02 / 12 / 2025
Voxshell partnership with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) Secured Funding from Digital Twin Accelerator Programme
Voxshell, in collaboration with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS), has successfully secured funding from the Digital Twin Accelerator Programme, run by Digital Catapult.
The programme focuses on developing a generative AI toolset for novel aircraft configuration optimisation. Voxshell’s automated meshing and simulation pipeline serves as the foundation that makes this possible, enabling the rapid, reliable generation of high-fidelity data required to train robust AI digital twins. CAeS will embrace Voxshell’s workflow in the design of the Hybrid Wing Body (HWB) hydrogen-powered cargo UAV, with the ambition to reduce iterative design cycles by up to 70%. This joint effort would showcase the vision of Digital Catapult and demonstrate how AI can empower the traditional industry to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
CAeS's role in the project is a technology adopter, who will specify the design requirements and constraints, verify the Voxshell workflow’s applicability in the real-world industrial practice, and validate the AI surrogate model accuracy against the in-house design data pool.
Dr Katrina Thompson, Director of the UK Digital Twin Centre, said: “By combining cyber-physical systems with real-time data platforms and immersive interaction technologies, digital twins can provide industry unprecedented visibility into complex operations and new opportunities for optimisation. Through the Digital Twin Adoption Accelerator, we’re helping UK businesses unlock the true potential of these technologies, driving innovation and creating measurable impact across critical sectors.”
About Cranfield Aerospace Solutions:
CAeS has three main aerospace business areas;
A highly regarded engineering consultancy business, which specialises in aircraft conceptual design, avionics & electrical systems, power & propulsion system design, complex modification & system integration, prototype build & test, and certification & airworthiness.
CAeS is developing a portfolio of multi-mission, multi fuel drones designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, capable of maximising payload, mission profile and environmental conditions, low thermal signature and low noise footprint capable of multiple propulsion architectures.
CAeS is developing the next generation of aerospace propulsion. The Genesis powertrain is an aero-native, highly efficient hydrogen fuel-cell system, that delivers low cost of ownership, high latitude, certifiable application.
About Voxshell:
Voxshell is a UK-based software company specialising in meshing, simulation, and digital engineering technologies. Its patented meshing technology enables fast, accurate analysis directly from complex 3D data, supporting applications across aerospace and energy industrial sectors. Voxshell develops next-generation CAE solutions that help manufacturers reduce development time, improve reliability, and accelerate the adoption of intelligent, simulation-driven workflows.
About Digital Catapult
Digital Catapult is a deep tech innovation organisation driving business value by accelerating the application of advanced technologies. It breaks down barriers, de-risks innovation, opens up markets and responsibly shapes the products, services and experiences of the future. Its Belfast office is home to the UK Digital Twin Centre which aims to make digital twins more accessible and impactful by accelerating the practical application of deep tech, fostering industry collaboration, and driving innovation through shared learning and knowledge exchange. Visit www.digicatapult.org.uk for more information.
Voxshell, in collaboration with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS), has successfully secured funding from the Digital Twin Accelerator Programme, run by Digital Catapult.
The programme focuses on developing a generative AI toolset for novel aircraft configuration optimisation. Voxshell’s automated meshing and simulation pipeline serves as the foundation that makes this possible, enabling the rapid, reliable generation of high-fidelity data required to train robust AI digital twins. CAeS will embrace Voxshell’s workflow in the design of the Hybrid Wing Body (HWB) hydrogen-powered cargo UAV, with the ambition to reduce iterative design cycles by up to 70%. This joint effort would showcase the vision of Digital Catapult and demonstrate how AI can empower the traditional industry to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
CAeS's role in the project is a technology adopter, who will specify the design requirements and constraints, verify the Voxshell workflow’s applicability in the real-world industrial practice, and validate the AI surrogate model accuracy against the in-house design data pool.
Dr Katrina Thompson, Director of the UK Digital Twin Centre, said: “By combining cyber-physical systems with real-time data platforms and immersive interaction technologies, digital twins can provide industry unprecedented visibility into complex operations and new opportunities for optimisation. Through the Digital Twin Adoption Accelerator, we’re helping UK businesses unlock the true potential of these technologies, driving innovation and creating measurable impact across critical sectors.”
About Cranfield Aerospace Solutions:
CAeS has three main aerospace business areas;
A highly regarded engineering consultancy business, which specialises in aircraft conceptual design, avionics & electrical systems, power & propulsion system design, complex modification & system integration, prototype build & test, and certification & airworthiness.
CAeS is developing a portfolio of multi-mission, multi fuel drones designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, capable of maximising payload, mission profile and environmental conditions, low thermal signature and low noise footprint capable of multiple propulsion architectures.
CAeS is developing the next generation of aerospace propulsion. The Genesis powertrain is an aero-native, highly efficient hydrogen fuel-cell system, that delivers low cost of ownership, high latitude, certifiable application.
About Voxshell:
Voxshell is a UK-based software company specialising in meshing, simulation, and digital engineering technologies. Its patented meshing technology enables fast, accurate analysis directly from complex 3D data, supporting applications across aerospace and energy industrial sectors. Voxshell develops next-generation CAE solutions that help manufacturers reduce development time, improve reliability, and accelerate the adoption of intelligent, simulation-driven workflows.
About Digital Catapult
Digital Catapult is a deep tech innovation organisation driving business value by accelerating the application of advanced technologies. It breaks down barriers, de-risks innovation, opens up markets and responsibly shapes the products, services and experiences of the future. Its Belfast office is home to the UK Digital Twin Centre which aims to make digital twins more accessible and impactful by accelerating the practical application of deep tech, fostering industry collaboration, and driving innovation through shared learning and knowledge exchange. Visit www.digicatapult.org.uk for more information.
