10087286Game-changing miniaturised composite manufacturing deviceClosedInvestment AcceleratorInnovate UKComposites such as carbon fibre are crucial for manufacturing, particularly in future-focused industries such as wind-power, aerospace, construction and medical technology. However, UK manufacturers face significant challenges when trying to utilise composites. Due to the size, complexity and expense of composite-manufacturing equipment, most businesses are compelled to outsource production to a limited number of manufacturers. The majority of these are large international incumbents, primarily in the USA and Japan. This hampers innovation, increases cost, and causes rising carbon emissions from production and transport of manufactured composites. To equip UK businesses with an alternative, Mayku is developing a uniquely miniaturised, "benchtop" autoclave. It empowers engineers and designers to manufacture high-quality composite parts in-house, offering immediate and cost-effective access to composites for the first time. This enables experimentation, rapid prototyping and small-scale production; driving a step-change in UK innovation. We build off our successful development of the Mayku Multiplier, a benchtop pressure former, and the Formbox, a benchtop vacuum former. Both achieve industrial-grade outputs at a fraction of the size and price. Our existing customers include both start-ups and major corporations and research organisations including Zippo, Dyson and Harvard University. The autoclave is currently at proof-of-concept stage following alpha testing, ready to move into prototyping during this project following establishment of key user requirements and a user-focused design. Rigorous testing and continuous end-user input will ensure the product's efficacy and suitability for the target market: SMEs and larger enterprises, initially in the UK with rapid entry to international markets via our established global reseller network. This is an innovative product with no competitor on the market: existing composite manufacturing equipment is industrial-sized and owned by major companies, out of reach for smaller enterprise. Our customers are already demanding this solution, with some committed to inputting throughout the project, and we anticipate rapidly increasing our market foothold following launch based on existing demand and the success of the FormBox and Multiplier. This is a game-changing innovation that will significantly disrupt manufacturing across industries and reduce UK dependence on international supply chains. It will provide particular opportunities for progression towards net zero in line with UK government strategy, enabling a range of advancements including development of lighter vehicles to reduce fuel consumption, greatly reduced carbon emissions from importation of composites, and greater experimentation with composites to drive innovation, particularly greener solutions to help reach Net Zero by 2050\.