Designed for industry. Made real by innovators.

Developed by:
Made Smarter Technology Accelerator is a programme delivered by Digital Catapult, funded by UKRI through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, as part of the national Made Smarter movement.

Programme timeline

Made Smarter Technology Accelerator timeline of activities and ways to get involved:

Made Smarter Technology Accelerator partners

The programme is supported by nine sponsors from our Industry Challenge Owners and Tech Sponsors:

Babcock International Group

Babcock International Group is a provider of critical and complex engineering services to customers across defence, emergency services and civil nuclear.

BAE Systems

BAE Systems provide some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions.

GAF

As a Standard Industries company, GAF is part of the largest roofing and waterproofing business in the world. 

Northumbrian Water

In the North East of England, NWL trades as ‘Northumbrian Water’ in the supply of potable and raw water and the collection, treatment and disposal of sewage and sewage sludge.

O’Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd

O’Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd is Ireland’s largest sportswear manufacturer, with a 16-acre production facility and eight retail stores in Northern Ireland. 

Safran Landing Systems

Safran Landing Systems is the world leader in aircraft landing and braking systems. 

Sainsbury's

Sainsbury’s opened its first store in 1869. Today, inspiring and delighting it’s customers with tasty food remains Sainsbury’s priority and its purpose is clear – driven by its passion for food, together Sainsbury’s  serves and helps every customer. 

Software AG

Software AG connects the world to keep it living and thriving.

Verizon

Verizon helps keep your business ready with technology solutions to give you confidence to move ahead in a digital world.

Programme benefits

With manufacturing at our core, the programme provides a range of mutually beneficial opportunities for your business:

Backed by industry

We’re about the ground-level, backed by our Industry Challenge Owners, the programme is led and shaped by industry

Real-world challenges

Based on our insights and expertise, we’ve designed the programme to enable innovators to develop solutions to real-world industrial challenges

Prototype and MVP funding

Leading startups will be provided with up to £20k to develop challenge focused proof-of-concept prototypes. With a further £100k for up to four teams to develop minimum viable products (MVP)

Future focused

We seek to unlock and accelerate UK innovation, adopting advanced digital technologies for the UK manufacturing and industrial sector

Peer to peer learning

From manufacturers to startups we form peer-to-peer interactions and learnings at every level of the programme

Technology and industry expertise

Access to a support network of industry and technology experts to help develop impactful yet achievable outputs

Impactful events

Participation in our specialised events, showcase experiences, plus networking opportunities with challenge owners and the startups involved

Mentorship and focused workshops

The startup cohort gain access to investment mentorship, workshops and support, to become investment-ready with well-defined and relevant manufacturing targeted solutions

Made Smarter

The programme offers marketing association and recognition, being at the forefront of industry innovation

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