This award recognises Augment Aero’s pioneering use of AI and AR technology, specifically designed to revolutionise aircraft maintenance operations. The company’s smart safety glasses enable engineers to access vital data hands-free, streamlining tasks such as manual referencing, real-time diagnostics, remote assist, and aircraft inspections. This innovative technology is poised to transform maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) processes across the aerospace industry by improving safety, increasing operational efficiency, and maximising profitability.

"Winning this award underscores our commitment to reshaping the future of aerospace maintenance," said Elaine Harding, Founder and CEO of Augment Aero. "Our technology is not only advancing MRO operations but also addressing the critical need for efficiency and safety in a rapidly evolving industry."

Augment Aero’s solutions can significantly reduce administrative workloads and deliver massive cost savings for aircraft maintenance facilities. For instance, a single facility could save up to £7,500 per day, amounting to £2.7 million per year by minimising manual processes – a game-changer for the industry.

In addition to this accolade, Augment Aero was a finalist for the "Diversity in Tech Impact Award" thanks to its female-led leadership team. The company was founded by Elaine Harding, an aerospace expert, following an inspirational meeting with Dame Wendy Hall, an AI pioneer and Computer Sciences Professor at the University of Southampton. Augment Aero also benefited from networking at key events like the UKBAA’s "Women Backing Women" initiative, where Harding connected with future investors.

After a whirlwind first year of growth, Augment Aero has already captured market interest and secured a lead for its first seed round expected in 2025. With pre-seed funding currently available for oversubscription, the company continues to attract attention from investors keen to support its mission.

The company recently showcased its latest technology at the MRO Europe conference, offering live demonstrations to key industry players.

"As the Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee in the last Parliament I know how much harder it is for female founders. So it is wonderfully inspiring to see a young female founder like Elaine achieving so much. Over the past year, Augment Aero has gone from a dream to a reality, and I’m excited to see what Elaine achieves next,” commented Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and Conservative MP for Romsey and Southampton North.

"I backed Elaine because she has incredible ideas and a strong work ethic. She needed support with the tech, and we bridged that gap. Now, she's leading an outstanding tech team,” said Wendy Hall DBE, FRS, FREng, MAE, FIET, Regius Professor of Computer Science, University of Southampton.

Roderick Beer, Managing Director, UK Business Angels Association, commented: "At the UK Business Angel Association (UKBAA), we are thrilled whenever our members invest in diverse founders. The work we did last year with our 'Women Backing Women' event has already inspired many such success stories.”

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