The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) is a world-leading research and innovation network focused on advanced machining, manufacturing, and materials. Known for partnering with global manufacturers to develop and de-risk industry-transforming solutions, the centre uses its expertise to unlock new technology and processes that allow goods and services to move around the world more sustainably - saving time, money, and energy. Now, that same expertise is being applied to the next generation of innovators across South Yorkshire.
Launched in September 2025, the AMRC FerretWorks: Startup programme is designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs in the region, bringing the centre's world-class resources to those with bold ideas and the ambition to scale. The programme is powered by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and delivered in partnership with key organisations like Sheffield Technology Parks’ Cooper Project and the Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Hub.
The AMRC FerretWorks: Startup will provide founders on an established commercialisation support programme with what they need most in those crucial early stages - hands-on support from world-class engineers, access to cutting-edge equipment, and the networks needed to turn potential into progress. By de-risking the development process and providing a direct pathway to expertise, it is hoped the initiative will accelerate the formation of startups and spinouts - helping them grow and creating high value jobs throughout the South Yorkshire region.
Eight teams of inspiring entrepreneurs have already joined the programme. This first cohort of innovators will work closely with AMRC engineers to refine their concepts, prototype, and take important steps towards developing their businesses. Collectively, they cover a diverse range of markets including healthcare, software, engineering and sport.
DigitalCNC
DigitalCNC, a University of Sheffield spinout, is set to transform precision manufacturing by leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies to dramatically improve quality, efficiency, and productivity. Its pioneering solutions have already drawn strong interest from leading aerospace manufacturers, including Rolls-Royce and Boeing.
Dr Rob Ward, the Chief Executive Officer of DigitalCNC, has recently been accepted onto the AMRC FerretWorks: Startup programme. He said: “Without access to the AMRC we would have to disrupt production at our customers' sites. This is completely against DigitalCNC's ethos of no downtime and driving productivity. The Ferretworks grant allows us to continue validating our software and build the datasets we need for our product pipeline”.
RallyMatics
Aspiring Sheffield spinout, RallyMatics, who aim to transform existing tennis ball machines, will also join the first cohort of innovators taking part in the programme. Unlike traditional machines with predictable shot patterns, RallyMatics uses advanced sensors and adaptive algorithms to analyse a player's movements in real-time.
Speaking about the support offered by the AMRC, lecturer in Robotics Dr Lin Cao said: "RallyMatics is developing advanced motion-tracking and adaptive decision-making technologies to transform traditional tennis ball machines into intelligent training systems. The AMRC FerretWorks programme provides us with access to world-class computer vision expertise, enabling us to accelerate R&D, bring our products to market faster, and strengthen our ability to secure investment and drive business growth in South Yorkshire".
Tasty Spoon and Nasalyzer
Luisa Maria Bautista de Deus de Carvalho is a PhD student at the University’s School of Clinical Dentistry, as well as the CEO and Co-founder of Nasalyzer. The company is developing a potentially life-saving diagnostic tool - a simple breath test that uses a sensor and algorithm platform to detect gastric cancers early.
Meanwhile, Dr Christian Morgner, a Senior Lecturer at the University’s Management School, led the development of the Tasty Spoon. This novel stimulation device helps people living with Alzheimer's and dementia regain their sense of taste, restoring the joy of eating and improving their overall health.
Luisa and Christian took part in the Insigneo Institute’s MedTech commercialisation training programme, which guides entrepreneurs through the early stages of device commercialisation and explores the clinical landscape, patient pathways, and healthcare economics. Following the training, both of the teams behind Nasalyzer and Tasty Spoon joined the AMRC FerretWorks: Startup programme.
Insigneo Commercialisation Manager, Alex Wilkinson, said: ”It’s fantastic to see our Nasalyzer and Tasty Spoon teams securing this opportunity to take their ideas on to prototyping and testing with the support of AMRC’s world-class engineering expertise”.
Christian also commented on the impact of the programme and said: “I’m truly grateful to be part of the very first AMRC FerretWorks: Startup cohort. Thank you to the AMRC team, the funders, and partners for creating such a supportive environment for innovation. It’s inspiring to be alongside such talented entrepreneurs, and I’m excited to work together with the engineers at AMRC to bring new ideas to life.”
Luisa added: “I am really excited for this opportunity to collaborate with the AMRC. It marks a significant milestone for Nasalyzer and highlights the strength of Sheffield’s growing MedTech hub. Thank you for believing in our mission to transform cancer diagnostics”.
NANOncolytics
NANOncolytics offers a technique for delivering drugs in a more targeted way within the human body. As part of this work, the team is developing a novel biocompatible production methodology that avoids using high temperatures, extreme pressures, or strong chemicals that could potentially damage the material.
Under the FerretWorks: Startup programme, the AMRC will manufacture a prototype device to support client validation. Speaking about this support, Dr Faith Nutter Howard of NANOncolytics said: “The Ferretworks programme marks the next major milestone in our product development. By leveraging the AMRC's expertise and equipment, we are manufacturing our latest device design. This step is critical, allowing us to serve a waiting list of clients and significantly strengthen our position for future fundraising".
Looking ahead
Together with the University’s Commercialisation Journey, the launch of the AMRC FerrertWorks: Startup programme will help to further bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application. The initiative will support new businesses by giving entrepreneurs in the South Yorkshire region access to the unique resources of the AMRC, while also helping to ensure a competitive future for UK manufacturing.
Richard Gardiner, Senior Innovation Fellow at the AMRC, said: “At the AMRC, we’ve always been about unlocking innovation that transforms industries. With AMRC FerretWorks: Startup, we’re facilitating access to that same world-class expertise, cutting-edge capabilities and industrial-scale equipment to the next generation of entrepreneurs here in South Yorkshire.
“Our approach is simple but powerful: we don’t take equity from the founders we support. Instead, we focus on helping bold ideas become breakthrough innovations, giving early-stage ventures the freedom to grow, attract investment, and scale on their own terms.”