iCOMAT’s journey with Advanced Engineering
Many people are wary of freebies, often suspecting there’s a hidden catch. In some cases, that might ring true, but sometimes such opportunity can offer significant, genuine value if fully embraced. Here’s the journey of iCOMAT, founder of a novel carbon fibre process, and how taking a free opportunity from Advanced Engineering, the annual gathering of engineering and manufacturing professionals, led to the company growing and being able to exhibit every year since.
iCOMAT, a University of Bristol spin-out specialising in an innovative carbon fibre manufacturing process, gained significant recognition at the 2019 Advanced Engineering exhibition. The company had developed a patented method called Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS), which allows for the production of advanced carbon fibre composites that are lighter, stronger and more cost-effective for sectors like aerospace, automotive and space.
At the event, iCOMAT was selected as one of ten start-ups to showcase their technology for free in the Enabling Innovation zone. On the second day of the show, these finalists presented their innovations to a panel of judges including representatives from Innovation DB, PA Consulting and the Institute for Manufacturing.
Dr. Evangelos Zympeloudis, iCOMAT’s CEO, delivered a compelling pitch detailing how their RTS process efficiently places carbon fibre tapes along curved paths without generating defects. This capability reduces the amount of raw material required and enhances the lightweight properties essential for aerospace and automotive applications.
Despite facing strong competition, iCOMAT was awarded the Enabling Innovation Award. This accolade was a significant achievement, because it not only validated their innovative approach but also provided visibility across the sector.
“Dr Zympeloudis presented a really clear business case and demonstrated that there was an absolute market need for the company’s product,” said David Hickey, PA Consulting, at the time of the award win. “If the company delivers on its potential, it could make a huge difference to society.
“We knew that we wanted to come to Advanced Engineering, so when we spotted the Enabling Innovation zone opportunity, it was a no-brainer. The award will be a huge help for a small start-up like us, bringing recognition when starting out and meeting new contacts and investors. It’s also a huge motivator for the team.”
Levelling up and the skills gap
Since the award win, iCOMAT views Advanced Engineering as one of the main trade shows in the UK, because it supports the composites industry. From both a supply and manufacturer perspective, there is opportunity to network in the UK composites arena and, in words of Neal Hillier, head of business development at iCOMAT, the show “carries the flag for the composites industry as well as manufacturing.”
“We need to promote UK manufacturing, especially with the recent government initiatives like levelling up and closing the skills gap,” added Hillier. “Any publicity that the aerospace and automotive industries can get, along with emphasising the number of jobs it supports, is crucial because they are important industries that help the government achieve its goals.
“UK manufacturing has not always been promoted as the most attractive industry to go into, and that’s a real shame because there’s a lot going on. We need to attract the next generation of people, so a trade show that brings people through the door that are looking for apprenticeships, or are already in apprenticeships and want to take the next step, is key.
“The outstanding thing about UK manufacturing is the humans working in it. Sadly, the sector doesn’t bang its drum enough about how innovative UK manufacturing is as an economy, specifically when we continually need new ideas that can be channeled into global supply chains.”
iCOMAT’s 2024 stand
iCOMAT is returning to Advanced Engineering, in what will mark the company’s fifth year, only missing 2020 when the event was postponed due to the pandemic. iCOMAT will be at stand T150, which will feature a range of exhibits to showcase innovations in both the automotive and aerospace sectors across real-world scenarios.
Visitors will be able to view automotive components that use a hybrid structure, demonstrating how composites can be employed in a cost-effective manner. This will illustrate iCOMAT’s approach to integrating composite materials in a way that balances performance with economic efficiency.
Additionally, aerospace demonstration parts will also be exhibited to highlight the significant advancements made in this field. A key feature will be iCOMAT’s robotic equipment, an integral component that attaches to industrial robots and enables the RTS process. For clarity, the RTS process builds up composite structures layer by layer, using iCOMAT’s automated machinery to precisely place and bond fiber-reinforced tapes to create lightweight, high-performance structures.
“In the aerospace sector, as well as in automotive applications, composites play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and performance,” explained Hillier. “We are excited to demonstrate our unique RTS technology, which stands out globally for its ability to create the lightest weight structures.
“Our innovative approach allows us to reduce the weight of structures through nontraditional methods, precisely positioning fibers where they are most needed. This process, combined with automation, enables us to optimise structures efficiently and at scale.
“Birmingham and the Midlands are key to the aerospace and automotive industries, aligning with our focus on lightweighting and sustainability for achieving net-zero emissions. The Advanced Engineering trade show is a strategic investment, allowing us to engage directly with industry professionals to understand their needs and showcase how composites and lightweight structures enhance efficiency and sustainability in transportation.”
Enabling Innovation competition
The Enabling Innovation Award is continuing this year, having benefited other companies including start-ups like Aceleron, whose post-win successes included being listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 and receiving funding from Innovate UK. Last year’s winner, OxDrive, provider of e-hubs for electric off-highway vehicles operating in demanding environments, also won the award to further R&D in production to develop the products and take them to customers.
The Enabling Innovation initiative receives support from leading innovation partners, Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), Innovation DB and Innovate UK. These organisations work with start-ups throughout the UK, offering them the means to accelerate and commercialise their innovations in the advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.
This year, Advanced Engineering has expanded its Enabling Innovation competition following high demand in recent years. The annual contest is open to all SMEs and start-ups looking for a chance to showcase their innovations for free at the country’s biggest meeting of engineering and manufacturing professionals, with presentations to take place on the main stage.
Each finalist will have its own exhibition space in the Enabling Innovation Zone, open to over 9,000 visitors for the duration of the show. This exhibition area connects startups with valuable networking opportunities across booming sectors, including automotive, aerospace, composites and Industry 4.0. On the second day of the show, contestants will present their innovations on the main stage, with the winner chosen by a panel of industry experts.
The winner will be awarded a free full-sized stand for Advanced Engineering 2025, plus marketing opportunities. The marketing for the finalists will extend throughout the year, encompassing email campaigns, video interviews, social media exposure, press releases and a dedicated page on the Advanced Engineering website under the Enabling Innovation section.