DigitalCNC, an innovative spin-out from the AMRC and University of Sheffield’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, took home the ‘Start-Up Organisation of the Year’ award at this year’s Sheffield Business Awards.

The Sheffield Business Awards, run by the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), is an annual event that celebrates the successes and achievements of businesses throughout the Sheffield City region. Hosted on October 16 at the Octagon Centre, the 2025 ceremony recognised excellence across 17 categories, including innovation, sustainability, leadership and growth.

DigitalCNC, co-founded by Dr Rob Ward and David Wilkinson, was named ‘Start-Up Organisation of the Year’, which celebrates innovative young companies who are laying down the foundations for future success. 

The company's cutting-edge AI technologies were recognised as they are set to transform precision manufacturing by significantly improving quality and boosting productivity. Its pioneering solutions have already drawn strong interest from leading aerospace manufacturers, including Rolls-Royce and Boeing.

Dr Rob Ward said: “It's incredible to be recognised with the Start-up of the Year award. Less than a year ago, we were a two-person team. Today, we are selling our product and collaborating with major aerospace OEMs and industry leaders - a trajectory that was powerfully accelerated by the support and mentorship of David Richards and Yorkshire AI Labs. 

“This award is a testament to the research coming out of the University of Sheffield and the AMRC, combined with the thriving innovation ecosystem here in Sheffield and fuels our ambition for the next phase of growth”.

DigitalCNC’s advanced technology has been extensively developed and validated through many years of collaborative R&D with the AMRC and the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Ben Morgan, AMRC interim CEO, said: “DigitalCNC’s success is a phenomenal win for the entire South Yorkshire innovation ecosystem and a credit to their hard work and ingenuity. Their AI-driven technology is setting a new benchmark for precision manufacturing, and we are immensely proud to see an AMRC spin-out lead the way and secure this recognition. Many congratulations to the team on this well-deserved win, and we are cheering them on for their continued success as they revolutionise the manufacturing industry.”

DigitalCNC's win was part of a collective triumph for two spin-out companies from the University of Sheffield, who together secured three awards on the night.

Phlux Technology secured a double win at the awards ceremony, taking home 'SME of the Year' for outstanding business performance and the 'Leading through Innovation' award for its world-leading infrared sensor technology.

The recognition demonstrates the University of Sheffield and AMRC's commitment to turning world-class research into real-world impact. Both spinouts benefited directly from the University’s thriving innovation and enterprise ecosystem, showing how academic research, combined with industry partnerships, can lead to high-level recognition and commercial success in the South Yorkshire region and beyond.