What happens when ambitious entrepreneurial vision meets world-class engineering innovation? You get AMRC FerretWorks: Startup. Richard Gardiner, senior innovation fellow at the AMRC, sits down with Christie Collins to explain how the new programme will support and grow early-stage engineering innovation. 

Article featured in the latest issue of the AMRC Journal.

The mission for AMRC FerretWorks: Startup is clear: turn ambitious ideas into investable ventures, drive the growth of high-value jobs, and contribute to the development of a thriving, innovation-led economy in South Yorkshire.

“We’re not just supporting innovation,” Richard says. “We’re helping create the right environment for it. One that gives founders the confidence, technical backing and commercial structure to succeed.”

In its first year, AMRC FerretWorks: Start up, is being co-funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and the University of Sheffield. It will support entrepreneurs with the tools, resources and expert guidance needed to help founders develop their product and build scalable, sustainable businesses.  

By providing early-stage founders access to world-class engineering capabilities, commercial guidance and investment networks, AMRC FerretWorks: Start up is helping de-risk innovation at its most vulnerable stage.

The programme focuses on assisting early-stage companies with strong potential in one or more of the AMRC’s supported sectors, including; aerospace, energy, defence, automotive, construction, medical and healthcare, space, food and drink, agri-tech and rail. These are not only areas of national strategic importance but in many cases are areas of strength for the regions the AMRC operates in. 

Richard explained: “Through the programme, participants will work closely with our AMRC engineers to refine their ideas, develop their prototypes and accelerate their route to market. They’re gaining access to more than £200 million of advanced manufacturing capability, from design for manufacture and product testing, to state-of-the-art machinery and technical expertise. This is all supported by commercialisation frameworks, mentorship and visibility to investors and industry partners.”

AMRC FerretWorks: Startup is open to entrepreneurs who are based in South Yorkshire, or are planning to base their business in the region. The programme has backing from three key commercialisation partners which form the entry points to the program: the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Regional Talent Engine (Yorkshire), Sheffield Technology Parks’ Cooper Project and the University of Sheffield’s own Commercialisation Journey. Each partner will identify promising candidates from their respective programmes and nominate them to participate in AMRC FerretWorks: Startup. 

Sarah Gummer, senior manager for regional entrepreneurship programmes at the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “We are thrilled to work with the AMRC on this new initiative, welcoming more support for deep tech and life sciences startups in the North.

“We support incredibly talented entrepreneurs to turn their idea into a startup. Through the Regional Talent Engines programme they develop commercialisation skills, access critical networks and build supportive communities.  

“Being able to access manufacturing capability and targeted support from the AMRC will now enable them to further develop their innovations, taking the next step in their startup journeys.”

Richard explained that applications are carefully reviewed by the AMRC FerretWorks: Startup team to ensure they are technically feasible, aligned with AMRC capability and achievable within the scope of the programme. 

Ultimately, participants will be awarded project support worth up to £45,000 to co-develop their innovation with AMRC teams,” Richard added.

Rose Tran, incubation manager at Sheffield Technology Parks, said: “We are excited to become a partner of AMRC FerretWorks: Startup because of the rare and unique opportunity it will give to founders of innovative products providing real solutions to real-world problems.

“With access to the cutting-edge facilities at the AMRC, expert engineers and its networks, the programme has potential to substantially accelerate successful applicants from idea stage through to creating an innovative and scalable product – ready for market; and we cannot wait to see the impact they will deliver.”

The programme has been designed to align with the SYMCA Strategic Economic Plan, which sets out a vision to grow the region’s innovation ecosystem, increase high-quality employment and position South Yorkshire as a leading destination for entrepreneurship and investment. 

Richard explained that while AMRC FerretWorks: Startup directly supports this SYMCA vision by giving business founders a compelling reason to start and scale their businesses in the region - it also reflects broader national goals. 

He said: “The UK government’s Independent Review of University Spin-outs called for more support at the proof-of-concept stage, greater integration between academia and industry and improved access to funding and technical resources for early-stage founders. 

“We believe AMRC FerretWorks: Startup meets these recommendations head-on, offering a joined-up, structured pathway that supports the commercialisation of innovative ideas with high industrial relevance.”

Participants are encouraged to establish their base in the South Yorkshire region and to make use of its regional assets such as the Sheffield  Innovation Spine, which spans key areas close to the city centre, and is where early-stage innovators can connect with peers and support networks during the formative years of their business. As they grow and scale, they can take advantage of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID)—a national hub for high-tech industrial growth.

Beyond engineering advancements, AMRC FerretWorks: Startup is also focused on wider economic and societal impact. By helping business founders move faster and smarter through early stages of growth, the programme supports job creation, shared knowledge and long-term value generation for the region. 

“This is not just about startups, it’s about strengthening the foundation of the UK’s industrial future,” says Richard.“It’s not just about building better products. It’s about accelerating the journey, reducing risk, improving quality to ultimately attract greater investment. And that leads to something real: jobs, livelihoods and economic opportunity.”

The ripple effects of early-stage innovation are far-reaching, says Richard. 

“From lab benches and design studios, to factory floors and investment rooms, the outcomes shape industries and communities,” he said. “AMRC FerretWorks: Startup is built to ensure those outcomes stay local, scalable and sustainable.

“It’s not just an idea.These are people’s lives, their families, their support networks. That’s what makes it all so worthwhile.The impact of the engineering-led innovation does not end at the lab bench or the pitch deck— it reaches into the communities where real change happens.”

For startups with visionary ideas, AMRC FerretWorks: Startup offers much more than just support; it is a springboard. A rare opportunity to help entrepreneurs build, grow and lead—with impact that stretches across industries and into the heart of South Yorkshire, where the journey begins.