Loading organizations...
Loading organizations...
Silicon MicroGravity (SMG) develops and manufactures high-precision Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) inertial and gravity sensors. The company's core offering leverages proprietary resonant MEMS technology to create ultra-low noise accelerometers, high-resolution gravimeters, and tactical-grade gyroscopes. This approach yields significant advancements in accuracy, stability, and power efficiency compared to traditional sensing solutions, addressing critical needs in demanding applications.
SMG was founded in 2015 as a spin-out from Cambridge University, building upon over a decade of foundational research by Professor Ashwin Seshia in MEMS resonant sensor technology. The initial insight was to translate this academic breakthrough into practical applications, initially targeting the oil and gas sector with support from BP. A management buy-out in 2021 allowed the company to broaden its focus beyond oil and gas.
The company's advanced sensors serve a diverse set of industries, including autonomous navigation, aerospace, defense, robotics, and geophysics. These products enable precise GPS-denied navigation, detailed subsurface imaging for mineral exploration and civil engineering, and environmental monitoring. SMG's long-term vision is to establish new benchmarks in motion and gravity sensing, fundamentally enhancing precision across these and other emerging sectors.
Silicon MicroGravity has raised $11.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Silicon MicroGravity has raised $11.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Silicon MicroGravity has raised $11.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Silicon MicroGravity's investors include Parkwalk Advisors.
Silicon MicroGravity (SMG) is a UK-based technology company specializing in high-precision MEMS inertial and gravity sensors using proprietary resonant MEMS technology.[1][2][3] It develops accelerometers and gravity sensing systems that offer superior accuracy, stability, compact size, low power consumption, and cost-effectiveness (SWaP-C), outperforming traditional MEMS and rivaling quartz-based solutions for applications in autonomous navigation, aerospace, defense, robotics, and geophysics.[1][2]
The company serves industries like defense, aerospace, subsurface exploration, and robotics, solving challenges in precise motion and gravity sensing where conventional sensors fall short in performance or efficiency.[1] Growth momentum includes successful field trials of its GAIA gravity system in Australia and Wales, customer testing of 25g and 100g accelerometers, commercial launches of the GAIA system and industry-leading accelerometers, and a growing patent portfolio backed by over a decade of research.[1]
Silicon MicroGravity emerged from Cambridge University research breakthroughs in MEMS resonant sensor technology for high-precision gravity and inertial sensing.[1] Founded on 16 September 2014 as a spin-out supported by BP, it initially targeted MEMS gravity sensors for oil and gas applications.[1][4]
A management buy-out enabled a pivot away from oil and gas toward broader inertial and surface gravity sensors.[1] Pivotal moments include successful field trials of the GAIA gravity system in Australia and Wales, plus customer validation of its accelerometers' performance, leading to the creation of dedicated Motion and Gravity divisions and commercial launches.[1] The company is headquartered at Cambridge Innovation Park in Waterbeach, Cambridge, and remains active with SIC code 72190 for research in natural sciences and engineering.[4]
Silicon MicroGravity rides the surge in autonomous systems, precision navigation, and geophysical exploration, where demand for compact, low-power sensors is exploding amid advances in drones, robotics, and defense tech.[1][2] Timing aligns with post-oil/gas pivots, capitalizing on diversified markets like aerospace and subsurface mapping as industries shift from bulky, power-hungry quartz sensors to MEMS innovations.[1]
Market forces favoring SMG include rising needs for SWaP-C in edge computing and autonomy, plus geophysical applications in resource discovery amid energy transitions.[1] It influences the ecosystem by redefining standards in motion/gravity sensing, enabling breakthroughs in navigation without GPS and underground imaging, while its Cambridge roots bolster UK deep-tech credibility.[1][3]
SMG is poised for expansion with its battle-tested GAIA system and accelerometers scaling into defense contracts, robotics platforms, and geophysics tools, leveraging a robust patent pipeline.[1] Trends like AI-driven autonomy and sustainable exploration will amplify demand for its resonant tech, potentially drawing strategic partnerships or acquisitions from aerospace giants.
As a Cambridge spin-out maturing beyond energy roots, SMG's influence could evolve into a MEMS sensing leader, powering the next wave of resilient navigation in contested environments—echoing its origin as a precision pioneer now primed for global impact.[1]
Silicon MicroGravity has raised $11.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $7.0M Venture Round in June 2018.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2018 | $7.0M Venture Round | Parkwalk Advisors | |
| Jan 1, 2016 | $4.0M Seed | Parkwalk Advisors |
