as warehouses, production lines, and logistics areas. They ensure visibility in all lighting conditions and incorporate automation and sensing for real-time interaction with foot and vehicle traffic. This proactive approach helps reduce accidents, minimise downtime, and improve flow. We’re committed to continuous innovation, from product design to digital workflows, ensuring clients receive smarter, safer solutions with seamless on-site support.
What is enabling innovations?
Enabling Innovations a prestigious platform exclusively for entrepreneurs and dynamic SMEs with the opportunity to showcase their innovation to over 10,000 engineering and manufacturing professionals looking for the next game-changing product!
How do I enter?
It couldn’t be simpler! To enter simply…
- If you’re a Start-up or SME and would like to be involved, fill out the submission form below
- If selected, you’ll receive an exhibiting pod free of charge at Advanced Engineering 2025
- Pitch your product in one of the forums to the judges and industry experts
- If chosen as the winner, you’ll receive a free full-sized stand in 2026!
Hear from the Enabling Innovation 2024 winner
Supported by
Supported and judged by experts at Innovate UK, the Knowledge Transfer Network, and Innovation DB, Advanced Engineering welcomes applications from across all engineering sectors. When it comes to Enabling Innovation, the sky is the limit!
Sponsored by Xometry
At Advanced Engineering, we’re proud to join forces with Xometry, a trailblazer in on-demand manufacturing, to sponsor the “Enabling Innovation” feature tailored for startups.
Xometry has generously pledged £2000 towards the build parts of the winning project in our Enabling Innovations initiative. This contribution will provide invaluable support to bring the winning idea to life. We extend our deepest gratitude to Xometry for its commitment to fostering innovation and empowering startups. Together, we’re propelling the future of industry-changing projects.
Meet the 2024, 10 Enabling Innovation finalists
Meet the Enabling Innovation Zone companies
DAFO.AI
DAFO AI is a groundbreaking operator guidance suite designed to support manufacturing processes by leveraging computer vision and AI technologies. The solution helps manufacturers optimize assembly, training, and quality control processes by providing real-time, step-by-step guidance and automated error-proofing. DAFO AI enhances operational efficiency while reducing human error and waste, offering manufacturers a flexible and modular approach to digitize manual and semi-automated workflows. The tool can seamlessly integrate into existing infrastructures or operate as a standalone solution, adapting to various industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics, and food & beverage.
Dream Big Composites
Dream Big Composites, a Yorkshire-based tech startup, was founded two years ago with the mission of transforming the composite manufacturing industry through innovative technology. Our journey began with the development of the Composite Smart Vacuum System, a groundbreaking IoT device that automates the critical monitoring and control of vacuum pumps to prevent leaks and thermal runaway in composite manufacturing. Our early prototype won a prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering award, validating our vision and setting us on the path to success. Our IoT device acts as an additional technician, providing real-time monitoring and management of part of the composite manufacturing process. By automating key tasks and providing early visual and audio alerts, our system helps operators intervene promptly to prevent part scrappage and ensure smooth operations. We reduce scrap and improve production efficiency and cost-effectiveness. At Dream Big Composites, we are committed to making advanced monitoring and control technology accessible to all composite manufacturers. Our solution, which was once available only to companies with deep pockets for bespoke systems, is now offered as an off-the-shelf product that anyone can afford. Our modular design means easy customisation and expansion, meeting the specific needs of each customer. It updates over the air, so maintenance is low. We believe in the power of innovation to drive progress and improve the bottom line for our clients. Our Composite Smart Vacuum System is designed to be user-friendly, affordable, and highly effective, providing a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by composite manufacturers. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Our team’s extensive experience in both composite manufacturing and software development allows us to create solutions that are both practical and cutting-edge. We are passionate about helping our customers succeed and are committed to providing the support and expertise needed to make best use of our groundbreaking technology.
Entrust Microgrid Ltd
Entrust Microgrid are a small team of globally leading expertise in smart microgrid, EV charging and EMS (energy management system). Our innovative EnSmartEV system solution will be the future standard rapid/superfast EV charging solution for motorway services, central bus stations and fleet EV operators, replacing current AC powered rapid/superfast EV charging technologies, which are not sustainable.
Innovative Physics
Innovative Physics Ltd. (IPL) is an applied sciences company which evolves current technologies to provide novel solutions and deployment techniques to radiological obstacles for the benefit of customers and society. Founded in 2008, IPL, whose headquarters and research and development (R&D) facilities are based on the Isle of Wight, is a privately investment-backed R&D technology services organisation which operates on an international scale with foreign governments and business leaders across Asia, Europe and the USA. The company offers custom, modular, flexible solutions to customers and collaborators. Opportunities are identified through customers and partners working within the industry and market feedback. The company has a wealth of knowledge (over 70 years) and, at its core, an extensive patent portfolio in radiation visualisation, signal imaging and processing, sensor development, artificial intelligence and pattern recognition algorithms. Our highly qualified, internationally experienced leading research and development team combine technological and scientific experience with the imagination to create innovative, unique solutions to existing and new industry challenges Core to IPL is a patent portfolio spanning sensor technologies and novel deployment techniques. IPL’s aim is to evolve current technologies embedded within the company and to discover practical, intuitive solutions to real obstacles for the benefit of customers and society.
