Technology
New R&D project is created to keep the UK’s growing AI sector in the lead
Exeter-based AI company, DigiLab, has launched TeLab, a pioneering initiative dedicated to advancing trustworthy, uncertainty-aware and high-performance AI to underpin national resilience, security and innovation, thus keeping the UK in competitive lead. Te launch comes at a pivotal time:
According to government sources, the UK is the third largest AI market in the world, valued at £72.3bn in 2024, and following only the US and China. With over 3,700 AI companies and some 60,000 people employed in this sector, the UK is the first country in Europe to produce 168 AI tech unicorns. Te AI sector proves so promising that the UK government has set out on an action plan to drive a £47bn annual boost to the UK economy. Te initiative will will create dedicated AI Growth Zones (AIGZs), supported with accelerated planning approvals, to build a robust AI infrastructure in the UK. Exeter’s DigiLab will add to that advanced R&D infrastructure with its
efforts to future-proof the UK’s competitive advantage in AI with TeLab. “TeLab represents a bold step forward for
the UK’s AI capability – a space where world- class research meets real-world applications,” said Dr Katie Finch, Director of TeLab. “We will focus on accelerating the research agenda, growing partnerships and ensuring our work delivers meaningful, trustworthy innovation that strengthens national resilience and helps the UK lead in sovereign, responsible AI.” TeLab brings expertise in Uncertainty
Quantification (UQ), machine learning and data science to develop intelligent systems that can be trusted in critical, complex and high-stakes domains – from clean energy and advanced manufacturing to health, defence and national infrastructure. TeLab’s research will also focus on
ensuring AI uncertainty is measured, for transparent, accountable and robust decisions. Its work will focus on three key principles: embedding uncertainty quantification
Dr Katie Finch, the Director of TheLab
throughout AI workflows, developing Specialist Lightweight Intelligence Models that are self-governing, secure and risk-aware, and creating human-guided, expert-informed intelligence that keeps people firmly in the loop. “Te next generation of AI must be
as reliable as it is revolutionary. TeLab allows us to explore the frontiers of what’s possible – building intelligent systems that combine transparency, scientific rigour and human insight, so organisations can act with confidence when uncertainty matters most,” said Dr Andrew Corbett, DigiLab Director.
Filtronic awarded NSIP funding to deliver 550W Ka- band solution for better satellite system performance
UK-based designer and manufacturer of advanced RF and microwave solutions, Filtronic, has received funding through the UK Space Agency National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) to develop a high-power 550W Ka-band solid-state power amplifier (SSPA). Filtronic will use its proprietary
gallium nitride (GaN) technology and integrated system design to build an efficient and reliable solution for satellite communications. Filtronic’s development will deliver GaN
Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC), integrated with a proprietary waveguide power combining technique and employing advanced thermal management. Te MMIC will be housed in an enclosure
fully compatible with existing travelling wave tube amplifier (TWTA) systems, offering easy transition for satellite operators to adopt solid state technology whilst still using current infrastructure. Tis will provide with a cost-effective migration path with reduced operational expenditure and maintenance requirements. “Te award reflects the strength of our
innovation pipeline and our place in the UK’s space ecosystem. Te 550W Ka-band SSPA is a significant step change in solid state performance, offering leading linear power in a TWTA-compatible form factor,” said Tudor Williams, Filtronic’s Chief Technology Officer. Te Filtronic project is seen as a direct contributor to the National Space Strategy’s
04 December 2025/January 2026
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vision to make the UK one of the world’s most innovative and competitive space economies. It aims to do so by catalysing private investment, increasing technology readiness levels and strengthening the UK’s presence in the global space markets. “Filtronic’s project is a great example of
the ambition behind the National Space Innovation Programme, turning cutting- edge UK research into commercially viable solutions that strengthen our global competitiveness. By advancing high-power solid-state amplifier technology, this project not only supports more resilient satellite networks but also accelerates the UK’s journey towards a sustainable and innovative space economy,” said Dr Craig Brown, UK Space Agency Investment Director.
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