The University of Liverpool has launched a new spin-out company, Atomik AM, that heralds a unique approach for manufacturing businesses.
Atomik brings together cutting-edge chemistry and solutions-focused engineering expertise, to enable manufacturers to reduce cost, waste and adverse social impact.
Kate Black, company founder, Chief Operating Officer and Professor of Manufacturing at the University's School of Engineering, heads up the new spin-out which aims to provide tailor-made solutions to customers utilising advanced manufacturing techniques.
The advanced manufacturing landscape is fast-moving, so it is essential that manufacturers innovate to remain competitive. Atomik offers an exclusive outsourcing service that helps manufacturing businesses in the automotive, aerospace and energy sectors define, drive and optimise their innovation projects, known as Customer Innovation Projects (CIPs). Other services that Atomik provide include access to their cutting-edge advanced manufacturing technologies, consultancy and training in Solution Focused Manufacturing approaches.
Atomik's technologies manipulate materials at the molecular level to give manufacturers the functionality they need at the product level. They combine bespoke architecture and material functionality, employing a hybrid of additive and subtractive manufacturing processes, whether it's bespoke materials only or a full machine design and build.
Atomik currently employs a multi-disciplinary team of 12 including chemists, designers and engineers and is poised to deliver both economic and societal benefits. Atomik's technology is applicable to many industries and the company has already managed to secure some notable high-profile customers including Unilever and Ricoh.
The company looks to continue to raise investment funding, and has already secured significant investment from the University's Enterprise Investment Fund.
As well as their funding success, Atomik made the 'Liverpool City Region Tech Climbers Main List 2024' that showcases the growing stars of the Region's tech sector, as one of six 'Trailblazing Newcomers' companies.
Professor Black said: "We cannot change the world of manufacturing without changing the way we think. So, we've ripped up the rule book in favour of a solution-focused approach. Our goal is to re-shape the sector for a sustainable future - ensuring Atomik and the city of Liverpool become synonymous with state-of-the art advanced manufacturing."
Professor Anthony Hollander, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Impact at the University of Liverpool, said: "Kate has developed another extraordinary business opportunity for positive environmental and economic impact, based on her leading research. Atomik AM is an exceptional example of how our research excellence translates into commercial success. We are proud to have supported the spin-out, via the University's Enterprise Team and Enterprise Fund investment and we wish the team great success in the future".
