The UK has no shortage of engineering innovation, but turning promising technologies into commercially successful businesses remains a considerable challenge. For many SMEs and start-ups, securing the investment needed to develop, manufacture and scale new technologies can be just as difficult as the engineering itself.
Advanced Engineering 2026 is looking to help address that challenge through a new Capital Day initiative, developed in partnership with Catalysium, which will bring a curated delegation of up to 20 investors directly onto the exhibition floor at the NEC, Birmingham, on 4 November.
The initiative is designed to create meaningful connections between investors and businesses developing technologies across advanced manufacturing, materials and industrial engineering, recognising that access to appropriate finance, commercial networks and industry expertise can be critical to bringing new innovations to market.
Unlike many technology sectors, advanced engineering businesses can face particularly demanding routes to commercialisation. Developing a new material, manufacturing process or industrial technology often requires substantial investment in equipment, testing, qualification and production capability, sometimes long before meaningful revenues are generated. Even where the commercial opportunity is significant, finding investors who understand these requirements can be difficult.
For Advanced Engineering, bringing investment into the exhibition is a natural extension of its role in connecting the UK’s engineering and manufacturing communities.
“British engineering businesses are developing some exceptional technologies, but innovation alone doesn’t guarantee commercial success,” said Simon Farnfield, Event Director of Advanced Engineering. “We regularly see companies at the exhibition with the technical expertise and ambition to make a real difference to their industries, yet accessing the investment and commercial relationships needed to grow can be a challenge.
“Capital Day is about making those connections more accessible. By bringing investors into an environment where they can see the technologies, meet the people behind them and understand the markets they serve, we have an opportunity to help more engineering businesses take that next step.”
Bringing capital closer to engineering innovation
Organised by Catalysium, Capital Day will combine curated exhibition tours, direct discussions with founders and structured networking opportunities, giving participating investors a closer understanding of the technologies and commercial opportunities emerging across the sector.
The day will include guided visits to six to eight selected exhibitors, providing investors with an opportunity to see engineering developments first-hand and speak directly with the businesses responsible for them.
A reverse-pitch session will turn the traditional investment presentation on its head, with investors outlining their investment interests, preferred business stages and typical funding levels. This will allow founders and business leaders to better understand which investors may be relevant to their ambitions before progressing to individual discussions.
The programme will also connect investors with the 12 businesses selected for Advanced Engineering’s Enabling Innovation initiative, which provides a platform for emerging companies developing new engineering technologies and solutions. The afternoon will feature further opportunities for individual meetings, alongside Enabling Innovation pitches and a competition.
“Advanced Engineering brings established supply chains, emerging technologies and ambitious companies together in one place. I’m most looking forward to seeing investors and founders meet in a format that gives both sides time to be specific: investors can explain what they back, founders can share what they are building, and we can help identify where a useful next conversation could begin,” said Yannick Willemin, Founder of Catalysium.
Investors interested in joining the delegation at Advanced Engineering 2026 on 4th November can register here.
Supporting the next generation of engineering businesses
Capital Day forms part of Advanced Engineering’s wider commitment to supporting innovation and commercial growth across the UK manufacturing sector.
Taking place on 4 and 5 November, the exhibition brings together engineering businesses, manufacturers, OEMs, suppliers, research organisations and technology developers from industries including aerospace, automotive, defence, energy, electronics and space.
For emerging companies, this creates opportunities that extend beyond securing investment. Access to prospective customers, manufacturing partners, technical expertise and established supply chains can be equally important in moving from development to commercial production.
By introducing a dedicated investment initiative alongside its existing exhibition, conference programme and innovation features, Advanced Engineering is seeking to strengthen those connections and support the development of the UK’s next generation of engineering businesses.
Investors interested in joining the delegation can register their interest through Catalysium.
Advanced Engineering 2026 takes place at the NEC Birmingham on 4-5 November. Registration is free for qualifying engineering and manufacturing professionals. Visit www.advancedengineeringuk.com for further information.
