Dr Amany Kassem has been awarded a Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship, supporting the translation of her research into commercial application.
The 12-month fellowship, running from January 2026 to January 2027, will support the development and commercialisation of photonic-assisted signal generator technology through Nibras Communications, building on research carried out at UCL.
Nibras Communications is developing advanced photonic signal sources designed for applications in satellite communications, next-generation wireless infrastructure, including 6G, and high-performance test and measurement systems.
The fellowship provides £75,000 in funding alongside tailored venture support through the Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Hub, including coaching and mentoring. As part of the programme, fellows work closely with experts to refine their technologies, develop commercial strategies and accelerate their route to market.
I am honoured to receive the Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship. It’s an incredible opportunity to grow as an entrepreneur and leader while developing Nibras Communications and working to translate my research into technologies that can have real impact in next-generation communication systems.”
The award follows further recent success for Dr Kassem and her collaborators, with Nibras Communications selected for the latest cohort of ChipStart UK, a national semiconductor incubator supporting early-stage chip companies. The venture, co-founded with Professor Zhixin Liu, Dr Zichuan Liu and Alex Bennett, is one of four UCL EEE startups chosen for the programme.
Over the course of the fellowship, Dr Kassem will focus on advancing both the engineering development and commercial readiness of the technology, while contributing to a wider cohort of fellows working across a range of engineering disciplines.
The award highlights the growing impact of UCL Electronic & Electrical Engineering’s research in photonics and communications, and its strength in supporting academic founders to translate research into emerging ventures.
