BAE Systems launches Launchpad incubator

Above: Julian Cracknell, Chief Technology and Information Officer, BAE Systems.
Courtesy BAE Systems / contributed by Annette Meadows / Credit RICHARD MORAN PHOTOGRAPHY LTD 15

Launchpad directly addresses the challenge of moving defence technologies beyond prototype development by spinning them out into independent start-up businesses. This aligns with a key priority outlined in the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy, which calls for ‘constant innovation at wartime pace’ and highlights the need for more successful spinouts from UK-developed technologies. 

The programme is designed to leverage BAE Systems’ position as a technology innovator to support national priorities, including rapid technology incubation, sovereign capability and economic growth. It also provides start-ups with access to customers across a broader range of sectors, like energy and advanced manufacturing.

By doing so, BAE Systems contributes to UK innovation and strengthening the country’s industrial base. 

The first company established by the Launchpad programme is Rho-C, which is already making strides in its industry.

Rho-C will exploit innovative technology originally developed for use in submarines, which enables the transmission of power and data through solid materials. This technology eliminates the need to drill holes for wires and has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency and safety of operations in the oil and gas industry.
Rho-C is in the process of closing its first venture capital funding round.

Julian Cracknell, Chief Technology and Information Officer at BAE Systems said: “BAE Systems has long been a leader in UK research and development and Launchpad represents an exciting evolution in how innovation is taken forwards. It allows us to bring to market agile start-ups that are increasingly vital to sectors beyond defence, including energy and advanced manufacturing. It helps more people use the innovative technology being developed by some of the smartest brains in the UK.”

Rob Malkin, Chief Technology Officer at Rho-C said: "BAE Systems Launchpad has given us a highly effective, mature technology that we can quickly turn into a product. We’re currently working on our first operational unit, which would never have happened this fast without BAE Systems’ support. They’ve given us access to their technology experts as well as help to set up and run our new company. We’ve got a huge amount of interest from our first prospective customers and an exciting first year ahead of us."

The first Launchpad business is based on technology created within BAE Systems’ internal research and development programmes. Future ventures could also include partnerships with academics and other technology specialists, including opportunities using quantum clocks for radar and hyperspectral sensing.

The Defence Industrial Strategy highlights the importance of turning innovative technologies into scalable businesses. Launchpad aims to address this challenge head-on, using BAE Systems’ technologies and expertise.