iCOMAT secures £4.8m from UK Space Agency for space manufacturing facility
This article covers a Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund investment on 14 October 2025 in iCOMAT, a University of Bristol spin-out space manufacturing company, founded by Dr Evangelos Zympeloudis. It received £4.8m from the UK Space Agency, with additional support from the European Space Agency.
What does iCOMAT do?
iCOMAT operates a manufacturing facility that produces composite space structures using Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) technology. It is used to make lighter satellite components and rocket tanks for spacecraft and launch vehicles.
Why is iCOMAT useful?
Problem
Space manufacturers face costly, heavy spacecraft components and limited domestic capacity for advanced composite production. This limits satellite performance, increases launch costs, and slows design iteration.
Solution
iCOMAT explains that it uses Rapid Tow Shearing technology to produce significantly lighter, lower-cost composite spacecraft structures. The Gloucestershire facility offers manufacturing access and two specialised lines for diverse satellite and tank components.
How much did iCOMAT raise?
iCOMAT received £4.8m from the UK Space Agency’s Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF). It has also secured over £800k via the European Space Agency’s GSTP, bringing total investment in the facility to £8.2m. This makes it the 14th largest funding round in October 2025 (37 recorded). It stands 232nd for 2025 (509 total) in the Startupmag database, as of 14 October 2025.
For details on how Startupmag compiles its rankings, view our Methodology.
Who invested in iCOMAT?
Key investors in the project include the following organisations.
- UK Space Agency: A UK government agency that funds and supports the national civil space programme and operates grant schemes to develop domestic space infrastructure and capability.
- European Space Agency: An intergovernmental organisation that supports European space activities and funds technology development programmes such as the General Support Technology Programme, providing finance and technical assistance to member‑state projects.
In the funding announcement, Antonia Yendell from the UK Space Agency said:
The opening of iCOMAT's cutting-edge facility represents exactly the kind of innovation and industrial capability we want to see flourishing across the UK space sector. Through the Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund investment, we're not just supporting revolutionary manufacturing technology; we're helping to create jobs and positioning the UK as a leader in advanced composite materials for space applications.
If you're researching potential backers in this space:
- Explore our list of space venture capital firms in the UK
- Browse our directory of space angel investors in the UK
Who founded iCOMAT?
Dr Evangelos Zympeloudis is the founder of iCOMAT.
In the funding announcement, Dr Evangelos Zympeloudis explained:
“We are immensely grateful for the investment from the UK Space Agency, which has been pivotal in establishing this world-class facility. By leveraging our expertise in advanced materials, we are creating opportunities for the space industry to develop more efficient, sustainable vehicles, whilst creating a domestic supply chain and strengthening the UK’s competitive position in the global market.”
The company continued it is fully operational and engaging with the UK space industry and beyond, driven by iCOMAT’s patented technology.
Where is iCOMAT based?
iCOMAT is based in Gloucester, UK.
What sector is iCOMAT in?
iCOMAT operates in the space manufacturing sector. The sector makes physical components and production processes for spacecraft and satellites. In plain terms, it builds lighter, stronger parts to help rockets and satellites fly more efficiently.
Key trends and challenges in space manufacturing:
Advanced composite manufacturing and automation
New composite processes make spacecraft much lighter and cheaper to launch, for example satellite panels and tanks.
Scaling domestic industrial capacity
Growth in satellite launches needs more local factories and production lines to cut import delays and support national programmes.
Skills shortages and supply chain resilience
There is growing demand for trained composite technicians and testing facilities; shortages risk slowing deliveries and delaying missions.
For a deeper look at innovation in this space, see the space startups in the UK.
Click here for a full list of 7,233+ startup investors in the UK