Promoting Innovation in Manufacturing

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What We Do

What We Do

Pera is a Scientific Research Association, a membership-based company limited by guarantee and it has existed since 1946. Its purpose is to promote research and other technological advances to assist any manufacturing trades or industries.

In the 80 years of Pera’s existence the leading edge of manufacturing has changed dramatically, particularly in those sectors in which the UK can be globally competitive. Thus in addition to traditional metal and polymer based manufacturing, rapidly expanding sectors such as healthcare, bioscience, recycling and green technologies also need the best production techniques. Pera’s focus is on processes that have a physical or chemical end-product rather than a purely digital outcome.

Pera commits its research-funding portfolio in conjunction with research-intensive start-ups, often university spin-outs. As part of their development they can produce generic results that can benefit a class of trade. With Pera funding it is possible to leverage this ability and disseminate the results to relevant sectors.

Current Projects

Contributing to R&D

Additionally, Pera’s investment portfolio includes selected early-stage companies through its strategic participation in Kappika Ventures LLP, a specialist venture investment partnership focused on UK non-digital deep technology. Kappika Ventures provides a structured and professionally managed approach to identifying, assessing, making and supporting early-stage investments aligned with Pera’s research and innovation objectives. Pera also contributes to the wider development of early-stage innovation finance through its involvement in the AIRTO Venturing Group.

The Company ensures that its subsidiary Pera Business Park Ltd is pro-active in developing its three premises in Melton Mowbray, Oakham and Hampton to be suitable for businesses to rent either at the business incubation or later growth stage. A flexible mix of offices and research areas is available, with a range of tenancy options from hot-desking for the smallest start-ups to large suites with bespoke layout.

Thus Pera concentrates on the three linked strands of direct research funding, early stage investment, and provision of premises. This is a well-targeted part of the national innovation scene