The National Materials Innovation Programme (NMIP), funded by the UK government and delivered by Innovate UK and EPSRC, aims to bridge the gap between materials research discovery and real-world application. Part of UK Research and Innovation’s Industrial Strategy 8 Advanced Manufacturing Programme, NMIP connects people, expertise, and investment to accelerate the UK's materials innovation ecosystem.
To address fragmentation in the sector, four new Network Pluses will establish national networks connecting research communities and industrial stakeholders. These networks will focus on strategic areas including energy solutions, healthcare, advanced surface technologies, and next-generation electronics, telecommunications, and sensors. They aim to improve access to partners, facilities, and opportunities across the UK.
Complementing the networks, nine Materials Innovation Partnerships will support collaborative research programmes co-created by academic and business partners. Participating businesses are contributing over £11 million in cash and in-kind support, demonstrating strong industry commitment. These partnerships will focus on high-growth opportunity themes such as materials for energy harvesting, metallic materials, hydrogen transport and storage, low-carbon construction, sustainable structural systems, surface engineering, connectivity, and sustainable packaging.
“"The UK has outstanding materials research and ambitious businesses with the potential to turn new discoveries into better products, services and technologies. This investment will create the connections needed to bring those communities together, helping research address real-world challenges and progress towards economic, societal and environmental benefit."
Further details on specific projects include 'Rare earth fluorides: closing the critical gap in UK circular permanent magnet manufacturing' led by Queen’s University Belfast, and 'Next-generation mycelium composites for high-performance, biodegradable protective packaging (My-Pack)' led by the University of Nottingham. Network Plus initiatives include the 'Electrochemical entrepreneurship Network Plus' led by the University of Surrey and the 'Healthcare interfaces Network+' led by Manchester Metropolitan University.
