Manufacturing Communities Spotlight: I4M funding programme led by AMPI

Discover how regional innovation is shaping the future of UK manufacturing in this spotlight webinar on Innovation for Machinery (I4M), a new funding programme led by Advanced Machinery and Productivity Institute (AMPI).
When

24/09/2025 10.30 - 12.00

Video now available

This session will introduce the I4M scheme, which gives SMEs access to research expertise across West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester, accelerating the development of the next generation of advanced machinery. Attendees will hear directly from the programme team, along with academic and industry leads from the AMPI consortium. There will also be time for audience Q&A.

I4M is a £5.6 million programme led by AMPI and funded by UKRI’s flagship Strength in Places Fund (SIPF). It is designed to remove the barriers to innovation funding for SME manufacturers and to encourage the development of new manufacturing technology within advanced machinery, robotics, automation or associated industries.

If you’re considering applying, we recommend reviewing the programme briefing slides (PDF) in advance to check your eligibility and start preparing your ideas. The AMPI team are also available to support with developing your project, submitting your application or finding a collaboration or service provider.

Why Attend?

  • Learn about funding and support available through AMPI’s I4M scheme, designed to help manufacturers accelerate their development of advanced machinery.
  • Hear directly from programme leads, academic researchers, and industry partners involved in delivering I4M.
  • Understand the eligibility criteria and application process to assess whether your organisation could benefit.
  • Ask your questions live during the panel Q&A and connect with others interested in advanced manufacturing innovation in Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.

Who should attend?

This webinar will be valuable for:

  • Manufacturing and engineering businesses interested in innovation funding and support
  • Academics and RTOs working on advanced machinery and productivity technology
  • Innovation leads and technology developers within advanced machinery, robotics, automation or associated industries
  • Regional stakeholders focused on manufacturing growth and productivity

Agenda

10:30 – Introduction & UK opportunities
Becky Bolton, Knowledge Transfer Manager, Innovate UK Business Connect

10:40 – I4M: Programme Overview
Emma Green, I4M Lead, AMPI

11:00 – Researcher Case Study: National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
Matthew Stewart, Principal Engineer, NPL

11:15 – Industrial Case Study: Craftsman Tools
Tim Thorburn, Managing Director, Craftsman Tools

11:30 – Panel Q&A
All speakers

11:55 – Wrap-up and final messages

Accessibility and Inclusion

We are committed to ensuring our events are accessible for all.

If you experience any barriers to registering, for any reason, please contact us by email: enquiries@iukbc.org.uk or phone: +44 03333 403250 and we will support your registration.

Interested in this event?

Contact us if you have any enquiries regarding this event.

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