Analysis for Innovators

The Analysis for Innovators programme is focused on helping individual companies to solve tricky and, perhaps, long running technical challenges, affecting existing processes, products, or services.

NML is a founding partner of the Analysis for Innovators programme. We provide companies with access to our state-of-the-art measurement and analytical capabilities, helping them address problems and challenges in innovative ways. Our expertise helps businesses accelerate product development, reduce risk, improve quality and bring trusted innovations to market.

Analysis for Innovators (A4I) offers UK SMEs access to world-class measurement expertise and facilities to solve analysis and measurement challenges in commercialised products and services. Through collaborative projects lasting 3 to 9 months and worth £15,000 to £100,000, businesses can improve product performance, optimise processes, reduce costs, demonstrate compliance, and unlock new market opportunities. Delivered by the UK’s leading measurement organisations, including NPL, NML, NEL, NGML and MHRA, A4I connects companies with the expertise and facilities they need to innovate with confidence.

Applications for the latest round opened on 15 September 2026 and close at 11am on 6 October 2026.

Through the programme, SMEs gain access to cutting-edge facilities, expert scientific knowledge and specialist research capability that can help unlock innovation and tackle technical challenges that cannot easily be solved using off-the-shelf approaches.

Apply now Join our webinar to learn more Download the support guide

Partners

  • National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
  • National Measurement Laboratory (NML), hosted at LGC
  • The National Gear Metrology Laboratory (NGML) at Newcastle University
  • TÜV SÜD The National Engineering Laboratory (NEL)
  • Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

Who can apply?

The latest round of A4I is designed to support all UK SMEs from any sector, with a measurement challenge.

Testimonials

“The HeartCells Company is extremely pleased to have collaborated with NML on this project and are delighted with the outcome, which is a key component to the HeartCells plans for future clinical trial fundraising. HeartCells very much hopes to continue this relationship on future projects.”

Stephen James, CEO, HeartCells

Testimonials

“Working with NML has enabled Touchlight to perform cutting edge analysis on the efficacy of our DNA products. Furthermore, the resulting data acquired has supported relevant product development processes. Ultimately, this collaboration will translate in accelerated commercialisation of new DNA platforms in the coming future.”

Touchlight Genetics

Testimonials

“As a young technology company, grants like the scheme have enabled us to access cutting edge techniques and equipment and experienced scientists that we could not otherwise access. This has really benefited BiologIC in our innovation and product development journey. Without such resources, we would not have been able to execute investigations around our core technology at a pace that supports our early commercial engagement. Furthermore, it has facilitated future collaborative work with experts in the field, all helping to bring our vision of building the world’s first Biocomputer to reality.”

Dr Colin Barker PhD FCMI, Chief Scientific Officer, BiologIC

Testimonials

“The Analysis for Innovators project has been instrumental in maintaining, as well as extending our market position. There is a growing requirement from our customers to guarantee our standards through analytical data. However, we work with advanced materials that cannot be characterised easily by commercial providers. The project connected us with NML, a world class materials characterisation facility that we would not otherwise be able to access. Through our collaboration with NML we have the data we need to, not only retain our place in the market, but also take on new customers and expand into new markets.”

Dr Zoe Tolkien, Research Director, Advanced Furnace Technology

Our impact:

Targeting DNA as next generation therapies

Using our digital PCR expertise, we helped advance a next‑generation DNA platform by accurately measuring how enhanced nuclear‑targeting elements performs inside human cells. We quantified vector copy number and RNA transcripts, which provided critical insight into DNA behaviour and protein expression. This enabled the company to refine and accelerate the development of improved DNA products and platforms.

Analysing elemental impurities with cutting-edge measurement science

We provided high‑accuracy measurement data to characterise impurity profiles in high‑purity graphite. By developing a microwave‑assisted acid extraction method and applying advanced ICP‑MS analysis, our scientists generated previously undetermined data on extractable elemental impurities and valuable information on the graphite purification process. This insight delivered a deeper understanding of the material’s quality and supported improved process optimisation to meet demanding customer requirements.

Characterising a 3D printing platform for biological products

Using our specialist organic mass spectrometry capability, we investigated how a bioprocessing platform interacted with the chemicals and compounds intended for use. This provided valuable information the the nature of the device, supporting the company in their mission to optimise yield, process robustness and scalability faster and more affordably than ever.

Printing of biogels for enhanced antibioic susceptibility measurements

We supported the development of a novel rapid antibiotic‑susceptibility testing device by addressing key measurement challenges affecting its manufacturability and scale‑up. Through demonstrating the value of 3D‑printed components and using mass‑spectrometry imaging (LA‑ICP‑MS) to assess the homogeneity and consistency of the gel‑based system, we provided critical insight into performance and reproducibility. This enabled the technology to progress from prototype towards scalable production, supporting efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Innovating safer solutions for nuclear decontamination

Through the Analysis for Innovators programme, we evaluated the elemental composition and impurity profile of decontamination products used in nuclear‑facility clean‑up. Using advanced analytical techniques, we identified key elements and impurities—such as halogens—that could influence corrosion risks or environmental impact. Our measurements provided the robust evidence needed to validate product safety and support greener, more reliable decontamination practices within the nuclear sector.

Revolutionising heart failure treatment with cutting-edge cell therapy innovation

Using of cell metrology capabilities, we new technologies needed to improve tackle challenges linked to regenerative therapies for heart failure. By standardising and improving the assessment of cell‑therapy quality and productivity, we enabled safer, more reliable development of novel cell formulations. This work also supported the goal of getting regulatory approval and lays the foundation for a new predictive tool to accelerate commercialisation and improve outcomes for patients receiving autologous cell therapy.

Apply now

Applications for the latest round close on 6 October 2026.

Apply now

Resources

View more

Innovative research in regenerative therapies for heart failure through the InnovateUK Analysis for Innovators Programme

4 September 2024

Uncovering critical surface interactions for smarter bioprocessing

17 August 2023
Find More Resources

Get in touch

If you’re interested in exploring partnership opportunities with the NML or learning more about our measurement capabilities, we’d love to hear from you.

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