Date Posted:
16 June 2026
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Automotion
Recent developments in the automotive sector demonstrate that innovations improving internal combustion engine (ICE) performance continue to play an important role in reducing emissions. Suffolk based Automotion Limited is developing a revolutionary digital engine valve system that enhances efficiency, reduces emissions, and supports the next generation of cleaner combustion engines.
With support from Freeport East’s Clean Growth Fund, the company has progressed from an initial concepts to proof of concept prototypes in just 15 months.
From Concept to Prototype
When Automotion Limited secured funding, its digital valve technology existed only as a series of 3D models. A grant of more than £44,000 from Freeport East’s Clean Growth Fund enabled the company to rapidly transform the concept into functional prototypes.
The funding supported:
- Design and development of proof of concept prototypes
- Development of bespoke software
- Patents
As a result, Automotion now has proof of concept prototypes that can be demonstrated to potential investors, engineering partners, and automotive manufacturers worldwide.
A Practical Route to Cleaner Internal Combustion Engines
While the transition to electric mobility continues, billions of internal combustion engines remain in operation across passenger vehicles, commercial transport, marine applications, and industrial equipment. These engines will continue to play a significant role for many years.
Recognising this reality, Automotion Limited was founded to develop technologies that improve the efficiency and environmental performance of existing combustion engines.
Its digital valve system provides complete electronic control over valve timing, lift, and duration during every individual combustion cycle. Controlled directly by the engine’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU), the system continuously adapts valve operation to match engine load and operating conditions, delivering improved efficiency, lower fuel consumption, and reduced emissions.
How the Technology Works
Conventional engine valves are mechanically linked to the crankshaft, meaning valve timing is fixed by the engine’s physical design.
Automotions digital valve technology replaces this mechanical arrangement with electronically actuated valves controlled by intelligent software. This allows valve timing and operation to be optimised continuously in real time, enabling significantly greater flexibility and performance than traditional valve trains.
The technology is protected by a primary patent, with additional patent applications currently in progress.
Scaling for Global Impact
Automotion Limited is now seeking partnerships with leading engineering universities and major automotive manufacturers to accelerate commercial development.
The company’s long term vision is to license or transfer the technology to a global manufacturing partner capable of producing and distributing the system at scale, maximising its potential to reduce emissions across millions of engines worldwide.
Jonathan Laker, Founder and Technical Director of Automotion Limited, said:
“Freeport East’s Clean Growth Fund has been a genuine enabler for us, allowing us to accelerate to the position we are in today. Without that backing, this technology would still be a concept on paper. The support has gone beyond funding, giving us the foundation to build prototypes and begin approaching international partners with confidence.”
