Scale-Up Series: Advanced Machinery, Robotics, and Automation

The University of Manchester invites you to join the first Scale-Up Series event of 2026, delivered in partnership with The Advanced Machinery Productivity Institute.

This specialist session will explore the challenges scaling SMEs face in the area of advanced machinery, robotics, automation, and related industries, highlighting the sector’s unique growth barriers and emerging opportunities.

We will examine the support available to companies as they scale, alongside funding mechanisms to enable collaboration between businesses and academic researchers, helping companies accelerate innovation, access specialist expertise, and overcome technical barriers to growth.

Designed for ambitious, growing businesses, the Scale-Up Series provides a powerful blend of peer-to-peer networking and practical, hands-on support. Leaders will have space to discuss and tackle sector-specific challenges and share real-world insights, and identify opportunities to enhance their growth trajectory.

This event is ideal for established businesses with growth ambitions, particularly those operating within the advanced engineering and technology sectors.

Please note: the advice and support mechanisms that will be explored during this event are specifically tailored for scaling SMEs based in Greater Manchester or West Yorkshire.

Info: An overview of the advanced machinery, robotics, and automation landscape, outlining key trends and challenges for scaling SMEs in Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, followed by an overview of AMPI and I4M funding opportunities to support business growth.

Info: An academic perspective on the current scale-up landscape for businesses in advanced machinery, robotics, and automation. This slot will explore the key trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the growth environment for SMEs in these sectors.

Info: Fibre Extrusion Technology, specialists in the design, development, and manufacture of extrusion equipment, will share a real-world case study on their growth journey and the challenges they have navigated as a scaling business.

Info: Overview of the Innovate UK support available for businesses in advanced machinery, robotics, and automation

Info: Caroline Stanton, Head of SME Partnerships, will highlight the support available for scaling businesses, including how you can access resources and expertise at The University of Manchester and mechanisms designed to support business growth.

Info: An opportunity for businesses to give a brief overview of their innovation challenges and connect with academic experts.

Info: An opportunity for academics to give a brief overview of their area of expertise and connect with industry challenges.

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Host or Publisher University of Manchester BEKE