NPL – Measurement for Business

The Measurement for Business (M4B) programme provides eligible UK SMEs with free access to specialist measurement science and engineering expertise from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), helping businesses overcome technical challenges, accelerate innovation and bring new products and services to market faster.

The programme is designed for businesses developing pre-market technologies and innovations that require advanced testing, validation, verification or measurement support that is not available through standard commercial providers.

Support is available across a range of innovation areas, including data and AI, healthcare technologies, sensors and instrumentation, semiconductor technologies, engineering biology and green technologies. In addition, SMEs located within eligible areas of Yorkshire and Greater Manchester may be able to access support regardless of sector, provided their project meets programme criteria.

Participating businesses can access NPL’s world-leading scientists, engineers and specialist facilities to improve confidence in product performance, validate technical claims, strengthen investor readiness, reduce development risk and support commercialisation. Assistance may include testing, characterisation, process improvement, data validation, measurement assurance and technical problem-solving.

To be eligible, businesses must be UK-registered SMEs, have a pre-market product or service, remain within Minimal Financial Assistance limits, and demonstrate a measurement challenge that cannot be resolved through routine commercial services. Applications are reviewed by NPL experts to determine suitability and identify the most appropriate technical support.

This programme offers a valuable opportunity for innovative SMEs seeking expert technical support to de-risk product development, improve data quality, validate new technologies and accelerate business growth without the cost of accessing specialist consultancy or testing facilities.

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