SIEMENS PROCESS SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LIMITED

Their core work

SPSE Ltd (trading as PSE) is a UK-based software and consulting company specializing in advanced process modelling and simulation tools for the chemical, energy, and bioprocess industries. They develop computational platforms that help engineers design, optimize, and scale up industrial processes — from particle systems and cement manufacturing to algae-based bioprocesses. In EU projects, they contribute process simulation expertise, helping consortia model complex unit operations and validate designs before physical prototyping.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2015–2019, SPSE focused on broad process systems engineering: biological systems modelling (SyMBioSys), carbon capture processes (LEILAC, ROLINCAP), chiral crystallization (CORE), and process industry optimization (CoPro). From 2021 onward, their work shifted toward particle-scale simulation and digital bioprocesses, with explicit emphasis on upscaling, calibration/validation, and digitalization of biological systems. The trend shows a move from general process modelling consultancy toward more specialized computational tools for scaling lab results to industrial reality.

SPSE is moving toward digital twin and scale-up simulation capabilities, making them increasingly relevant for projects that need to bridge the gap between laboratory experiments and industrial deployment.

How they like to work

SPSE consistently operates as a specialist partner rather than a project leader — they have zero coordinator roles across all seven projects. They work in large, diverse consortia (86 unique partners across 16 countries), which suggests they are a sought-after simulation partner that different research groups bring in for modelling expertise. Their participation in four MSCA training networks also indicates they are valued for knowledge transfer and doctoral training in process simulation.

Broad European network spanning 86 unique partners across 16 countries, built through participation in large training networks and research consortia. No visible geographic concentration — they collaborate widely across EU member states.

What sets them apart

SPSE occupies a rare niche as a commercial process simulation SME that actively participates in academic training networks and applied research projects. Unlike university groups that build one-off models, SPSE brings industrial-grade modelling software and methodology that can be deployed commercially after the project ends. Their ability to work across very different domains — cement, pharmaceuticals, algae, particles — demonstrates a versatile simulation platform rather than narrow domain expertise.

Highlights from their portfolio

• LEILAC
  Largest single grant (EUR 402,280) targeting direct CO2 separation from cement and lime manufacturing — a high-impact decarbonization challenge with clear industrial scale-up potential.
• TUSAIL
  Most recent project explicitly focused on multi-scale particle simulation and industrial upscaling, signalling SPSE's current strategic direction.
• DigitAlgaesation
  Demonstrates SPSE's expansion into bioprocess digitalization — an unusual cross-sector move for a company rooted in chemical process engineering.