Advanced composites R&D from concept to prototype

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Engineer-led testing of polymer & composite materials
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Research & Development

Hive Composites delivers innovative, engineer-led R&D support across all Technology Readiness Levels. Our experienced engineers collaborate with and support your team within projects backed by Innovate UK, ATI, DESNZ, Horizon Europe, Eurostars and more. 

We bring you a specialist research partner with the commercial instinct of an engineering business that has taken a host of technologies from ideation to market.

Early-stage composite concept development

Exploring ideas, defining concepts

Hive helps clients and partners articulate their initial idea in material terms - identifying at the earliest stage whether the materials, structural, and manufacturing principle is viable and worth pursuing further.

Once your idea is validated, Hive brings engineering discipline. Our experts help you frame the research question, identify performance requirements, and map technology against the target application.

  • Initial technical scoping
  • Concept translation for composite applications
  • Applying concept development definition
  • Early materials review using our proprietary database
  • Feasibility assessments ahead of bid preparation

Controlled testing environments

Hive helps you validate your technology in conditions that represent its intended operating environment. We provide a controlled testing environment - either on our own premises or at an external site. For large-scale or specialist structures, we arrange access to partner facilities - including international locations.

  • In-house structural and mechanical testing
  • Bespoke test rig design as required
  • Statistical adjustment to test data to account for variation

Hive helps you run test studies which demonstrate that a critical function or characteristic is achievable. Our expertise enables more accurate performance predictions.

  • Analytical modelling with specialist software
  • Small-scale experimental testing
  • Material characterisation
  • Early-stage manufacturing assessment
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Project management

Successful R&D outcomes require disciplined project management in order to remain on time, on budget, and aligned to stakeholder objectives. Hive has developed this ability across decades and through a wide range of project scales and structures.

Our track record spans everything from focused, early-stage feasibility studies through to large, multi-million pound, multinational programmes involving multiple stakeholders, funding streams, and regulatory frameworks.

Regardless of the project scope, we bring the same rigour and attention to detail to planning, risk management, reporting, and delivery.

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Support for commercialisation

Hive’s support does not stop at research and development - our engineers also provide comprehensive support towards commercialisation.

Our engineers are experienced in supporting projects at TRL stages 6-9. It means that - whether you need a partner for a single project or an end-to-end development programme - Hive brings expert composites capability directly into your operation.

FAQs

What is Hive’s R&D capability?

Can Hive join an existing R&D consortium as a specialist partner?

How does Hive differ from a university research group or Catapult centre?

Does Hive hold proprietary materials data?

Can Hive help prepare and strengthen an Innovate UK funding bid?