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17 Feb 2026

Research funding to drive Welsh growth and innovation

Airbus Endeavr Wales, a partnership with the Welsh Government, has announced new 2026 research funding to support innovation across advanced manufacturing, AI, cyber security and sustainability. The latest challenges focus on low observability simulation and multi-domain communications, with funding available to eligible Wales-based organisations.

Airbus Endeavr Wales is a strategic partnership between Airbus and the Welsh Government, established in 2010. Since its inception, the initiative has fostered innovation, collaboration, and impact. Funding early-stage research projects across various fields. These areas include advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, optics and sustainability.

“Endeavr serves as an exemplary model of industry, academia, and business collaboration, supported by the government, to share knowledge, skills, and expertise. A partnership that fosters the development of innovative products, services, and processes with the potential to disrupt the market. As our industry faces unprecedented challenges, it is through such collaboration—leveraging the talent, inspiration, and innovation present in Wales—that we can effectively address and overcome these obstacles together” said Stephanie Eden, Head of Strategy & Digital Solutions at Airbus Defence and Space

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Fred Sugden

Fred Sugden

Associate Director, Defence and National Security, techUK

Fred is responsible for techUK's activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working to provide members with access to key stakeholders across the Defence and National Security community. Before taking on the role of Associate Director for Defence and National Security, Fred joined techUK in 2018, working as the Programme Head for Defence at techUK, leading the organisation's engagement with the Ministry of Defence. Before joining techUK, he worked at ADS, the national trade association representing Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space companies in the UK.

Fred is responsible for techUK’s market engagement and policy development activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working closely with various organisations within the Ministry of Defence, and across the wider National Security and Intelligence community. Fred works closely with many techUK member companies that have an interest in these sectors, and is responsible for the activities of techUK's senior Defence & Security Board. Working closely with techUK's Programme Head for Cyber Security, Fred oversees a broad range of activities for techUK members.

Outside of work, Fred's interests include football (a Watford FC fan) and skiing.

 

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07985 234 170

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Jeremy Wimble

Jeremy Wimble

Senior Programme Manager, Defence, techUK

Jeremy manages techUK's defence programme, helping the UK's defence technology sector align itself with the Ministry of Defence - including the National Armaments Directorate (NAD), UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) and Frontline Commands - through a broad range of activities including policy consultation, private briefings and early market engagement. The Programme supports the MOD as it procures new digital technologies.

Prior to joining techUK, from 2016-2024 Jeremy was International Security Programme Manager at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) coordinating research and impact activities for funders including the FCDO and US Department of Defense, as well as business development and strategy.

Jeremy has a MA in International Relations from the University of Birmingham and a BA (Hons) in Politics & Social Policy from Swansea University.

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LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-wimble-89183482/

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