Twelve start-ups and SMEs developing technologies that could change how manufacturers design, produce, maintain and reuse industrial products have been selected as finalists in the Enabling Innovation competition at Advanced Engineering 2026.
Taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 4 and 5 November, the competition provides emerging engineering businesses with complimentary exhibition space, access to potential customers and industry partners, and the opportunity to pitch their innovations before a panel of judges.
The overall winner will receive a full-sized exhibition stand at Advanced Engineering 2027 and a year-long marketing package, providing a platform to build on the connections made during this year’s event.
Supported by Innovate UK and Innovation DB, Enabling Innovation is designed to help smaller engineering businesses overcome one of the challenges of bringing new technology to market: gaining visibility among the manufacturers and industry decision-makers who could put it to work.
This year’s finalists span advanced materials, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, industrial automation, energy storage and the circular economy. Although their technologies differ considerably, they share an ambition to address practical problems facing engineering and manufacturing businesses.
New Approaches to Manufacturing and Maintenance
Among the finalists is Hydra Manufacturing, whose Ceramic Hybrid Additive Manufacturing Platform (CHAMP) combines additive and subtractive processes to address the challenges of producing complex ceramic components. The technology aims to reduce some of the manufacturing and post-processing limitations associated with conventional ceramic additive manufacturing, with potential applications in aerospace, defence and medical devices.
Dacecrown is taking a different approach to manufacturing improvement. Its FastFlow Precision Filling System uses reverse engineering and precision component redesign to improve the performance of existing filling and packaging machinery, helping manufacturers address production inconsistencies without replacing entire systems.
Reducing maintenance disruption is also a focus for Cottam Brush, whose SPLITGRIP modular roller brush system allows worn brush sections to be replaced without dismantling the associated shafts and drive equipment. The approach could reduce maintenance time and extend the useful life of industrial equipment.
Making Industrial Data Work Harder
Several finalists are using artificial intelligence to address longstanding challenges in industrial operations.
Graphdome has developed LLUMEN, a Physical Reasoning AI system designed to help industrial operators interpret complex information from equipment and connected systems. By providing context to alarms and operational data, the technology aims to support faster, better-informed decision-making.
iMaintain is tackling the loss of engineering knowledge within manufacturing organisations. Its iMaintain Brain platform connects maintenance records, technical documentation and existing management systems to help engineers diagnose problems and access previously captured expertise.
Parts Control is applying AI to industrial spare parts management, using purchasing histories, inventory information and technical documentation to help organisations improve stock management, identify alternative suppliers and reduce unnecessary expenditure.
Connectivity and sensing are also represented among the finalists. Robustient is developing software to improve wireless network resilience in demanding industrial environments, supporting applications such as autonomous robots and connected manufacturing equipment.
Oxford RF, meanwhile, is developing its H360 intelligent radar sensor to provide 360-degree environmental perception without mechanical scanning components, with applications in autonomous systems, robotics and industrial safety.
Engineering for Repair, Reuse and Resource Efficiency
The increasing importance of circular manufacturing is reflected in several of the selected businesses.
Volador Energy is developing modular battery storage systems that can be repaired at the cell and module levels. Its approach is intended to make industrial energy storage more maintainable, extend equipment life and reduce the need to replace entire battery systems when individual components fail.
Structural Adhesives is addressing the difficulty of separating permanently bonded components. Its debondable adhesive technology aims to combine structural performance during use with controlled separation for repair, refurbishment and recycling.
In the automotive sector, Autonative is working with Ford on a certified used-parts programme intended to support the reuse of vehicle components through manufacturer-aligned processes and an online purchasing platform.
Resordinate completes the selection with WasteMap, a data-driven platform that helps businesses understand industrial waste streams and identify opportunities for material recovery, improved resource efficiency and environmental reporting.
From Innovative Ideas to Commercial Opportunity
For emerging technology businesses, developing an effective solution is only one part of the journey. Demonstrating its value to industrial customers, navigating procurement processes and securing opportunities for wider adoption can present equally significant challenges.
Enabling Innovation is intended to help bridge that gap, placing the 12 finalists directly in front of the engineering and manufacturing community.
Each business will have a dedicated pod within the Enabling Innovation Zone, where visitors can discover the technologies and speak directly to their developers.
The competition will culminate in a Dragons’ Den-style pitch session on Wednesday 4 November, where the finalists will present their innovations to a panel of judges, who will select the overall winner.
“What’s particularly encouraging about this year’s finalists is that they’re not simply developing technology for the sake of innovation. They’re looking at the challenges manufacturers face every day, whether that’s improving productivity, reducing downtime, making better use of materials or finding new ways to automate processes.
“But having a great idea, or even a working technology, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll find a route to market. Smaller businesses need opportunities to demonstrate what they can do and get in front of the people who can help them take that next step. That’s why Enabling Innovation is such an important part of Advanced Engineering. We’re giving these 12 businesses a platform to engage directly with industry, and the competition provides an additional opportunity to build on that exposure and continue growing,” said Simon Farnfield, Event Director of Advanced Engineering.
For the finalists, the exhibition offers more than an opportunity to demonstrate a product. It creates the possibility of forming relationships with manufacturers, technology partners and potential customers that could help take their businesses into the next stage of development.
Visitors to Advanced Engineering 2026 can meet all 12 finalists in the Enabling Innovation Zone on 4 and 5 November at the NEC Birmingham.
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