Tangle Hold - Kings College London
Can you pick it? Try it at home. Get a kitchen scale and try to pick exactly 15g of fresh coriander. Now do it again. And again. Continue until the end of the working day. This is what it takes to pack fresh herbs for UK supermarkets. A major pain point in industrial sectors such as food production and packaging in the UK (market size of £128.3 billion), is the heavy reliance on manual labour, and the shortage of people willing to take on that work. The sector has fallen behind from the rapid growth of robotic automation due to the sheer complexity of designing robotic systems capable of handling this kind of deformable, living, tangle-prone material. To address this, we have developed an entirely new concept in robotic gripping. Our gripping technology uses an entangling meta-material, overcoming limitations of conventional grippers. It efficiently handles deformable and hard-to-grasp objects like wires, yarns, herbs, and netting, surpassing fingered grippers, suction devices, and scoops. It tangles with the target objects to capture them for picking, and automatically disentangles from them when the objects should be released. We filed a patent application with broad coverage of this gripping concept in January 2024, and we are now embarking on the journey to commercialise our technology. Can we pick it? Yes, we can!
RHEINBERRY
Rheinberry is an aviation-focused technology consultancy, founded by industry experts with experience at major international airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Copenhagen. Our core competencies encompass data analytics, predictive maintenance, open architecture, aviation security, sustainability, and baggage systems. Through a consortium of specialist technology providers (including Createc and NWPro), Rheinberry excels in architecting and delivering innovative solutions. By leveraging the latest approaches and cutting-edge technologies, we offer cost-effective alternatives to large suppliers, ensuring top-tier performance and value for our clients. Our partners bring world leading innovative solutions, massive amounts of credibility and industry experience across a wide range of industries and specialisations. BoundaryGuardian provides UK and international manufacturing and engineering facilities increased security to protect assets, knowledge and operations using cutting edge technology.
RHEON LABS
RHEON LABS is an innovative, fast-growing materials technology company. We partner with the world’s most innovative brands to unlock new benefits for their products that were previously thought impossible. At the core of RHEON™ technology is an energy-absorbing super polymer. It is soft and flexible in its natural state but absorbs energy by stiffening when subjected to force. It can be integrated into countless products to dissipate high-levels of energy or give them unique responsive properties. Since we spun out of Imperial College in 2018, we have collaborated with the likes of Adidas, Rapha, Harley-Davidson & the NFL to create products that showcase why we exist as a company – to remove the limits on human performance. Our latest showcase will be seen on the world’s biggest stage, at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where our collaboration with adidas on Team GB’s sprint suits will be powering athletes to set new records.
Simko
Simko, a trailblazing startup, redefines automotive excellence with a laser focus on efficiency, carbon negativity, and revolutionary technology. Committed to climate action, Simko produces groundbreaking electric high performance propulsion systems, aerodynamics and contributing to a greener planet. Here’s a concise description of Simko: Simko.eco: A Technology Startup Driving Innovation for Electric Vehicles Simko.eco is a forward-thinking technology company dedicated to advancing the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Our mission is to create a sustainable future where every innovation sets a new standard for eco-conscious performance. Here’s what makes Simko stand out: 1. Efficient EV Propulsion Systems: Simko’s state-of-the-art EV propulsion systems are more than twice as efficient as those found in conventional electric vehicles. By optimizing power delivery and minimizing energy losses, our technology redefines what’s possible in the world of electric mobility. 2. Custom Aerodynamics: We’ve developed a custom aerodynamic system that significantly reduces EV vehicle drag. By streamlining airflow and minimizing resistance, our concepts achieve better efficiency and longer range. In fact, our aerodynamic enhancements lead to a 30% reduction in drag, making Simko vehicles even more eco-friendly. Join us in driving towards a sustainable future. Where innovation meets eco-performancene where cutting-edge technology and environmental consciousness go hand in hand.
Thought3D
At Thought3D, we revolutionize the world of 3D printing with our cutting-edge solutions designed to address the most critical challenges in additive manufacturing. Our flagship products, Drywise and Magigoo, offer unparalleled material control and adhesion capabilities, ensuring exceptional print quality and efficiency. Trusted by industry leaders across automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer goods sectors, Thought3D is committed to driving innovation and sustainability in 3D printing. Join us on our mission to enhance manufacturing processes, reduce waste, and set new standards in material performance. Discover the future of 3D printing with Thought3D.
Uplift360 Ltd
Uplift360 is developing low-energy chemical technologies to recycle advanced fibres and composite materials.
Hear from the Enabling Innovation 2023 winner
Hear from the 2022 winner
