Smarter Materials, Cleaner Manufacturing
ABOUT SMMC
Accelerating Innovation in Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
The Sustainable Materials & Manufacturing Centre (SMMC) is a cutting-edge facility supporting the rapid development of advanced materials, precision processes and high-performance manufacturing.
From concept to commercialisation, SMMC connects innovators with the machinery, technical expertise and collaboration space they need to move faster, go further, and bring new solutions to market.
At the heart of a growing innovation ecosystem, SMMC drives R&D partnerships, empowers startups and scale-ups, and helps UK manufacturers stay ahead of global competition.
Strategically located in Atom Valley, Greater Manchester’s advanced manufacturing corridor, SMMC is part of a thriving network of institutions, industrial sites and growth zones dedicated to clean, smart and sustainable production.
Supporting Business Through the Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Ecosystem
From materials to machinery, we help businesses move faster, cleaner and smarter.
LET’S TALKWHAT WE DO
Expert Support for Sustainable Manufacturing
We connect businesses to the insight, facilities and funding they need to innovate with advanced materials, improve productivity, and scale up sustainably.
Innovate Grow fast
We can help you build more sustainable products as well as help you access new markets, connect to the right partners and make data-led decisions to enable faster business growth.
Connect & expand
We can help you connect with the right partners in industry, government and academia to turn your ideas into a commercial reality.
Transform the bottom line
We can help you cut your production costs, energy usage and waste whilst improving your products for your customers.
Build your productivity
We can help you upskill your workforce and optimise both your production and supply chain, freeing you up to expand.
INNOVATION IN ACTION
Shaping the Future of Advanced Manufacturing
We connect businesses to the insight, facilities and funding they need to innovate with advanced materials, improve productivity, and scale up sustainably.
SUCCESS STORIES
Delivering Impact Through Collaboration
See how innovative partnerships are tackling real-world manufacturing challenges—from recycling carbon fibre to developing sustainable alternatives in energy and materials.
LiNA Energy
The Challenge
To develop a low-cost, cobalt and lithium-free, solid-state sodium battery technology targeted at the energy storage and electric vehicle (EV) markets.
CYGNET TEXKIMP
The Challenge
To effectively recycling carbon fibre waste. The approach involves complex processes, high costs, lack of infrastructure, and uncertainties around environmental impact.
Chromition
The Challenge
To reduce the economic cost of early cancer screening for healthcare providers by making testing more affordable, scalable, and ready for real-world clinical use.
Dekiln
The Challenge
To reduce the carbon footprint of the ceramics industry by developing biodegradable alternatives that are scalable, viable and suitable for real-world manufacturing.
OUR PARTNERS
LATEST NEWS
What’s New at SMMC
Stay up to date with the latest developments in advanced materials, sustainable manufacturing, and industry innovation—from funding calls to future-focused insights.
Welcome to Our New Website—Built for Industry, Designed for You
25 August 2025
Explore how we’re helping businesses go further, faster. Discover smarter materials, sustainable manufacturing and real-world collaboration—all in one place.
Read moreCEAMS Recognised in National Science in Parliament Report
08 January 2025
The publication highlights CEAMS as a key innovation partner, advancing sustainable materials and supporting the UK’s low-carbon manufacturing ambitions.
Read moreNew £50m R&D Centre Set to Power Innovation in Rochdale
14 November 2024
A cutting-edge advanced machinery facility will be built at Kingsway Business Park—driving industry collaboration, sustainable growth and regional investment.
Read moreWHERE INNOVATION TAKES ROOT
Located in the Heart of Atom Valley
SMMC is proudly based in Atom Valley—Greater Manchester’s world-class innovation corridor for advanced manufacturing, machinery and materials. With unrivalled access to talent, transport and transformative R&D infrastructure, we’re perfectly placed to help businesses prototype, scale and succeed.
FAQS
Everything you need to know about SMMC
Find answers to common questions about who we are, what we do, and how we help businesses access advanced materials and sustainable manufacturing support.
01. What is SMMC and who is it for?
SMMC is a national centre supporting innovation in advanced materials, manufacturing, and machinery—built to help UK businesses grow.
- Designed with industry, for industry
- Open to SMEs and large organisations
- Focused on real-world industrial challenges
02. What support can I get from SMMC?
We offer access to facilities, funding, and expertise to help you design, prototype and scale smarter, cleaner manufacturing solutions.
- Prototype and test advanced materials
- Access to innovation funding
- Support from world-class experts
03. How do I get involved?
Whether you have an idea or just want to explore, we’re here to help. Our team can guide you through the first step.
- Speak to an innovation advisor
- Explore live funding and R&D opportunities
- Collaborate on real-world industrial projects
04. Where is SMMC based?
We’re located in Atom Valley, Greater Manchester—a world-class innovation corridor powering advanced manufacturing in the North.
- Part of the Atom Valley growth zone
- Connected to research and industry networks
- In the heart of the North’s manufacturing cluster