UK Research and Innovation

09/23/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/23/2025 07:02

48 projects backed to turn cutting-edge research into businesses

A new £9 million proof of concept programme spans medicine, space science, the environment and artificial intelligence (AI).

It will help to harness the potential of world-leading UK research to improve lives.

The 48 projects are receiving funding to support and accelerate the development of new or improved technologies, products, processes and services.

The aim is to use research to drive growth and create the jobs of tomorrow.

Funded projects

The funded projects include the following.

EndoTect: a new urine test for endometriosis

This is a rapid and sensitive test, capable of diagnosing people with endometriosis as having deep or superficial disease at the point of care, without the need for:

  • hospital visits
  • specialist involvement
  • long wait times

STARLITE: super-miniature ultra-sensitive force sensors for small innovative spacecraft, next-gen aircraft and cutting-edge biotech applications

This innovation will transform measurement standards in several sectors, with STARLITE focusing on applications in aviation, while simultaneously establishing a platform for exploitation in the space and biomedical sectors.

CamBoom: championing inclusion in cricket with engineered bamboo bats

With over 200 million people playing cricket regularly, the majority in low and middle-income countries, there is a strong consumer demand for low-cost recreational cricket bats.

AI Mapper+: vision-language models-powered (VLMs) accessible journey planner for disabled people

AI Mapper+ is a novel generative AI-powered accessible journey planning technology that leverages a wealth of real-time data from public transport authorities for many individuals.

This includes people with disability (for example, people with visual impairment) to complete the journey comfortably and safely.

The proof of concept initiative follows an independent review of university spin-outs published in November 2023.

Create the high-quality jobs of tomorrow

The projects support many of the key sectors outlined in the government's recently published modern industrial strategy, which will drive growth and create the high-quality jobs of tomorrow.

A key theme emerging from the review highlighted the need for more proof-of-concept funding for academic researchers to build confidence in commercial ventures before creating a spin-out company.

A focus for many of the projects is to support innovation in public services, including in NHS trusts.

Other projects will help small and medium enterprises become efficient as they grow and scale.

Provides critical early-stage support

Working across all disciplines, this funding provides critical early-stage support to projects.

It helps researchers and innovators bridge the gap before attracting private investment, reducing the risks associated with premature market entry.

Designed to enhance the readiness of new products and services developed through research, the initiative helps set the stage for successful commercial launches.

It fosters innovations that have the potential to significantly improve societal wellbeing and economic outcomes, supporting the translation of groundbreaking research into solutions that enhance lives and communities.

Ensuring bold ideas are put into practice

Professor Charlotte Deane, UK Research and Innovation's (UKRI) Research Commercialisation Executive Champion, said:

These projects are a powerful demonstration of the UK's talent for turning cutting-edge research into real-world solutions.

From health and sustainability to quantum and creative technologies, they reflect the extraordinary breadth of innovation being nurtured across the UK's research base.

UKRI's new proof of concept programme is all about helping researchers take that critical next step toward commercialisation, ensuring that bold ideas are not just published but put into practice where they can deliver tangible impact.

I'm excited to see how these diverse and dynamic projects progress.

Help to improve people's lives

Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

UK universities are renowned for world-class research, but we must do more to encourage and support the experts behind it to bring their discoveries to market - building companies, driving growth and helping to improve people's lives.

From simpler ways of diagnosing illnesses to AI tools plotting accessible routes, we are giving promising projects the early support that can help them get off the ground, benefitting us all and growing our economy.

Next generation of university spin-out

Dr Ananay Aguilar, Director of TenU, said:

Today's announcement of Proof-of-Concept (PoC) funding for academics who want to turn innovation into companies is a glimpse into the future.

Here we have the next generation of high-potential university spinouts - we may have the next Oxford Nanopore on our hands.

Innovators tell us time and again that one of the biggest challenges they face is making the leap from academia to starting a company and this announcement puts the spotlight on the vital importance of PoC funding.

That is why TenU, with its members and partners, is exploring ways to optimise the impact of current and future PoC funding.

Our expert working group - including funders, investors and industry - is looking how we can enhance fund sustainability and bring investors and industry closer to the PoC process.

Further information

The 48 projects receiving funding are as follows.

