We’ve created Launchpad to address this opportunity. A bold new programme to transform those ideas into successful, independent ventures that can thrive beyond defence, which complements our existing centres for research and innovation.Julian CracknellChief Technology & Information Officer
As a leading global defence company, BAE Systems continuously works on new technologies. The BBC recently covered our system for controlling drones with natural language, while our autonomous underwater vehicle has been tested internationally. Both of those projects went from whiteboard to physical demonstrations in just months, led by small expert teams within our business.
Many of the main technological leaps of the past century, from computing to the internet and jet engines, have their origins in defence research. But not every Eureka! moment, however promising, ends up filling an immediate need within defence. Some ideas that start here also hold promise for use outside defence – and it would be an enormous waste to ignore that promise and the potential economic benefits.
We’ve created Launchpad to address this opportunity. A bold new programme to transform those ideas into successful, independent ventures that can thrive beyond defence, which complements our existing centres for research and innovation.
Launchpad takes innovative technologies developed within BAE Systems and helps them stand on their own. This means those great ideas that were originally conceived in the service of national security can spread their wings and seek to deliver benefits across the wider economy – from energy to communications, secure network encryption to high resolution remote sensing.
Rho-C is our first spin out business from Launchpad, exploiting innovative technology originally developed for use in submarines, enabling the transmission of power and data through solid materials. This technology eliminates the need to drill holes for wires and has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency and safety of operations in the oil and gas industry.
As part of Launchpad, BAE Systems will not only be turning our technology into new businesses, we’re also establishing an equity investment arm, whose aim will be to identify investment opportunities in early-stage start-ups which align with our strategic areas of focus.
The UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy outlined that disruptive technologies often remain stuck in the lab, while the number of successful spinouts from UK corporations is low. We want to help turn the tide in this area and be a force in creating scalable new businesses that deliver value.
Innovation thrives when we collaborate. We invite partners and investors to explore how Launchpad can turn defence research into new successful businesses.