Subcon reveals the future & announces Launchpad finalists

Subcon, the UK’s premier subcontract manufacturing supply chain show, has revealed the six finalists for the inaugural Launchpad and Launchpad Awards. The Launchpad aims to propel manufacturing and engineering-based start-ups by giving them a platform to share their innovations with thousands of professionals with the power to guide them to success.

The finalists are being given a free stand in the Launchpad area, as well as entered into the inaugural Launchpad Awards. Each exhibitor will be asked to present their innovation on stage to a panel of expert judges and the winner will receive an £8,000 prize package.

Subcon has announced the finalists for this year’s Launchpad competition – the event takes place 4th-6th June / Picture: Centaur

From a diverse range of entries, the six start-ups chosen are:

• Circuitbuilder/MachineWise: An engineering design consultancy who will highlight its use of machine learning to solve real-world problems.
• Elements Technology Platforms: A digital developer who will showcase its solutions for the manufacturing industry.
• Swim AR: An innovative wearable developer who will be demonstrating its underwater heads-up display for triathletes and swimmers.
• Vesta Pack: An IoT start-up that will reveal how businesses can eradicate single-use plastic.
• ES Precision: Laser processing and low volume machining specialist who will highlight recent prototyping innovations.
• The Data Analysis Bureau: Data science consultants who will focus on how the emerging field of data science is set to change engineering and manufacturing completely.

Subcon event director Gordon Kirk said: “There is an undeniable high-technology flavour to a lot of these start-ups. But it is clear they are all grounded in specific, real-world applications. Bringing the latest technology to bear on existing issues is one of the hallmarks of a promising entrepreneurial venture and I am sure we will have a tough time judging the presentations.”

The Engineer editor and Launchpad head judge Jon Excell, added: “The profile these start-ups will secure and the exposure to engineering leaders and investment decision-makers is invaluable. But most of all, I am excited to see what the future of UK engineering holds and what is being developed right now, in labs and business across the country.”

For further details and to register for Subcon 2019, visit www.subconshow.co.uk