MTC drives automation and robotics scale-up with new accelerator programme
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Automation & Robotics
MTC has announced the inaugural cohort of its Automation and Robotics Technology Accelerator (AURA) Programme – a new initiative designed to help companies commercialise their robotic solutions more quickly, strengthening the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector.
The pilot scheme provides up to £200,000 of world-class technical support, enabling automation and robotics companies to scale-up production of their solutions and overcome the final barriers to commercialisation. The first cohort brings together three pioneering businesses which will work closely with MTC experts to mature their products, optimise manufacturing processes and prepare for commercial success. They are:
- Carapace Slate - Develops modular, automated manufacturing systems for localised production of ultra-low-carbon building materials. This approach reduces transportation emissions, enables circular use of regional waste materials and supports the construction sector in meeting sustainability targets while lowering cost and labour intensity.
- Innvotek Ltd – Engineers cutting-edge robotic systems designed for inspection and maintenance in the most extreme environments. From offshore wind to critical maritime and energy assets, their multifunctional technologies deliver safety, minimise risk to human lives and dramatically reduces downtime, enhancing operational efficiency and resilience.
- E-Nano Ltd - Combines robotics and AI to optimise sports and agricultural land management. Its intelligent systems reduce water and chemical use, improve surface performance and create high-value UK jobs in robotics and data science.
The AURA programme draws directly on MTC’s proven capability in derisking advanced automation, supporting SMEs, and nurturing early stage technology development.
AURA is about backing developments in robotics with high potential for commercialisation. At MTC, our role is to guide companies as they develop their products, improve their processes and get ready for the market. By helping businesses take these steps, we’re boosting wider efforts in championing robotics and automation to improve productivity, resilience and long-term growth for UK industry.
Mike Wilson, Chief Automation Officer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre
The AURA programme gives us a significant opportunity to stress-test and industrialise a manufacturing model that challenges conventional economies of scale. Partnering with the Manufacturing Technology Centre’s world-leading automation experts allows us to accelerate development, de-risk scale-out, and accelerate real-world deployment.
Martyn Lucas, Founder and CEO at Carapace Slate
The programme is a critical step in our scale-up journey. We are committed to redefining how critical assets are maintained in the harshest environments, using intelligent robotics to eliminate risk and reduce emissions. This programme empowers us to push the boundaries of innovation and turn bold ideas into transformative solutions for a safer, greener world.
Shahid Mughal at Innvotek Ltd
The AURA programme is a key step in taking our robotics platform from proven prototype to scalable UK manufacturing. Working with MTC will help us industrialise faster and accelerate global delivery across sport and agriculture, driving exports while anchoring high-value jobs and IP in the UK.
Erwann Lompech Leneveu, CEO & Co-Founder at E-Nano Ltd