Our world-class infrastructure and facilities offer a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by many early-stage companies in terms of equipment costs, technical expertise and research capability.
They facilitate a smoother journey towards commercialisation by providing ready access to an environment that enhances research and development, prototyping and collaboration.
When companies access our facilities, they do not just realise substantial cost savings and efficiencies. They rapidly accelerate the translation of ideas while improving product development and manufacturing processes, all within a supportive and cutting-edge ecosystem.
Catapult Network
Comprising nine world-leading technology and innovation centres spanning over 50 locations across the UK, Innovate UK’s Catapult Network supports thousands of innovative businesses in transforming great ideas into valuable products and services.
The network’s nine physical Catapult Centres are collectively transforming the UK’s capability for innovation in key sectors of strength, including:
- cell and gene therapy
- compound semiconductor applications
- connected places
- digital
- energy systems
- high-value manufacturing
- medicines discovery
- offshore renewable energy
- satellite applications
Each physical Catapult centre provides ready access to cutting-edge research and development infrastructures, as well as technical experts that prove and scale-up breakthrough products, processes, services and technologies.
The very best of the UK’s businesses, scientists, technical specialists and engineers work side by side on late-stage research and development, helping industry get high-potential ideas to market, fuelling business growth and increasing productivity right across the UK.
Find out more about the Catapult Network.
Equipped laboratories and office space
Early-stage technology companies can get flexible access to the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC’s) equipped laboratories and advanced manufacturing facilities.
This helps early stage technology companies to conduct research and develop new technologies without needing to invest in expensive equipment.
Find out more about:
- accessing equipped biotech laboratories and clean rooms at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire
- accessing equipped biotech laboratories at Daresbury Laboratory, Liverpool City Region
- materials and electronics testing for use in space at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire
- accessing space testing facilities at Higgs Centre for Innovation, Edinburgh
Advanced manufacturing, 3D printing and fast prototyping services
Experts at STFC’s advanced manufacturing facility at the Daresbury Laboratory can help small and medium-sized enterprises to rapidly translate new ideas into reality.
Equipment and expertise are available to help with prototyping, product design and process improvement.
Find out more about the Daresbury Laboratory manufacturing facility.
Support for adopting digital technology
The Hartree Centre, part of STFC, helps businesses of any size to explore and adopt supercomputing, data science and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies through collaborative projects and tailored training programmes.
Backed by significant UK government funding and strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as IBM and Atos, the Hartree Centre is home to some of the most advanced digital technologies and experts in the UK.
Last updated: 23 January 2024