A new startup programme to turn ambitious ideas into investable ventures has been announced by the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), supporting growth of high-value jobs and contributing to the development of a thriving, innovation-led economy in South Yorkshire. AMRC Ferretworks: Startup will link up talented entrepreneurs with cutting-edge technology, expert engineers and extensive networks – we can’t wait to see what the first cohort achieves. Here’s the press release with more details.

Co-funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and the University of Sheffield in its first year, the FerretWorks: Startup programme is designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs with tools, resources and expert guidance needed to develop their product and build scalable, sustainable businesses – helping de-risk innovation at its most vulnerable stage.

The programme will assist companies based within – or are planning to base their business in –  South Yorkshire, who have a strong potential in one or more of the AMRC’s supported sectors, including aerospace, energy, defence, automotive, construction, medical and healthcare, space, food and drink, and agri-tech. 

Richard Gardiner, senior innovation fellow at the AMRC, said: “We’re not just supporting innovation, we’re helping create the right environment for it. One that gives business founders the confidence, technical backing and commercial structure to succeed. Our aim is to provide early-stage business founders with access to world-class engineering capabilities, commercial guidance and investment networks.”

Participants in the programme will work closely with AMRC engineers to refine their ideas, develop prototypes and accelerate their route to market. They will gain access to more than £200 million of advanced manufacturing capability – from design for manufacture and product testing to state-of-the-art machinery and technical expertise – supported by commercialisation frameworks, mentorship and visibility to investors and industry partners.

It has backing from three key commercialisation partners: the Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Hub; Sheffield Technology Parks’ Cooper Project; and the University of Sheffield’s own Commercialisation Journey.

Each partner will nominate promising candidates from their respective programmes to participate in AMRC FerretWorks: Startup. Following a careful review process to ensure technical feasibility and alignment with AMRC capability, successful applicants will be awarded project support worth up to £45,000 to co-develop their innovation with AMRC teams.

Sarah Gummer, senior manager for regional entrepreneurship programmes at the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “We are thrilled to work with the AMRC on this new initiative, welcoming more support for deep tech and life sciences startups in the North.

“We support incredibly talented entrepreneurs to turn their idea into a startup. Through our Enterprise Hub’s Regional Talent Engines programme they develop commercialisation skills, access critical networks and build supportive communities.  Being able to access manufacturing capability and targeted support from the AMRC will now enable them to further develop their innovations, taking the next step in their startup journeys.”

Rose Tran, incubation manager at Sheffield Technology Parks, said: “We are excited to become a partner of AMRC FerretWorks: Startup because of the rare and unique opportunity it will give to founders of innovative products providing real solutions to real-world problems.

“With access to the cutting-edge facilities at the AMRC, expert engineers and its networks, the programme has potential to substantially accelerate successful applicants from idea stage through to creating an innovative and scalable product – ready for market; and we cannot wait to see the impact they will deliver.”

DigitalCNC, an AMRC spin-out venture launched with support from Yorkshire AI labs, is one of the companies selected as part of the first cohort for AMRC FerretWorks: Startup.

Dr Rob Ward, chief executive officer of DigitalCNC, said: “We are thrilled to be awarded one of the inaugural Ferretworks: Startup grants. Having spun out of the AMRC, we know firsthand the benefits this support can bring to a startup during this crucial phase. Importantly, it provides access to the extensive AMRC and HVM Catapult networks – there isn’t a partnership network like it anywhere else in the UK.

“At DigitalCNC, we will use the grant to access state-of-the-art machine tools and expert manufacturing engineers. We’ll be able to continue validating our software without production downtime for customers, build datasets to support our product and technology roadmaps, and ultimately bolster our sales pipeline to support UK manufacturing.”

By giving business founders a compelling reason to start and scale their businesses in the region, the programme aligns with the SYMCA Strategic Economic Plan, which aims to grow the region’s innovation ecosystem, increase high-quality employment and position South Yorkshire as a leading destination for entrepreneurship and investment.

Joseph Quinn, director of growth and sector development at SYMCA, said: “We’re proud to support our world-class local partner, the AMRC, in delivering the Ferretworks: Startup programme.

“Backed by Investment Zone funding, this initiative will accelerate the growth of early-stage manufacturers, drive innovation and create high-value jobs across the region. We’re excited to see the tangible impact this will have on our industrial ecosystem.”

The programme also reflects broader national goals, such as the UK government’s call for more support at the proof-of-concept stage, greater integration between academia and industry  and improved access to funding and technical resources for early-stage founders.

Richard added: “This is not just about startups, it’s about strengthening the foundation of the UK’s industrial future. For startups with visionary ideas, AMRC FerretWorks: Startup is a rare opportunity to build, grow and lead — with impact that stretches across industries and into the heart of South Yorkshire, where the journey begins.”