Putting Resources Directly
into Engineering Excellence
Inspiration and influence create the conditions for success, but engineers also need direct support. Through our fellowship programmes, grants, and strategic investments, we provide tangible resources to individuals and organisations working at the cutting-edge of UK engineering. We bridge the gap between research and commercialisation, helping innovative ideas reach their full potential.
Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Hub
The ERA Foundation was instrumental in establishing the Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Hub, which has become one of the UK’s leading accelerators for engineering entrepreneurs. Consistently ranked among the top startup hubs by the Financial Times and Statista, the Hub provides intensive support to researchers, graduates, and SME leaders seeking to commercialise their innovations.
Through our ongoing partnership, we fund ERA Foundation Enterprise Fellowships, which provide financial support and access to the Hub’s extensive network of mentors, investors, and industry experts. Fellows receive the skills, confidence, and connections they need to transform their ideas into successful businesses.
- 400+ researchers, graduates, and SME leaders supported
- 34 ERA Foundation Enterprise Fellows funded
- ~6,000 jobs created by Hub alumni
- £1.3 billion+ in follow-on funding secured
Industrial Fellowships
Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 Industrial Fellowships
In partnership with the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, we fund Industrial Fellowships for exceptional graduates in the electrotechnology sector. These fellowships support doctoral-level research conducted in direct collaboration with industry partners, ensuring that academic work has practical application.
The ERA Foundation Industrial Fellowship is designed to encourage profitable innovation and creativity in British industry, to the mutual benefit of the Fellow and their sponsoring company. Projects in any science or engineering discipline will be considered, with a focus on those that have clear potential for commercial impact.
- Eligibility: Exceptional graduates working in the electrotechnology sector
- Duration: Typically, three years of doctoral-level research
- Applications: Open each October through the Royal Commission of 1851
- 22 Industrial Fellows funded to-date
Expanding Support Through Partnerships
Beyond our flagship programmes, we have supported fellowship and award schemes through several other prestigious partners. These include the Royal Society’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence scheme, EPSRC Follow-on Grants, and Royal Society’s Mercer Award winners.
- Royal Society Entrepreneur-in-Residence: Connecting industrial scientists with universities
- EPSRC Follow-on Grants: Supporting the commercialisation of research
- Royal Society Mercer Award: Recognising excellence in engineering
Strategic Investments
Direct Investment in Engineering Innovation
Where we identify opportunities, the Foundation makes direct investments in early-stage engineering and manufacturing businesses. These investments help bridge the gap between research and commercialisation, providing capital at a critical stage when securing other funding can be challenging.
We also invest as a Limited Partner in venture capital funds focused on the engineering sector. This approach allows us to support a broader portfolio of companies while benefiting from the expertise of specialist investment managers.
- Early-stage engineering and manufacturing businesses
- Companies commercialising university research
- Electrotechnology, telecommunications, and IT systems
Institutional Support
Building Engineering Infrastructure
The Foundation has made significant contributions to the physical and institutional infrastructure that supports UK engineering. This includes our support for the refurbishment of Prince Philip House, the Royal Academy of Engineering’s London headquarters, and funding for the National Flying Laboratory Centre at Cranfield University.
These investments create lasting benefits for the engineering community, providing facilities and resources that serve multiple generations of engineers.
£20m
£20 million+ invested since 2001
35fellowships
Enterprise Fellows supported
22Industrial
Industrial Fellows funded
400+
400+ entrepreneurs supported through the Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Hub
News
Keep up to date with the latest Foundation news, and insights into changes in the Engineering sector.
