MaiTeng Electronics has a mission

To deliver high-quality electronic manufacturing solutions that help businesses bring innovative hardware products to market, while contributing to the growth of engineering skills and innovation across the UK.

Setting the scene

As the UK's electronics manufacturing sector continues to evolve, businesses are increasingly looking for ways to do more than simply deliver products. For MaiTeng Electronics, growth meant building stronger relationships with universities, sharing industry expertise and becoming part of a wider innovation community.

With more than 30 years' experience in electronic design, engineering and manufacturing, the company recognised that collaboration with academia could support both its commercial ambitions and the development of future engineering talent.

Through the BIG Growth Innovation Programme, delivered by London South Bank University (LSBU), MaiTeng began working with academics from the School of Engineering and Design to explore new opportunities for knowledge exchange, innovation and long-term collaboration.

‍The challenge

Growing a business in a competitive manufacturing sector requires more than technical expertise.

As MaiTeng looked to expand its presence within the UK market, the company wanted to strengthen its customer base, continue investing in manufacturing capability and build relationships that could support future innovation.

While the business already had extensive experience within electronics manufacturing, it was also looking for opportunities to engage with universities, gain new perspectives and better understand the UK's innovation landscape. Finding the right environment to build those connections was an important next step in the company's growth journey.

The solution

Through the BIG Growth Innovation Programme, MaiTeng partnered with Professor Perry Xiao and the team at LSBU's School of Engineering and Design.

Rather than focusing on a single technical challenge, the collaboration created space for meaningful conversations around business growth, innovation and future partnership opportunities. Throughout the programme, the company took part in workshops, networking events and business support activities designed to connect entrepreneurs with academic expertise and innovation networks.

These discussions helped MaiTeng explore its future from a broader perspective while gaining a deeper understanding of the UK's entrepreneurial ecosystem and the role universities can play in supporting business development.

Working together

One of the most valuable aspects of the collaboration was the opportunity to exchange ideas with academic specialists who understood both engineering and innovation.

Working alongside Professor Perry Xiao allowed MaiTeng to discuss industry trends, future collaboration opportunities and practical ways in which universities and businesses can work together to solve challenges and support long-term growth.

The partnership demonstrated that innovation is not only about developing new technology it is also about building relationships and creating opportunities that benefit both industry and education.

The results

Although the collaboration centred on knowledge exchange rather than product development, it delivered meaningful outcomes for the business.

MaiTeng gained a stronger understanding of the UK's innovation support landscape, developed valuable relationships with universities and industry stakeholders and identified new opportunities for future collaboration.

The programme also provided greater confidence in navigating the UK's business support ecosystem, laying the foundations for future partnerships with higher education institutions and innovation-led projects.

"The BIG Growth Programme provided an excellent opportunity for learning, networking, and business development. Through our engagement with the LSBU team and participation in programme activities, we gained valuable insights into the UK's innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem and developed a better understanding of potential future collaboration opportunities with universities. We are grateful for the support and guidance provided throughout the programme."

Tom Xum, MaiTeng Electronics Corporation

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Reflections

Looking back, the collaboration reinforced the value of connecting businesses with academic expertise.

Regular discussions with the LSBU team, combined with opportunities to engage with the wider innovation community, encouraged MaiTeng to think differently about future growth and collaboration.

For the company, one of the biggest lessons was that building the right network can be just as valuable as investing in new technology. Access to experienced academics, business support and innovation programmes created opportunities that extended well beyond the duration of the project.

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Looking ahead

The collaboration with LSBU represents the beginning of an ongoing relationship rather than the end of a single project.

As MaiTeng continues to expand its SMT and PCBA manufacturing capabilities, the company hopes to strengthen its links with the university through future innovation projects, student engagement opportunities and knowledge-sharing activities.

By bringing together practical industry experience and academic expertise, MaiTeng aims to contribute to the future of engineering while continuing to grow its presence within the UK electronics manufacturing sector.

Advice for other businesses

For companies considering working with a university, MaiTeng believes the greatest value often comes from the relationships built throughout the process.

Collaborating with academics and sharing knowledge can create opportunities that extend far beyond the original project, opening new perspectives for future business growth.

Looking to innovate? Let's work together

Whether you're developing a new product, exploring new markets or looking to strengthen your innovation strategy, the BIG Growth Innovation Programme helps businesses connect with academic expertise to turn ideas into practical opportunities.

About the programme

The BIG Growth Innovation Programme connects South London businesses with academic expertise from London South Bank University and partner universities, delivering tailored collaborative support to help businesses innovate and grow. The programme is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) by the Greater London Authority. The aim of the UKSPF was to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

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