‘Enabling innovation’ competition to be expanded

Following a record-breaking 2024 event, Advanced Engineering UK, the UK’s annual engineering and manufacturing exhibition, is expanding its ‘Enabling Innovation’ competition for 2025 which is open to start-ups and SMEs, and provides a unique opportunity for companies to showcase their innovations, culminating in presentations on the main stage at the NEC, Birmingham on 29 and 30 October.

Each finalist will receive their own exhibition space in the Enabling Innovation zone, open to over 9,800 visitors during the two-day event. This popular zone connects smaller organisations with valuable networking opportunities across booming sectors such as automotive, aerospace, composites and Industry 4.0. On the second day of the show, contestants will present their innovations on the main stage, with the winner chosen by a panel of industry experts.

The winner will receive a free full-size stand at Advanced Engineering 2026, along with additional marketing opportunities throughout the year, including email campaigns, video interviews, social media exposure, press releases and a dedicated page on the Advanced Engineering website in the Enabling Innovation section.

At last year’s show, Dream Big Composites was named the winner after impressing several judges, including representatives from Innovation DB and Innovate UK, with their innovative composite smart vacuum system. This IoT (Internet of Things) device automates the monitoring and control of vacuum pumps, preventing leaks and thermal runaway in composite manufacturing.

Mark Prince, co-founder of Dream Big Composites Ltd, said: “It was just marvellous to be there and have a stand to tell people about our innovation and to connect with likeminded businesses that we want to work with in the future. There isn't one company at the show that was not innovating spectacularly in some way, it was just brilliant to be a part of it.”

The Enabling Innovation initiative continues to receive support from key partners, including Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), Innovation DB and Innovate UK. These organisations support start-ups across the UK, helping them to accelerate and commercialise innovations in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.

Chance to showcase solutions
As well as the competition, Advanced Engineering 2025 provides exhibitors with the chance to showcase solutions in areas such as composites, automation, additive manufacturing, testing and ‘green’ technologies, with access to industry leaders from Tier One suppliers and OEMs. The event will also feature over 200 expert speakers tackling key industry topics such as digitalisation, supply chain resilience, sustainability and the ongoing skills shortage. As for the latter, Advanced Engineering is continuing its ‘MINDTHEskillsGAP’ initiative to address the skills shortage in these sectors.

“Simon Farnfield, event director at Easyfairs, said: “The Enabling Innovation competition is not just about providing a platform for SMEs and start-ups to showcase their innovations but about setting them on a trajectory for long-term growth. We have had previous winners, like OxDrive, that have gone on to make significant strides within their industrial sectors, using their prize to propel their R&D and expand their reach.

“Another great example is iCOMAT — after winning in 2019, it has returned to Advanced Engineering every year as an exhibitor. We have seen these companies grow and gain valuable exposure and we are excited to see how this year’s winner will use their presence at the show to connect with industry leaders and progress their businesses.”

To experience the best of UK engineering and manufacturing innovation, book your stand here — over 70% of available space has already been sold.