Ultima Forma are extending the limits of product performance with advanced forming technology.

The company uses a unique electrodeposition process to produce light-weight, high performance, multifunctional and complex metal components. The process uses earth-abundant elements, low energy, and almost zero waste as metal is deposited atom by atom.

The high strength to weight ratio gives Ultima Forma components many high-performance applications in aerospace, motorsport, and medical. Development programmes are focussing on hydrogen storage and transport including tanks and pipes.

Why did you start your spinout?

It is very satisfying to see academic research translate into beneficial technology. It is surely the purpose of academic research in science and engineering to produce technologies of benefit to society. Some may take longer than others to translate, so when the opportunities arise, we should try to exploit them.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurial academics?

You must be able to answer this question – what value does your technology bring to the customer? Who are the customers and how will you get your technology to them? Our company’s moto is ‘making it big by keeping it small’. This not only refers to the underlying science but also to the company strategy; get as far as you can with as few resources as necessary to build value before needing investment. Choose the people involved very carefully, a successful technology is of no use if it does not make a successful business. Academics rarely have both science and business acumen, so finding partners that understand the market for your technology is a key to success.