Advanced Engineering 2026 will introduce a new Capital Day initiative designed to connect investors with emerging engineering businesses, helping address one of the key challenges facing UK manufacturers and technology developers: access to investment.
Developed in partnership with
Catalysium, the event will take place at the NEC Birmingham on 4 November and will bring up to 20 investors onto the exhibition floor to meet companies developing technologies across advanced manufacturing, materials and industrial engineering.
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between engineering innovation and commercial growth. While many UK businesses are developing promising technologies, securing the investment required for product development, testing, qualification and manufacturing scale-up remains a significant hurdle, particularly for SMEs and start-ups.
Simon Farnfield, event director of Advanced Engineering, said: “British engineering businesses are developing some exceptional technologies, but innovation alone doesn't guarantee commercial success.
“We regularly see companies at the exhibition with the technical expertise and ambition to make a real difference to their industries, yet accessing the investment and commercial relationships needed to grow can be a challenge.”
Capital Day will feature curated exhibition tours, structured networking sessions and direct discussions between investors and company founders. Investors will visit six to eight selected exhibitors, providing an opportunity to examine new technologies first-hand and learn more about their commercial potential.
A reverse-pitch session will also form part of the programme, with investors outlining their areas of interest, preferred stages of business development and typical funding levels. Organisers say this approach will help companies identify the most relevant investment partners before progressing to more detailed discussions.
The event will also provide exposure for the 12 companies selected for Advanced Engineering’s Enabling Innovation initiative, which supports businesses developing new engineering technologies and solutions. Additional opportunities for one-to-one meetings, business presentations and a pitching competition are planned throughout the day.
Yannick Willemin, founder of Catalysium, said: “Advanced Engineering brings established supply chains, emerging technologies and ambitious companies together in one place. I'm most looking forward to seeing investors and founders meet in a format that gives both sides time to be specific.”
Advanced Engineering 2026 takes place on 4-5 November at the NEC Birmingham and will bring together manufacturers, OEMs, technology developers, suppliers and research organisations from sectors including aerospace, automotive, defence, energy, electronics and space. The new Capital Day initiative forms part of the exhibition’s wider efforts to support innovation, commercialisation and growth across UK engineering and manufacturing.
Investors interested in joining the delegation at Advanced Engineering 2026 on 4th November can register
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