Now in their third year, the awards celebrate the international growth of the UK’s most dynamic small businesses.

Recognised in the Digital & Technology category, Porotech is a UK-based display technology company pioneering the development of advanced semiconductor solutions that power immersive experiences through augmented reality (AR) glasses and AI-driven systems. Headquartered in Cambridge, the company is driving the next generation of human-machine interaction with its proprietary microLED technology.

Porotech recently launched SpectraCore – a ‘Perfect Red’ microLED display platform – marking a major milestone in microdisplay innovation for AR applications. With strong international demand, the company continues to expand its global footprint by exporting high-performance solutions that support the evolution of connected devices worldwide. As Porotech strengthens the UK’s position in the semiconductor supply chain, it remains focused on delivering scalable, export-led growth in a rapidly advancing sector.

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, said: “The innovation and entrepreneurship shown by the businesses entering the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards demonstrate the best of British business.

“When small businesses export, the whole economy benefits. By celebrating the outstanding international trade achievements of UK SMEs, we hope to encourage more businesses to get on the exporting ladder and take the best of Britain to markets around the world.” 

This year’s winners were chosen from hundreds of entries across 12 sector-focused categories, including two new areas – Digital & Technology and Export Services – introduced to reflect evolving global opportunities. Each category includes one winner and up to three highly commended businesses.

In the Digital & Technology category, Porotech stood out for its AR and AI-powered wearables, with 90% of revenue from exports and partnerships with Amazon, Microsoft and Foxconn. Twin Science & Robotics, winner in Education & EdTech, exports to over 40 countries and has seen 70% annual revenue growth through its STEM kits focused on AI, robotics, and climate literacy.

Sustainability also remains a major theme across the winners. Osbit, winner in Low Carbon Energy, delivers mission-critical offshore wind technology, with 65% of revenue from exports. Meanwhile, Avon Specialty Metals, recognised in Advanced Manufacturing & Construction, recycles high-performance metals and alloys and has grown international sales by 192% over three years.

Winners like Gerald McDonald & Company (Agriculture, Food & Drink) and LIMB-art (Healthcare) underscore the global demand for British-made, high-quality products. From innovative prosthetics to premium fruit derivatives, these SMEs prove that exporting drives resilience, expansion and innovation.

Commenting on Porotech’s win, Tongtong Zhu, Co-Founder and CEO, said: “We’re honoured to receive this award from the Department for Business and Trade, which affirms Porotech’s role as a global leader in next-gen semiconductor technology. In the UK we’re not just building chips; we’re building the infrastructure and supply chain for the future of augmented reality.”

This year’s winners will receive a bespoke promotional package, including a one-year membership to the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, a working capital masterclass with Lloyds Bank, an invitation to the winners’ reception in London, professional photography of their business, bespoke promotion on DBT channels and a digital badge, certificate and trophy to commemorate their achievements.

By creating jobs, driving innovation and exporting world-class British products and services, these businesses are making a vital contribution to the Government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth as part of its Plan for Change.

A key part of this mission is supporting SMEs to grow, scale and enter global markets – recognising that when more businesses trade internationally, the entire UK economy benefits. Exporting supports a fifth of UK employment, paying on average 7% higher wages and delivering 21% higher productivity for goods exporters.

To help achieve its mission, the Government recently revamped the Board of Trade to boost SME exports and will soon launch its Trade Strategy. This will set out its approach to maximising export opportunities, including those arising from recently signed agreements with India, the US and the EU.

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