Next-Generation Real-Time Metrology Platform Receives Seed Funding
K3 Metrology Limited (K3M) has launched with a £2.75 million ($3.7 million) seed investment to commercialise METRALIS, a next‑generation, metrology platform designed for advanced manufacturing environments. METRALIS is laser‑based coordinate measurement system delivering fast, accurate, and traceable 3D coordinate data. The funding round is supported by the Development Bank of Wales with a £1 million equity investment, alongside £1 million from Parkwalk and £750,000 from the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S).
Based at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Cymru (AMRC-C), K3 Metrology caters for manufacturers across aerospace, defence, nuclear and other high‑value sectors which are seeking more efficient, traceable and scalable measurement solutions. The company was founded by Professor Ben Hughes (CTO) and Dr Mike Campbell (CEO), who have developed the METRALIS technology while working together at NPL for more than 12 years.
METRALIS was created in response to direct feedback from large industrial users who highlighted the limitations of legacy systems. In customer trials, METRALIS has demonstrated significant performance gains. A timing study with a major manufacturing partner found that using METRALIS resulted in efficiency gains of 60%.
“For decades, manufacturers have been forced to compromise between accuracy, speed and scalability. METRALIS removes that trade‑off entirely. This investment enables us to bring a step‑change technology to market and support the UK’s most advanced industrial sectors. Metralis is the result of years of scientific development at NPL, and we are now grateful for the support of the Development Bank, Parkwalk and UKI2S. Our team is excited to deliver real‑time, high‑accuracy measurement at a scale that has never before been possible” states Dr Mike Campbell, CEO of K3 Metrology.
“K3 Metrology Ltd demonstrates how publicly funded science can translate into high value industrial capability for the UK. Metralis is a transformative technology with the ability to raise industrial productivity, strengthen UK manufacturing competitiveness, and set new international standards in large volume measurement. This seed investment marks an important step in translating 15 years of NPL research into real world impact, and we’re proud to support the K3M team as they take this capability to market” comments Penny Holt, Chief Financial Officer of NPL.
Gareth Mayhead, Investment Executive in the Technology Ventures team at the Development Bank of Wales said: “K3 Metrology is a high‑quality technical spin‑out with genuinely differentiated technology and clear commercial potential, making this a compelling early‑stage investment in the UK’s industrial deep‑tech sector. Our funding gives K3M the runway to complete product development, grow the team in North Wales and build early commercial proof points in sectors where precision and throughput matter. Its base at AMRC Cymru provides valuable proximity to industrial partners, collaborative facilities and a skilled regional workforce.”
For more information: www.k3metrology.co.uk
