Innovation and R&D in Milton Keynes
Robotics in city spaces, instruments for space exploration and hydrogen research at nearby Cranfield give Milton Keynes a varied innovation landscape.
Supporting innovative businesses in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area
Technical expertise: Richard Hine
Core strengths of Milton Keynes's innovation and R&D scene.
Robotics and autonomy. Space instruments. Hydrogen aviation.
What innovation is happening in Milton Keynes?
Milton Keynes combines trials in public spaces with specialist research at The Open University. Its surrounding innovation area also includes Cranfield University in Bedfordshire, where aviation and engineering research bring a different set of test facilities and technical challenges. The examples below distinguish city-based activity from that nearby campus.
A technical perspective
Meet Richard Hine.
Robotics, spacecraft instruments and cleaner aviation require careful engineering, prototyping and testing. Richard brings engineering and technical R&D experience to understanding how a development challenge was tackled.
Richard Hine
Senior R&D Technical Consultant
- Engineering and Technical R&D Claims
Innovation in practice.
We’ve highlighted three area strengths for you to explore in detail.
01 / Robotics and autonomous systems
Testing autonomy in everyday spaces
Central Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes was selected in October 2026 for a Robotics Adoption Hub based at the Smart City Experience Centre in centre:mk. Building on the city's autonomous vehicle and delivery-robot activity, the programme will help organisations explore robotics in public spaces and assess uses for automated systems.
The challenge: Making automated systems work safely and usefully in changing public environments.
02 / Space instruments and imaging
Building instruments for extreme environments
The Open University, Milton Keynes
The Open University's space research in Milton Keynes includes instruments and imaging technologies for planetary exploration. Facilities for simulating Martian conditions, testing radiation damage and studying high-speed impacts help researchers develop and assess equipment for demanding environments.
The challenge: Building instruments that can produce dependable measurements in extreme conditions.
03 / Hydrogen and aviation engineering
Engineering hydrogen for aviation
Cranfield, Bedfordshire — near Milton Keynes
At Cranfield University in neighbouring Bedfordshire, hydrogen research spans production and storage through to propulsion, aircraft design and airport operations. Projects address practical engineering questions around fuel systems, thermal management and safety, linking new energy technologies with the requirements of aviation.
The challenge: Integrating hydrogen storage, fuel delivery and propulsion within aviation safety requirements.
Technical expertise
People who understand the work.
Specialist knowledge in science, engineering and tax.
Client experience
What working with InnoFund feels like.
Feedback from our wider UK client base on specialist support for R&D and innovation.
“Would highly recommend, they know their stuff! They assisted greatly with an R&D claim rejection by HMRC.”
We have had a very positive experience with innofund over the last few years of working with them. They are very responsive and happy to partake in regular catch-ups and go above and beyond to share any changes to the rules for applicable expenditure and find any further applicable items on top of those provided. There have been multiple visits to site and presentations to the wider business that have received positive feedback and driven buy in across the whole site. I would be more than happy to recommend them as top reliable and supportive consultants.
Your next step
Support shaped around your work.
Talk to us about the technical challenges behind your project. We can assess the evidence and relevant support; innovation alone does not establish eligibility for tax relief.
R&D Tax Credits
Assess the technical work, evidence and potential relief behind your project.
Explore R&D Tax Credits
Capital Allowances
Review qualifying investment in premises, plant and machinery.
Explore Capital AllowancesSupporting innovation in Milton Keynes
We work with innovative businesses in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area through our connected UK team. Speak to a specialist about your project and the support available.
Talk to InnoFund
Technical expertise across the UK.