Cambridge Photon Technology, a spin-out from the University of Cambridge, has secured £1.56 million in new funding to scale its photon-multiplier technology, which can increase solar panel efficiency by up to 15% without altering existing manufacturing processes. The round includes £926,000 in private investment and a £630,000 Innovate UK grant under the Clean Energy and Climate Technologies program. Investors include Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, Spectrum Impact, Tybourne Capital, Providence Investment Company, and SourceSquared.
The company’s innovation—a dispersible additive integrated into standard solar panels—converts high-energy sunlight typically lost as heat into usable photons, enhancing overall energy conversion. Founded by Dr. Claudio Marinelli, the firm aims to overcome silicon’s long-standing efficiency limits while offering a cost-effective, drop-in upgrade for global manufacturers.
Unlike competing perovskite or quantum dot solutions, the Cambridge approach is market-ready and production-compatible, making it a strong candidate for near-term commercialization. The company plans to expand its Cambridge R&D operations, pursue pilot-scale trials with solar manufacturers, and prepare for a Series A round to launch its first commercial product by 2028.
Image credits: Cambridge Photon Technology
Link:
https://techfundingnews.com/cambridge-photon-technology-raises-1-56m-boost-solar-efficiency/