MetaHub launches with £19.6 million investment to revolutionise material science with metamaterials

A new research centre at the University of Exeter is set to transform the future of material science with the development of advanced microscopic materials that could power innovations across industries, from computing to food technology

The MetaHub, backed by a total investment of £19.6 million, is leading the UK’s efforts to lead in the emerging field of metamaterials. These materials are engineered at the nanoscale to exhibit properties not found in nature, opening up new possibilities in everything from energy-efficient devices to agricultural products.

Investing in metamaterials

The funding includes £10.5 million from the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), with an additional £9.1 million contributed by the University of Exeter, other academic institutions, and private sector partners.

This investment demonstrates strong public and private confidence in metamaterials as a catalyst for future economic and technological growth.

The new hub will bring together researchers, scientists, and industry partners to develop base materials that can be used in a wide range of applications. These next-generation materials are created by manipulating their structure at the molecular level, giving them unique characteristics such as improved conductivity, flexibility, or strength.

Materials for cross-sector innovation

These breakthroughs have the potential to reshape multiple sectors. In computing, metamaterials could lead to faster and more energy-efficient processors. In healthcare, they may be used in diagnostic tools or compact imaging devices, providing new options for early disease detection and treatment. They could also lead to the development of more efficient sensors, sustainable energy solutions, and even novel food additives that enhance texture, color, or nutritional value.

The research at MetaHub isn’t confined to just laboratories. It is already attracting interest from major companies looking to translate these innovations into real-world products.

Key industrial partners include the defense technology company QinetiQ, the aerospace firm Leonardo, and the global food and beverage leader PepsiCo. Their involvement shows the broad commercial potential of metamaterials and ensures that research outcomes are aligned with real-world needs.

Driving technological and economic growth

By developing foundational technologies with wide-ranging applications, the MetaHub is expected to fuel economic growth in the Southwest and beyond. It also supports the UK’s hopes to become a global leader in high-tech innovation, with long-term benefits expected in job creation, business development, and the formation of new industries.

The initiative also marks the evolution of metamaterials research from a niche academic interest into a dynamic field with practical impact. Since its early days in the 1990s, the field has expanded significantly, and the UK is now well-positioned to shape the next wave of innovations in the sector.

With its focus on collaboration, curiosity-driven research, and commercial impact, MetaHub is expected to become a national center of excellence. Its work will help deliver the materials of the future, supporting technological advancements that are not only smarter and more efficient but also more sustainable and secure.