This Cambridge Startup Just Raised Millions to Make GPS Obsolete

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-16

A Cambridge-based startup is quietly building the navigation systems of the future — ones that don't need GPS at all. Silicon Microgravity Limited (SMG) just closed a funding round worth $7.65 million (about £6 million). The money will help scale its MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) semiconductor technology across defense, space, and semiconductor markets. Investors include the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S), managed by Future Planet Capital, along with its Defense & Security and Space portfolios. Lead investor West Hill Capital also joined the round. ### Why GPS-Free Navigation Matters GPS is everywhere — until it isn't. Military operations, deep space missions, and autonomous systems all need navigation that works when satellite signals are blocked or jammed. Francis Neill, CEO of SMG, put it simply: "The future of defense, autonomous systems, and space exploration depends on navigation and sensing technologies that are smaller, more accurate, and capable of operating where GPS cannot." SMG's tech fits that bill. Their MEMS accelerometers and gyroscopes offer higher accuracy in a smaller package — and at a lower cost than existing sensors. ### From Oil Fields to Outer Space SMG started as a spin-out from Cambridge University, backed by BP to build gravity sensors for oil and gas exploration. Professor Ashwin Seshia's MEMS research at Cambridge became the foundation for real-world applications in navigation, defense, aerospace, robotics, and geophysics. Today, the company focuses on two main markets: - **Inertial navigation**: MEMS accelerometers and gyroscopes that are more accurate, smaller, and cheaper than current options. - **Gravity sensing**: MEMS gravimeters that offer robust, compact solutions for gravity surveys and alternative navigation. Their accelerometers are already supporting advanced space programs — including launch vehicles, lunar and planetary exploration, and satellite-enabled mineral exploration. ### A Strategic Bet on Sovereign Capability Alexander Leigh, Investment Director for Defense & Security at UKI2S, explained why this investment matters: "SMG represents exactly the kind of strategically important dual-use technology business the UK needs to scale. Semiconductors, sensing, and advanced manufacturing are increasingly critical to both national security and the future competitiveness of the UK space sector." He added: "This level of traction demonstrates the relevance of UK-built advanced manufacturing capability on the international stage." This is UKI2S's first investment in SMG through its space portfolio, building on an existing relationship through the defense and security portfolio. ### What's Next for SMG? The company plans to use the funding to: - Scale up UK manufacturing capability - Expand engineering and semiconductor production capacity - Accelerate commercial partnerships across Europe and the US With growing traction from globally recognized customers, SMG is positioning itself as a key player in the next generation of navigation and sensing technology.