The University of Cambridge will unveil a unique high-pressure wind tunnel next week, part of a bid to boost UK manufacturing. Housed in a teal pressurised container, the £14mn machine is "the only machine of its type in the world," says Rob Miller, director of the Whittle Laboratory. It tests small-scale prototypes in real-life conditions, validating designs at speed.

The project combines physical tests with AI to compress development timelines from years to months, aiming to create UK unicorns in aerospace, defence and energy. Funded by Peter Bennett, former banker turned philanthropist, the new Bennett Innovation Lab houses the machine and advanced manufacturing tools. Co-head Elliott Grant, a former X executive, wants to bring "Google X or Bell Labs" culture to Cambridge.

Small mission teams will get £1-3mn over two years to develop technologies meeting three criteria: significant opportunity, UK sovereign capability, and quick proof. A test mission on a liquid hydrogen jet engine proved the concept. The project launches at the Frank Whittle Summit during the Farnborough Air Show, with Rolls-Royce discussing new engine funding.