For aerospace innovators, the journey from an innovative engineering concept to a commercially viable product is notoriously challenging. Navigating high barriers to entry, complex regulatory landscapes, IP protection, and securing early-stage funding requires strategic business foundations.
To support iAero members to navigate these challenges, we are putting the spotlight on a fully-funded resource right on our doorstep: the Somerset Innovation Hub. Delivered by Exeter Innovation (part of the University of Exeter’s prestigious SETsquared partnership team) in collaboration with Somerset Council, the Hub is designed to help startups and established SMEs pressure-test ideas, de-risk development, and secure the funding needed to scale.
The Offer
Whether you are developing dual-use technologies, lightweight sustainable materials, advanced digital tools, or circular economy solutions for the aerospace supply chain, the Somerset Innovation Hub can provide practical, hands-on support:
● 1-2-1 advice -You will work directly with innovation experts to map out practical routes to market, identify early adopters, and sequence your testing and pilots to avoid overextending resources.
● Commercial readiness & value: You will get guided pathways through grant funding, private investment strategies, and first commercial negotiations.
Learn how to manage, protect, and extract maximum commercial value from your IP.
● Practical workshops: Access regular, fully-funded sessions covering business planning, user-focused AI application, and strategic marketing.
Case Studies
Since its launch in November 2025, the Hub has supported over 70 local businesses to refine their strategies and make measurable progress.
A recent Somerset founder developing an innovative recycling process with applications in fleet decarbonisation and circular economy supply chains faced a common aerospace-style hurdle: the regulatory and warranty landscape was a far bigger obstacle than product quality.
By working together, the Hub and the founder identified the most accessible early markets where sustainability demands were high but regulatory barriers were lower. The founder is now actively gathering real-world data with local operators to build a credible case for commercial partners.
For another founder developing a sustainable material with a novel licensing model, the challenge was launching without overextending limited initial resources. The advisory work by the Hub focussed on finding one key partner to share the risk of a single, localised pilot. Securing real-world data from just one site dramatically shifted the narrative, giving the founder the credibility needed for subsequent talks with investors, licensees, and grant funders.
Support
If you are an aerospace startup, supplier, or SME looking to de-risk your technology, explore new markets, or prepare for your next funding round, the Somerset Innovation Hub is ready to support you. It is important to note, as a fully-funded programme, there is no cost to participate.
Get in Touch
For an informal initial conversation, a referral, or details on upcoming workshops:
● Contact: Alex Spalding, Innovation Support Manager
● Email: a.spalding4@exeter.ac.uk
● LinkedIn: Somerset Innovation Hub