15th October 2026
AN initiative offering businesses and individuals the chance to develop an idea which helps the UK nuclear estate solve an industry challenge – whether or not they have nuclear industry experience – has been launched in Cumbria.
The Nuclear Gateway, run by the Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH) and supported by the nuclear industry, aims to give innovators opportunities to develop solutions to technical challenges facing the UK nuclear decommissioning industry.
SMEs, micro businesses, start-ups, entrepreneurs, academics and researchers were among 50 attendees who gathered at The Peddler in Whitehaven on Wednesday (October 14) for the Nuclear Gateway launch.
Gary McKeating, Managing Director of iSH, told attendees: “There are two things we want to achieve through the Nuclear Gateway.
“One is for local companies and individuals to come up with solutions. Secondly is for those solutions to be applied across industry.
“Over time those companies will then grow to become more confident in working in the nuclear industry and will then go on to grow the regional economy.
“The Industrial Solutions Hub will also have a physical presence within the next 18 months: the iSH Enterprise Campus at Cleator Moor.
Craig Branney, Head of Nuclear Gateway, led the launch event saying: “With the Nuclear Gateway, you’ve got a fantastic opportunity to work with iSH, nuclear professionals and the local SME community, commercialising problems into solutions, and getting those solutions ready to be delivered.
“The difference with the Nuclear Gateway is that, with the help of iSH, the nuclear industry, and those already in the West Cumbria supply chain, that those solutions will actually be delivered and this will lead to real regional economic growth.”
At the launch Craig held a question and answer session with attendees, explaining further the details of the initial challenge statement in which innovators are being asked to provide solutions for the identification, mobilisation and removal of solid accumulations in complex process and storage systems.
Those who attended heard that there is a need in the nuclear industry to identify and deploy safe, effective and practical solutions that can reliably identify, characterise, mobilise, remove and transfer accumulated solids, restoring functionality and enabling continued processing, treatment and storage operations.
The Nuclear Gateway programme will fund selected technologies from concept development and proof of concept, through to market-ready and scale-up stages. The entry window for the first stage of the process is open until November 25.
iSH helps businesses unlock opportunities in the nuclear sector, develop new capabilities and bring innovative ideas to life. The Nuclear Gateway is part of that commitment, connecting innovators with industry expertise and support to help turn ideas into practical solutions which are successfully delivered.
Glynn Chisholm, from Cockermouth-based technology company Createc, said: “The way the nuclear industry is going about this is great for small companies. The collaboration mindset will hopefully enhance the skillset that we’ve already got in Cumbria and also bring along new people.”
Those interested in taking part are asked to register their interest in the Nuclear Gateway at www.ishco.co.uk/nuclear-gateway