UKRI showcases the technologies of tomorrow

With over £320 million allocated to advance:

• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Quantum technologies
• Engineering biology
• Future telecommunications

The fund is driving mission-led research and development to address global challenges in health, sustainability, and economic growth.

The digital collection features case studies and video stories that illustrate the real-world outcomes of UKRI-funded projects. It highlights collaborations between academia, businesses, and multiple partners across the UK, all focused on accelerating technological innovation for the benefit of society.

Pioneering projects at the forefront of innovation

Quantum sensors for underground transport

Scientists at Imperial College London are collaborating with Transport for London on a groundbreaking project that applies quantum physics to enhance sensor technology. This innovation aims to improve underground railway networks, making public transport safer, more efficient, and more reliable.

AI-driven custom packaging for art

Birmingham-based Spaceplay, in partnership with Birmingham City University, is leveraging AI and machine learning to optimise custom packaging designs for art pieces. This technology reduces design time and costs, improving productivity and profitability.

Engineering biology for better potatoes

Lincoln’s B-Hive Innovations is developing next-generation potatoes through its TuberGene project. By using engineering biology, the team is creating healthier, bruise-resistant, and faster-cooking potato varieties while ensuring long-term sustainability in potato farming.

Smart dairy farming with AI

Herefordshire’s Galebreaker has teamed up with Smartbell to develop AI-enabled automation for dairy farms. Their ‘Animal Centred Controlled Environment for Dairy’ project is improving livestock welfare, reducing stress, and increasing milk yields – all while enhancing farm efficiency.

Biotech solutions for plastic waste

At the University of Portsmouth, researchers are pioneering engineering biology techniques to break down plastics, paving the way for a circular plastics economy.

Next-Gen 6G Connectivity with Light

Edinburgh-based pureLiFi is developing an energy-efficient light fidelity (LiFi) module designed for 6G applications. This innovation leverages light to enhance wireless connectivity, security, and energy efficiency.

AI-powered brain tumour surgery

A £500,000 investment in University College London’s Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences is supporting the development of real-time AI-assisted decision-making tools for brain tumour surgery. This breakthrough could reduce post-surgical complications and improve patient recovery times.

Driving technological progress for a better future

The projects showcased in UKRI’s Technology Missions Fund demonstrate how research and innovation are shaping a smarter, more sustainable, and economically resilient future. The online brochure provides an in-depth look at these advancements, illustrating how strategic investments in technology are driving real-world impact.

Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “We are investing in technology with transformative potential for our health, the economy and national resilience.

“From the development of new medicines to creating sustainable fuels, it could significantly help us in our missions to improve healthcare, grow our economy and become a green energy superpower.

“To seize these opportunities, the Government must work closely with our researchers, academics and businesses, to unleash the potential of these transformative technologies to drive growth and bring wider societal benefits to the UK.”

Dr Kedar Pandya, UKRI Technology Missions Fund Senior Responsible Owner and Executive Director of Strategy at the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council said: “The Technology Missions Fund demonstrates the power of mission-led investments to drive collaborations between UKRI, government departments, the research base and industries.

“These partnerships to integrate research, innovation and policy requirements to accelerate technology development, enhance UK capabilities and skills, and address major global challenges to improve lives and livelihoods and grow the UK economy.

“I am proud of what we have achieved over the past two years, working with agility, flexibility and speed to deliver against the UK’s science and technology vision, building sovereign capability for the UK’s future growth and prosperity, and enhancing national security and resilience.”