Imperial College London has opened London’s first facility for pilot and demonstration manufacturing. This new facility is designed to help tech startups, especially deep tech companies, move from research and development (R&D) into larger-scale production.
The facility, called Grapht Works, has 28 industrial-scale units. These units can be adjusted or reconfigured as technologies, innovations, and manufacturing needs change.
Grapht Works fills an important gap between R&D and full commercial manufacturing, giving startups the space and equipment they need to grow and scale their technologies successfully.
According to coherent market insights, the Smart Manufacturing Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.18% during 2025 to 2032. Currently, the market is at USD 223.90 Mn in 2025 and is expected to be around USD 340.7 Mn by 2032. Increasing investment by leading companies will contribute to the growth of the smart manufacturing market over the next several years. The rising need to reduce downtime and costs is expected to fuel the market. Increased automation has been a major factor driving the market. This market is also expected to expand rapidly due to the demand for software solutions.
On behalf of WestTech London, Hugh Brady, President of Imperial, said: “Providing essential infrastructure, like Grapht Works, is critical if we are to ensure that deep tech businesses can start, scale and stay in the UK. It is part of WestTech London’s mission to unlock the power of innovation in West London and ignite growth not just for London, but nationwide. Scaling deep tech businesses will not only drive economic growth but they also play a key role in the strengthening the UK’s industrial sectors and supply chains. This facility supports the Government’s ambition to make the UK the best place in the world to start, grow and invest in advanced manufacturing.”
Hugh Brady, President “This facility supports the Government’s ambition to make the UK the best place in the world to start, grow and invest in advanced manufacturing.”
Dr James MacDonald, CEO and Co-founder, Solena Materials “Moving from the lab into pilot production is the moment a company proves it can manufacture at scale — and that’s what unlocks serious investment and growth.”
Source:
Newsroom: Imperial College London
Company: Imperial College London
