

About the Event
Hardware is hard. Scaling it is even harder. London has the potential to unlock this.
Blue Garage, in collaboration with the Manufacturing Technology Centre, High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Innovate UK, and Made Smarter, is bringing together founders, engineers, and industry leaders to tackle a question that too few are asking directly:
Why is it so difficult for hardware companies in London to scale, and what needs to change?
Meet Founders, investors and business support services.
What to expect:
A live pilot showcase featuring founder pitches and product demos, followed by honest, structured conversation about the challenges holding hardware companies back, and how the UK's leading organisations are positioned to help address them. You'll leave with a clearer picture of the pathways from early-stage idea to full-scale production, and direct connections to the people and programmes that can accelerate that journey.
Who You'll Meet
Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) A leading UK research and technology organisation helping manufacturers innovate, develop, and scale. MTC brings advanced engineering expertise and world-class facilities to help turn ideas into commercially viable products.
High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC) Bridging the gap between early-stage development and full-scale production. HVMC provides access to world-class manufacturing expertise, facilities, and technical support for high-potential hardware companies.
Innovate UK The UK's national innovation agency. Explore funding programmes, grants, and connections designed to help founders move from concept to commercial scale.
Made Smarter Supporting manufacturing SMEs to adopt new technologies and grow with confidence. Made Smarter offers tailored advice, funding, and digital transformation support to help businesses modernise and scale effectively.
Blue Garage An innovation hub in South East London where ideas can be designed, prototyped, and built under one roof. Members access labs, workshops, flexible studios, and the Blue Factory suite of prototyping and production machines, that all help founders take products from concept to reality.
Agenda
13:00 Arrival & welcome 13:45 Host introductions & open discussion14:30 Break14:45 Presentations & founder pitches 15:15 Exhibition, networking & drinks17:00 Close
Please noteBy registering for this event, you consent to your details being shared with the event partners listed above: Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC), Made Smarter, Innovate UK, and Blue Garage.
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Scaling Hardware Innovation Companies | Is it hard to make it in London? is a free independent taking place on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at BLUE GARAGE - Innovation Hub, accelerating the commercialisation of hardware scaleups., 30 Engate St, London SE13 7HA, UK, London, United Kingdom. Attendance is free — register to secure your spot. Currently 88 people have registered out of 88 spots. The event runs for approximately 4 hours.
Join this independent over 4 hours for an engaging session of learning, discussion, and networking with fellow attendees.
This independent in London is ideal for:
This afternoon independent is part of the growing events scene in London. Whether you're based in London or visiting for the independent, it's a great opportunity to connect with the local community. Browse more upcoming events in London on Rifio.
Scaling Hardware Innovation Companies | Is it hard to make it in London? covers topics including Tech. Find similar events by browsing these topics on Rifio.