Home tests and AI travel routes among 48 projects backed to grow from cutting-edge research to game-changing businesses
Dozens of cutting-edge research projects, from simple home tests spotting endometriosis earlier to AI plotting accessible travel routes, are being backed to grow into market-leading products and services by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
A new £9m proof of concept programme spans – amongst other fields – medicine, space science, the environment and artificial intelligence (AI) and will help to harness the potential of world-leading UK research to improve lives.
The 48 projects receiving funding aim to support and accelerate the development of new or improved technologies, products, processes and services arising from research to drive growth and create the new jobs of tomorrow.
Projects include:
EndoTect: a new urine test for endometriosis
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, or 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 (VLMs)-powered 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 including people with disability (e.g., people with visual impairment) to complete the journey comfortably and safely
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.”
Professor Charlotte Deane, UKRI’s 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.”
