Knowledge Centre

SparkSoft is an experienced IT consultancy developing AI tools for precision agriculture, helping growers detect, predict and manage pest outbreaks more effectively while reducing pesticide use and supporting more sustainable farming.

Preparing the workforce to deliver resilient and high integrity infrastructure

As the UK accelerates towards its clean energy and defence ambitions, the delivery of large-scale infrastructure will depend not only on advanced technologies, but also on the ability to manufacture, maintain and sustain critical assets at pace and quality.

Preparing the workforce for a circular battery economy

As the UK moves towards net zero and scales up electric vehicle and energy storage adoption, batteries are becoming a critical foundation of the industrial system. However, the challenge is no longer just manufacturing batteries at scale. It is also how to safely recover, reuse and recycle at the end of their life.

Preparing the workforce to deliver the next generation of orbital infrastructure

As the UK accelerates its ambitions in the space sector, the role of autonomous robotics is becoming increasingly central to future capability. From in-orbit servicing and maintenance through to assembly and manufacturing, these technologies will underpin the next phase of commercial and strategic activity in space. However, unlocking this opportunity is not just a technical challenge—it is a workforce challenge.

Preparing the workforce to deliver sustainable and secure aviation infrastructure

The UK’s path to Net Zero is driving a transformation in aviation, reshaping how energy is produced, distributed and used. Technology alone is not enough; a workforce capable of safely and securely operating complex, multi-fuel airport systems is now the key to success.

Preparing the workforce to deliver resilient, efficient and decarbonised networks

As the UK accelerates towards its ambitions for decarbonisation and resilient infrastructure, emerging technologies, such as quantum computing, are expected to play an increasingly important role across Energy, Telecoms and Transport. However, unlocking this potential is not just a technology challenge—it is a workforce challenge.

Six AI research teams completed the final stage of the TMF AI ICURe programmes and are now moving towards spin-out and investment readiness. The programmes, which ran across 2025/26 and finished at the end of March, supported researchers through every stage of the commercialisation pathway, from first exposure to market thinking through to investment preparation. Funded through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund, they were among the first to establish a clear route from UKRI Research Council funding into the Innovate UK ICURe programme, enabling teams to build on earlier research support and, in time, access wider Innovate UK support. Developing these pathways is a key focus of the ICURe strategy.

This online workshop brings together stakeholders from industry, academia, research organisations, supply chains, and government to help shape the opportunity.

Climbing Turn is a UK-based micro agency specialising in software, website, and app development, with expertise in design, UX, and marketing. Since its founding in 2009, the company has evolved from website development for clients across retail, manufacturing, and education in both the UK and the US, where it designed websites integrated with product inventories.