A University of Cambridge spinout developing photon-multiplier technology to boost the efficiency of silicon solar panels, has secured a £1.56m pre-Series A investment to accelerate commercial readiness of its breakthrough energy technology.
Cambridge spinout lands £1.56m for breakthrough photon-multiplier tech
A University of Cambridge spinout developing photon-multiplier technology to boost the efficiency of silicon solar panels, has secured a £1.56m pre-Series A investment to accelerate commercial readiness of its breakthrough energy technology.
Cambridge Photon Technology (CPT) is engineering a material that converts high-energy photons — which are typically lost as heat in conventional photovoltaic systems — into infrared photons that silicon cells can absorb. By capturing and redirecting previously wasted sunlight, the company aims to enable standard solar modules to generate more electricity without requiring any redesign.
CPT describes its material as a “drop-in solution” that integrates directly into existing panel manufacturing processes, positioning the technology as a scalable route to improving solar performance at a time of rising global demand for clean energy.
The funding round includes a £926,000 equity investment alongside a £630,000 Innovate UK grant. The equity element drew support from investors including Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, Spectrum Impact, Tybourne Capital, Providence Investment Company and SourceSquared.
Dr Claudio Marinelli, chief executive of CPT, said the raise reflects growing confidence in the company’s approach. “This investment demonstrates strong private-sector confidence in CPT’s technology and vision,” he said. “Attracting backing from leading investors across the UK, India and Asia underlines the global relevance of our approach and its potential to transform solar efficiency at scale. Together, this funding positions CPT to accelerate product readiness and bring a breakthrough British innovation to the global clean-energy market.”
Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, which has supported the company since its formation, said CPT’s progress highlights the importance of next-generation materials in the transition to low-carbon power. “Cambridge Photon Technology exemplifies the kind of transformative innovation needed to accelerate the global transition to sustainable energy and address climate challenges,” said investment director Chris Gibbs. “We are proud to have supported the company from the beginning and now in this next exciting phase of its journey.”
Looking for your next technology, science or engineering role? Maybe you’re just starting out in your career? Polytec is here to help you find the perfect position for you. Browse our current vacancies now >>> www.polytec.co.uk/jobs
A vast new employment park could transform Huntingdonshire’s economy, with developers claiming it has the potential to create up to 15,000 jobs.
Cambridge Dictionary has added more than 6,000 new words, phrases and meanings in the past year, with entries ranging from internet slang to political portmanteaux.
The British public is divided over how artificial intelligence should be used in schools, with strong support for its role in helping teachers with administrative work but widespread opposition to its use for marking.
New figures from CV-Library reveal a striking divergence in the UK’s AI job market, with robotics-related positions surging ahead in pay growth while many traditional AI roles experience steep declines.
Oxford and Cambridge universities have each received a £6.25m donation from an anonymous benefactor to expand outreach and support for disadvantaged students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Meta has launched a new £12m audio research facility in Cambridge as part of its global push to develop advanced AI-powered smart glasses.
The UK Ambassador to the United States visited the University of Cambridge to explore its global leadership in innovation and strengthen transatlantic academic and industrial collaboration.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge and University College London (UCL) have developed an innovative, low-cost robotic “skin” that could dramatically enhance a robot’s sense of touch.
Cambridge has been recognised as the most innovative city in the UK relative to its population, according to a newly released report by Dealroom.