Geoptic Infrastructure Investigations Limited (Geoptic) has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation. Founded in 2020, Geoptic is a spin-out from St Mary’s University, Twickenham (SMU), the University of Durham, and the University of Sheffield. The award recognises Geoptic's cosmic ray muon imaging approach assuring the condition of the UK's infrastructure.
The company was established following pioneering research by its founders, who were the first to demonstrate the potential of muon imaging for assessing railway infrastructure. Today, Geoptic collaborates with a wide range of esteemed partners and organisations, both nationally and internationally, delivering innovative solutions across multiple sectors.
With applications ranging from transport and energy to defence and heritage, Geoptic’s muon imaging solutions offer a powerful, tried-and tested tool for engineers, planners, and policymakers facing increasingly complex underground challenges. Geoptic's proprietary technology delivers high-resolution insights into what lies beneath the surface, helping to improve safety, reduce operational risk, and support major infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally.
Director of Research at St Mary’s Dr Jamie North said, “It has been an incredible experience working on Geoptic, which is SMU’s first spin-out, with colleagues from the University of Durham and the University of Sheffield. Seeing Geoptic turn into a commercial success to the benefit of the universities and the country, and now being honoured with the King’s Award for Enterprise, is a true testament to the team. We look forward to continuing this work and seeing the positive impact that it has.”
Managing Director of Geoptic Dr Chris Steer said: “Receiving a King’s Award for Enterprise is a tremendous honour and recognises the hard work and ingenuity of our entire team. Innovation and its impact is at the heart of everything we do and, in particular, this award acknowledges our work in making the UK's historic and complex infrastructure safer through cutting-edge science.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 59th year, is the most prestigious business award in the United Kingdom.
Geoptic will officially receive the award at a royal reception later this year and is now entitled to use the prestigious King’s Awards emblem for the next five years.