Manufacturing
KTN’s Manufacturing team helps manufacturers to innovate, and innovators to manufacture. We work with a broad spectrum of organisations, sectors and technology areas, advising on innovation and connecting to partners, experts, facilities and funding.
Digital manufacturing brings together new technologies such as AI, IIOT, additive manufacturing, robotics and automation, blockchain and immersive technologies. We are working with smart factories to drive improved productivity, efficiency, resilience and competitiveness. Together with Robotics & AI, Immerse UK and others we can make the right connections to cutting edge technology and knowledge, through Manufacturing Made Smarter on an impartial basis.
Product Innovation requires careful navigation of the design to manufacture journey. Successfully delivering a physical product to market (i.e one that requires manufacturing) presents challenges over and above those that non-manufactured products face. As well as technical knowledge and diversity of skills, expertise and strong relationships are key to driving change. KTN can share learning across our network and through our D2MGuide, and make the connections you’ll need to deliver on your innovation.
Sustainable, resilient manufacturing. The world is changing. Manufacturers are improving the products they make and the way they make them. This reduces our environmental footprint, increases resource efficiency and creates competitive advantage. Energy efficiency, circular economy, remanufacturing and industrial symbiosis are all areas we specialise in as a team.
We help manufacturers and innovators to improve their processes across all these areas by making impartial connections, across the UK and globally, with the right partners, suppliers and funding channels including Innovate UK and other funding sources.

Our current focus in this area
Current Manufacturing funding opportunities
UK-South Korea Collaborative R&D
Opens: 14/02/2022 Closes: 06/07/2022
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £2 million for this competition, with a maximum grant of £350k/project. This funding is for the purpose of developing innovative proposals with South Korea.
More Information
Faraday Battery Challenge Round 5 Innovation: CR&D
Opens: 23/05/2022 Closes: 17/08/2022
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £25 million across two strands, for innovation in propulsion battery technologies for electric vehicles. This fund is for CR&D projects with total costs from £500,000 to £12 million.
More Information
Young Innovators Awards 2022/23
Opens: 13/06/2022 Closes: 27/07/2022
Young people (aged 18-30 by 27th July 2022) can apply for an award that will help turn their business idea into a reality – including a £5,000 grant, a two days a week living allowance, and tailored business support.
More Information
Related Events and Recordings
Wed
17
Nov
2021
Thu
19
May
2022
Adopting AI in Manufacturing: How to Access KTP Funding to Close Your Knowledge Gap
10.00 - 16.00 | Online
Recording coming soon
Thu
14
Jul
2022
Unveiling and Engaging Manufacturing Technology Challenges
14.00 - 16.00 | Online
Register for this event
Our Manufacturing Experts
Related News

09/05/2022
Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF) returns for the summer
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has launched a further competition window for applications to the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF).
Read more

17/06/2022
Join us and help transform UK manufacturing at Innovation Alley 2022
Applications are now open for Made Smarter Innovation Alley, the UK’s largest showcase of leading edge digital technologies for the manufacturing sector, running 16-17 November 2022.
Read more
Programmes related to Manufacturing

Made Smarter | Innovation Network
From 2021 to 2025, KTN will be working on behalf of UKRI to join communities together to transform UK manufacturing. Join the Made Smarter Innovation Network and help us drive positive change.

4Manufacturing
4Manufacturing® is a tool, developed in partnership with industry, that helps manufacturers deploy digital technologies and realise Industry 4.0.

Medicines Manufacturing Challenge Community
Supporting manufacturers of medicines in order to grow the UK economy