UCL Engineering Startups
Discover the innovative companies and groundbreaking spin-outs emerging from University College London’s world-renowned engineering department. From research labs to market leaders, explore how UCL continues to drive technological innovation.
World-Class Engineering Innovation
University College London’s Faculty of Engineering Sciences stands as one of the world’s premier engineering institutions, consistently producing breakthrough research and innovative startups that transform industries worldwide.
With a rich history dating back to 1826, UCL Engineering has been at the forefront of technological advancement, from the invention of the telephone to cutting-edge AI and quantum computing research.
As part of our legacy at Idea London, we witnessed firsthand how UCL’s research excellence translates into commercial success, with numerous UCL spin-outs becoming part of our accelerator programme between 2012 and 2019.
Explore University Spin-outsLeading Engineering Departments
Electronic & Electrical Engineering
Home to groundbreaking research in AI, machine learning, and quantum technologies, producing startups in deep tech and semiconductors.
Mechanical Engineering
Leading robotics and automation research, creating startups in manufacturing technology, medical devices, and industrial automation.
Biochemical Engineering
Pioneering biotechnology and pharmaceutical engineering, generating startups in drug discovery, synthetic biology, and bioprocessing.
Civil Engineering
Innovative research in smart cities, sustainable construction, and infrastructure technology, spawning construction tech startups.
Chemical Engineering
Advanced materials and process engineering research, creating startups in clean technology, energy storage, and specialty chemicals.
Space & Climate Physics
Cutting-edge space technology and climate monitoring research, generating startups in satellite technology and environmental monitoring.
Notable UCL Engineering Startups
DeepMind Technologies
Founded by UCL alumni including Demis Hassabis, DeepMind became one of the world’s leading AI companies before being acquired by Google for £400 million. The company’s breakthrough achievements in AI continue to shape the global technology landscape.
Oxford PV
Spun out from UCL’s physics department, Oxford PV develops next-generation solar cells using perovskite technology. The company has raised over £140 million and is commercialising breakthrough solar efficiency improvements.
Touch Surgery
Founded by UCL medical engineering graduates, Touch Surgery created the world’s first surgical simulation platform. The company raised over £20 million and was acquired by Medtronic to enhance surgical training globally.
Surrey Satellite Technology
While originally from Surrey University, SSTL has strong UCL collaborations and represents the type of space technology innovation emerging from UCL’s space physics research. The company pioneered low-cost satellite technology.
Our UCL Partnership Legacy
During our active years as an innovation centre (2012-2019), Idea London maintained strong partnerships with UCL Engineering, particularly through our collaboration with UCL Energy Institute and various engineering departments.
Sarah Mitchell, our CEO, frequently collaborated with UCL researchers to identify promising technologies with commercial potential. This partnership helped bridge the gap between academic research and market-ready solutions.
Many of the 50+ startups we supported during our incubator years had connections to UCL research, demonstrating the university’s vital role in London’s startup ecosystem.
Learn About Our LegacyUCL Innovation Ecosystem
UCL Innovation & Enterprise
The university’s technology transfer office supports researchers in commercialising their innovations through spin-out companies and licensing agreements.
UCL Advances
A dedicated fund providing early-stage investment to UCL spin-outs, helping bridge the gap between research and commercial viability.
BaseKX
UCL’s innovation hub providing workspace, mentoring, and networking opportunities for student and staff entrepreneurs.
Research Excellence Driving Innovation
World-Leading Research Impact
UCL Engineering consistently ranks among the top engineering faculties globally, with research that directly translates into commercial applications and startup opportunities.
Key Research Institutes
UCL AI Centre
Leading research in machine learning, robotics, and AI applications across healthcare, finance, and engineering.
Institute for Environmental Design
Pioneering sustainable engineering solutions and clean technology innovations for urban environments.
London Centre for Nanotechnology
Breakthrough research in nanoscale engineering with applications in electronics, materials, and biotechnology.
Mullard Space Science Laboratory
UK’s largest university space research group, driving innovations in satellite technology and space exploration.
Investment Landscape for UCL Startups
Early Stage Funding
Average seed funding for UCL engineering spin-outs, supported by university programmes and angel investors.
Growth Stage Investment
Typical Series A funding for successful UCL spin-outs ready for commercial scale-up and market expansion.
Exit Valuations
Average exit valuation for successful UCL engineering startups through acquisition or IPO.
According to research by Amelia Brooks, our Head of Research & Analytics, UCL engineering startups demonstrate consistently higher success rates than the general startup population, with a 23% higher likelihood of reaching Series A funding.
Explore Funding DataEmerging Opportunities
Quantum Technologies
UCL’s quantum research is generating breakthrough technologies in computing, sensing, and communications, creating significant startup opportunities in this emerging field.
Climate Technologies
Leading research in carbon capture, renewable energy storage, and sustainable manufacturing creates opportunities for impactful climate tech startups.
Digital Health
UCL’s interdisciplinary approach to healthcare engineering generates innovations in medical devices, digital therapeutics, and precision medicine.
Smart Cities
Research in urban engineering, IoT systems, and infrastructure monitoring creates opportunities for smart city technology startups.
Connect with UCL Innovation
Whether you’re a UCL researcher looking to commercialise your technology, an investor seeking breakthrough innovations, or a startup founder inspired by university research, explore how UCL continues to drive technological advancement.