Access advanced facilities
Discover the scientific instruments, facilities and specialist teams available to support industrial R&D.
ENGINE Summit is a new one-day forum, taking place on October 8th 2026, for organisations looking to accelerate research and development through access to some of the UK’s most advanced scientific facilities and expert teams.
Advanced R&D for competitive advantage
Hosted at Harwell Campus, The Summit brings together industry, academia, investors, public sector partners and service providers to explore how advanced research capabilities can help solve complex challenges, support product development and unlock breakthroughs that would be difficult to achieve in-house.
Organised around key Industrial Strategy themes, including AI, Quantum, Space, Defence, Life Sciences, Clean Energy and Advanced Materials, ENGINE offers a direct route into the expertise, equipment and partnerships that drive genuine innovation.
Taking place in the brand-new CO:LABS building, the day will feature multiple stages, focused facility presentations, industry panels, 1-1 partnering sessions and keynote addresses from leaders shaping the future of UK science and innovation.
Meet the right partners
Connect with experts, investors, academics, public sector teams and innovative organisations.
Explore new capabilities
See how advanced research can help validate materials, accelerate development and de-risk innovation.
Accelerate R&D
Find the expertise and equipment to unlock breakthroughs beyond your own labs.
ENGINE Summit is organised around five core themes, reflecting the areas shaping the future of UK science, technology and industrial growth.
Advanced
Materials & Energy
Exploring how new materials, clean energy technologies and advanced characterisation can support more sustainable, high-performance products.
Life Sciences
Showcasing facilities, tools and collaborations supporting discovery, diagnostics, health innovation and biological research.
Policy
Exploring the national priorities, partnerships and investment needed to strengthen the UK’s research and innovation capability.
Quantum & AI
Understanding how quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and advanced computing are creating new opportunities for industry.
Space & Resilience
Highlighting the role of space, satellite technologies and resilient infrastructure in addressing global challenges, from climate to security.
ENGINE Summit is free to attend for employees in commercial R&D roles, investors, UKRI, academic and public sector staff.
Service providers are welcome to attend and exhibit through paid tickets and exhibition space.
Agenda & speakers
A full agenda will be shared in the coming months.
The day will include keynote sessions, facility presentations, industry panels, multiple stages, 1-1 partnering, demo zones, exhibitor space, networking and an evening reception.
Attendees will hear from leading facilities and organisations across Harwell Campus and the wider UK innovation ecosystem, including Diamond Light Source, ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Central Laser Facility, the National Quantum Computing Centre, the Rosalind Franklin Institute, RAL Space, The Faraday Institution, MRC Mary Lyon Centre and the Satellite Applications Catapult.
The programme will also feature insights from organisations including Rolls-Royce, Airbus, AstraZeneca, Isomorphic Labs, Moderna and Google.
Speaker details will be announced soon.
CO:LABS
ENGINE Summit will take place in CO:LABS, Harwell’s brand-new building designed to support collaboration across science, technology and innovation.
The event will culminate in an evening reception and the official opening of CO:LABS, marking an important new chapter for Harwell Campus and its growing community of researchers, businesses and innovators.
Hosting in CO:LABS, The Summit connects directly to the building’s purpose: bringing people, ideas and capabilities together to accelerate discovery and innovation.