Exact pegylation for protein therapeutics

Organisation: Queen Mary University of London

The digital endometrium function test

Organisation: The University of Warwick

In vivo proof of concept evaluation of virotherapies targeting glioblastoma

Organisation: Cardiff University

The TEEP Valve: a clinician-designed, low-cost device to maintain airway pressure and prevent aerosol spread in critically-ill patients

Organisation: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

EndoTect: validating a urine test for endometriosis

Organisation: University of Hull

Development of a maternal vaccine to prevent neonatal sepsis

Organisation: Queen's University Belfast

MED-SHED: machine-learning-based EEG decision support; pioneering social enterprise for health data

Organisation: University of the West of England

Arclight dermatoscope: rapid, cost-effective skin cancer triage

Organisation: University of St Andrews

Commercialising a scalable training programme for rehabilitation professionals

Organisation: Bournemouth University

STARLITE: Super-miniature ultra-sensitive force sensors for small innovative spacecraft, next-gen aircraft and cutting-edge biotech applications

Organisation: Queen's University Belfast

Advanced detection of opioids and emerging illicit drugs

Organisation: University of Liverpool

Accelerating the spin-out of OPAU: a waterless technology platform for sustainable health and personal care product

Organisation: University of East Anglia

Cyberhare's IntegraGuard: fortifying excellence with advanced integrity management, detection and deterrents

Organisation: University of the West of Scotland

CamBoom: championing inclusion in cricket with engineered bamboo bats

Organisation: University of Cambridge

Transmedia storytelling for immersive brand experiences

Organisation: University of the Arts London

AI Mapper+: VLMs-powered accessible journey planner for disabled people

Organisation: University College London

Set in stone: conserving heritage stonework using an advanced patent-pending system for nanolime-based consolidation

Organisation: Sheffield Hallam University

AI-based coronary artery analysis

Organisation: University of Cambridge

Biodegradable osteogenic silicon scaffolds

Organisation: University of Birmingham

Pre-clinical development of orally-administered, ultra-stable antibody mimetics to treat conditions of the gastrointestinal tract

Organisation: University of Cambridge

NeurEYE: delivering a community-based, non-invasive tool which predicts relative risk of dementia

Organisation: The University of Edinburgh

Pearl AI: DependANT

Organisation: University of Sussex

Probiosooth: probiotic modified fabrics for prevention of incontinence associated dermatitis

Organisation: University of Bath

OptiCord: a novel device to facilitate neonatal optimal cord clamping

Organisation: Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The BathMat: real-time pressure mapping for safe patient repositioning in intensive care

Organisation: University of Bath

Innovative glycoconjugate vaccines for Streptococcus suis: advancing protection in pig farming

Organisation: University of Dundee

Transforming epilepsy care through AI-driven seizure forecasting and wearable EEG technology

Organisation: Glasgow Caledonian University

Chemical barcoding of Raman active taggants for security applications

Organisation: University of Kent

New micellar bioactive collagen-stimulating peptide derivative for cosmetic applications

Organisation: University of Reading

Enhanced drilling for efficient clean aircraft assembly

Organisation: The University of Sheffield

Quantum magnetometer array for navigation

Organisation: University of Sussex

NeuroHand: hand rehabilitation and assessment using a soft exoskeleton

Organisation: King's College London

Intertangle: revolutionising quantum connectivity

Organisation: Heriot-Watt University

JANUS: a toolkit to analyse mobile app hidden connections

Organisation: King's College London

An innovative solution to creating sustainable film packaging from plant waste

Organisation: University of Cambridge

Optical fibre absolute angle encoder for robotic applications: prototype demonstrator in support of commercialisation

Organisation: Cranfield University

Commercialising biophysical and machine learning tools to improve analysis of spheroid assays: a proof-of-concept study

Organisation: The Open University

TriboAI: making mechanical systems smarter

Organisation: University of Southampton

Bio-electrickie filtration: developing a bioelectrochemical field prototype that mitigates greenhouse gas emissions from trickling filters

Organisation: James Hutton Institute

Smart chromatography: AI-powered, self-driven acceleration of sustainable drug analysis and purification

Organisation: University College London

On-site and on-demand electrochemical recycling of carbon dioxide to make sustainable aviation fuels

Organisation: Northumbria University

WILD-imaging: next-generation digital pathology tools, proof of concept in lung cancer management

Organisation: The University of Manchester

CEVoFF: contactless extraction and visualisation of forensic fingermarks

Organisation: University of Exeter

Recycling battery black mass with oil nano-emulsions

Organisation: University of Leicester

Harnessing AI to unlock the potential of nucleic acid nanopesticides: demonstration, market analysis and freedom to operate

Organisation: Newcastle University

Delivering next-generation audience insights to the creative industries

Organisation: University of Bristol

Eqweighty training: weight inclusive healthcare for all

Organisation: Durham University

Angel VR: designing and delivering an accessible virtual reality (VR) experience

Organisation: Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance

Top image: Credit: kontekbrothers, iStock, Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

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