Membership Benefits
AMRC Membership & Partnership Overview
The AMRC Collaborative Research Enterprise (AMRC-CRE) is a trusted, pre-competitive space where manufacturers co-fund research, share knowledge, and solve common industrial challenges using world-class engineers and equipment.
Note: You do not have to be a Partner or Member to work with the AMRC. Non-members can commission specific projects, join grant applications, attend open events, or enroll in training courses.
1. How the Model Works
The enterprise operates on a shared-investment model. Contributions go directly toward research, divided across two primary pots:
- Shared Pot (Board Grant - 50%): Cash contributions are pooled into a shared £1m/year research portfolio. All members collaboratively select, direct, and receive the results of these projects for a fraction of the cost.
- Flexible Private Pot (Discretionary Spend - 50%): Kept aside for projects tailored specifically to your organization's technical needs.
Contribution Types
- Cash: Direct funding toward research.
- In-Kind: Contributions made via machinery, software, or expert staff time. In-kind proposals must bring new capability, offer long-term value, demonstrate clear business utility, and pass standard procurement reviews.
2. Partnership & Membership Tiers
| Tier | Min. Contribution | Contribution Type | Core Benefits & Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic Partner | £200,000 | Cash | Full access to £1m ABG portfolio, Discretionary Spend, exclusive events, hot-desks, dedicated Key Account Manager, seats on Industrial & Tech Boards. |
| Innovation Partner | £200,000 | Cash + In-Kind mixture | 50% cash contribution, access to ABG portfolio, hot-desks, Key Account Manager, seats on Industrial & Tech Boards. |
| Technology Partner | £200,000 | In-Kind | Access to ABG portfolio, hot-desks, Key Account Manager, seats on Industrial & Tech Boards (No Discretionary Allowance). |
| Strategic Member | £50,000 | Cash | £25,000 Discretionary Spend, access to ABG portfolio, exclusive events, hot-desks, Point of Contact. |
| Technology Member | £50,000 | In-Kind | Access to ABG portfolio, exclusive events, hot-desks, Point of Contact. |
3. Key Benefits
For Strategic & Innovation Tiers:
- 10x Research Leverage: Access a £1m R&D portfolio for a fraction of the cost.
- De-Risked Innovation: Validate lab-level concepts on factory-floor equipment before committing major capital to your shop floor.
- Agenda Steering: Direct influence over the research problems tackled by the AMRC and wider Catapult network.
- "Unknown Unknowns": Exposure to emerging ideas and technology applications through peer collaboration.
For Technology Tiers:
- Live Lab & Proof Points: Prove your equipment/software works in high-stakes research environments.
- Direct Specifying: De-risk solution adoption for primary buyers and potential customers.
- Collaborative Sales: Work alongside prospective clients to solve problems using your technology rather than relying on cold pitches.
4. Key Commitments & Expectations
To keep the collaborative enterprise active and healthy, participants are expected to:
- Appoint a Primary Contact: A single lead responsible for project approvals, sign-offs, and communication.
- Active Participation: Members must join at least 1 Board Grant steering group per year; Partners must join at least 3. Attendance at events or monthly calls is monitored.
- Abide by the Code of Conduct: The AMRC is a "No-Hard-Sell Zone". Members must maintain strict IP confidentiality, collaborate objectively, respect on-site working norms (e.g., focus time and breaks), and foster professional respect.
5. Renewals & Key Governance
- Standard Renewal Date: 1st June (with paperwork/payment processed in May).
- Inflation Adjustment: Minimum contributions adjust annually based on February CPI data (capped at 5%). Multi-year commitments (1–3 years) can be locked in up front.
- Governance: Strategic direction is overseen by the AMRC Executive Board, while industry relevance, policy, and research choices are guided by the Industrial Board (where Members are represented by 3 elected Member Representatives).
💡 Top 5 Ways to Maximize Your Partnership
- Get Involved in Projects: Actively participate in project scoping and steering alongside AMRC engineers.
- Spend Time On-Site: Utilize hot-desks at Factory of the Future or Factory 2050 to foster informal conversations.
- Share Knowledge: Position your organization as an industry leader by sharing expertise.
- Upskill Your Team: Send staff to absorb knowledge on new methods and bring capability back to your business.
- Cascade Information: Share monthly call updates, newsletters, and reports across your internal teams.