MaRS Discovery District and Innovate UK unveil fourth cohort, focused on advanced manufacturing

     

Cutting-edge technologies to scale globally with a focus on manufacturing efficiency, sustainability and innovation

TORONTO, October 15, 2024 – MaRS Discovery District and Innovate UK (IUK) today announced the launch of the fourth cohort of the Global Incubator Programme, focused on advanced manufacturing. Five dynamic U.K. companies specializing in various facets of manufacturing, including electric propulsion, factory optimization and sustainable chemical recovery, will leverage the program to scale into North American markets, with a particular emphasis on Canada.

“We’re thrilled to support this new cohort as they revolutionize advanced manufacturing,” said Hadeer Abdelhamid, manager of cohorts at MaRS Discovery District. “Our past cohorts in health and manufacturing have seen great success in scaling globally, and we expect these innovative companies to follow suit, driving efficiency, sustainability and growth in North America.”

This new cohort highlights the growing demand for technological advancements in manufacturing processes. The program, which runs for six months, provides these ventures with targeted workshops, networking opportunities and access to the extensive MaRS ecosystem, all designed to refine their value propositions and connect them with potential Canadian partners and customers.

“We’re happy to continue our partnership with MaRS, which allows U.K. companies to explore the opportunities in the North American market,” said Jon Hazell, partnership manager at Innovate UK. “With MaRS’ support, these innovative manufacturing ventures are able to develop new partnerships, continue to innovate and target exponential growth, following the success of past cohorts.”

To successfully scale businesses globally, it’s critical to understand the requirements of different markets and build the necessary partnerships, collaborations, and networks — and IUK’s continued partnership with MaRS Discovery District will help achieve that. The Global Incubator Programme supports cohorts of up to eight innovative U.K. SMEs to spend time working with world-leading incubators abroad to accelerate their global growth.

Meet the companies in advanced manufacturing cohort:

  • Agile Group Systems and Services: Specializing in adaptable compliance management software, Agile Group Systems provides tools that centralize business process management, offering flexible solutions across industries.
  • Greenjets: A leader in advanced electric propulsion engines for aircraft, Greenjets integrates sophisticated materials and manufacturing methods to meet the growing demand for sustainable aviation solutions.
  • Ivy Tech: Ivy Tech delivers AI-enabled solutions for factory optimization, reducing costs and carbon emissions while enhancing the sustainability of manufacturing processes.
  • Sky-Drones Technologies: Sky-Drones offers full-stack UAV avionics solutions, helping manufacturers and industries build drones with cutting-edge software, flight control, and cloud-based management platforms.
  • Zerotec London: Zerotec is transforming the fashion industry with AI-enabled pattern design software that reduces fabric waste, making fashion production more sustainable and financially viable.

By tapping into the MaRS ecosystem, this cohort will gain critical insights into the Canadian manufacturing landscape, providing them with the knowledge and connections to thrive in the North American market.

The Global Incubator Programme, developed by Innovate UK, has consistently fostered international growth for U.K. startups by placing them in world-class incubators. This collaboration with MaRS Discovery District marks an ongoing commitment to nurturing innovation in sectors vital to the global economy.

About MaRS Discovery District
MaRS Discovery District is North America’s largest urban innovation hub. A registered non-profit, MaRS supports high-growth startups and scale-ups tackling key issues in health, cleantech, fintech and other sectors. In addition, MaRS convenes all members of the tech ecosystem to drive breakthrough discoveries, grow the economy and make an impact by solving real problems for real people — in Canada and around the world.

About Innovate UK
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the U.K.’s innovation agency. It works to create a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations. Its mission is to help companies to grow through their development and commercialization of new products, processes and services, supported by an outstanding innovation ecosystem that is agile, inclusive and easy to navigate.

Media Contact
media@marsdd.com
press@ukri.org