Start-ups and SMEs invited to compete for free stand at 2025 show
Following a record-breaking 2024 event, the UK’s annual engineering and manufacturing exhibition Advanced Engineering UK is expanding its Enabling Innovation competition for 2025. The competition, open to start-ups and SMEs, provides a unique opportunity for companies to showcase their innovations, culminating in presentations on the main stage at the NEC, Birmingham on October 29 and 30, 2025.
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-sized 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 under 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 device automates the monitoring and control of vacuum pumps, preventing leaks and thermal runaway in composite manufacturing.
“It was just marvelous 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,” said Mark Prince, Co-Founder of Dream Big Composites Ltd. “There isn’t one company at the show that wasn’t 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.
As well as the competition, Advanced Engineering 2025 provides exhibitors a chance to showcase solutions in areas like composites, automation, additive manufacturing, testing and green technologies, with access to industry leaders from Tier 1 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 bridge the skills gap in these sectors.
“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,” explained Simon Farnfield, event director at Easyfairs, the organiser of Advanced Engineering. “We’ve had previous winners, like OxDrive, that have gone on to make significant strides in their industries, using their prize to propel their R&D and expand their reach.
“Another great example is iCOMAT, who after winning in 2019, have returned to Advanced Engineering every year as an exhibitor. We’ve seen these companies grow and gain valuable exposure and we’re 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 at www.advancedengineeringuk.com and make an enquiry — but don’t hesitate as 70 per cent of space has already been filled.
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