Silicon Microgravity Limited (SMG), a Cambridge-based startup specialising in MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) semiconductor technologies, has secured €7.08 million (£6 million) in funding to accelerate commercial growth across the defence, space and semiconductor sectors. The round includes investment from the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S), managed by Future Planet
Rahul Raj
Silicon Microgravity Limited (SMG), a Cambridge-based startup specialising in MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) semiconductor technologies, has secured €7.08 million (£6 million) in funding to accelerate commercial growth across the defence, space and semiconductor sectors.
The round includes investment from the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S), managed by Future Planet Capital, with participation from both the UKI2S Defence & Security and Space portfolios, alongside lead investor West Hill Capital.
Francis Neill, CEO of SMG, commented, “The future of defence, autonomous systems and space exploration depends on navigation and sensing technologies that are smaller, more accurate and capable of operating where GPS cannot. This investment allows us to accelerate commercial deployment of technologies that are already attracting significant interest from global customers and partners, while continuing to build sovereign sensing capability here in the UK.”
SMG was founded as a spin-out from Cambridge University, supported by BP (British Petroleum) to develop MEMS gravity sensors for oil and gas applications. The company claims to transform MEMS technology developed by Prof Ashwin Seshia at Cambridge University into real-world navigation, defence, aerospace, robotics, and geophysics solutions.
The startup states that its proprietary technology enables the production of high-performance microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices designed for extreme operating environments. These technologies are increasingly critical for modern defence systems, satellite communications, navigation, sensing and autonomous operations.
SMG focuses on two markets. The first is inertial navigation, where its MEMS accelerometers and gyroscopes provide higher accuracy, a smaller form factor and lower cost than existing sensors. The second is gravity sensing, where its MEMS gravimeters offer robust, compact solutions for gravity surveys and alternative navigation.
It also highlights that its MEMS accelerometers are already supporting advanced space programmes, with applications spanning launch vehicles, lunar and planetary exploration, satellite-enabled critical mineral exploration alongside wider dual-use commercial and sovereign capability deployments.
Alexander Leigh, Investment Director, Defence & Security, UKI2S, said, “SMG represents exactly the kind of strategically important dual-use technology business the UK needs to scale. Semiconductors, sensing and advanced manufacturing are increasingly critical to both national security and the future competitiveness of the UK space sector. What makes SMG particularly compelling is the combination of deep technical differentiation and growing commercial validation from globally recognised customers.
“This level of traction demonstrates the relevance of UK-built advanced manufacturing capability on the international stage. Supporting sovereign capability in these areas is essential if the UK is to remain competitive in critical technologies over the coming decades.”
The investment marks UKI2S’s first participation in SMG through its space portfolio, building on the company’s existing relationship with the fund’s defence and security portfolio, and comes as SMG achieves growing commercial traction with a number of globally recognised customers.
The company plans to use this funding to support its continued scale-up of UK manufacturing capability, expansion of its engineering and semiconductor production capacity, and acceleration of commercial partnerships across Europe and the US.
