Prime Highlights:
- Leeds-based Uniphy raises £3 million to expand its innovative ‘smart surfaces’ technology.
- Hyundai and Spain’s Grupo Antolin have already tested the technology for use in their vehicles.
Key Facts:
- The funding comes from existing investors, including NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance and Mercia’s own funds.
- Uniphy plans to develop its own chip, prepare for mass production, and adapt the technology for mobile applications.
Background:
Uniphy, a technology company from Leeds, has secured £3 million in its latest funding round to further develop its innovative ‘smart surfaces’ technology, which could change how cars and household devices are controlled.
The investment came from the company’s current backers, including NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance, run by Mercia Ventures through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, along with Mercia’s own funds. The company has now raised over £13 million in total.
Uniphy’s technology lets controls be built into panels of any shape, so people can use devices just by touch. The feature is safer than regular touchscreens because it lets drivers stay focused on the road.
Hyundai and Spain’s Grupo Antolin have already tested the technology and are looking at ways to use it in their cars. The funding will allow Uniphy to create its own chip, get ready for large-scale production, and make the technology smaller for use in mobile devices.
Jim Nicholas, CEO of Uniphy, explained that people spend a lot of time using machines in their daily lives, but current controls can be frustrating. The company’s technology helps designers make easier-to-use interfaces, changing how people interact with devices.
Founded a decade ago by microelectronics experts David Lomas and David Dean, Uniphy currently employs 15 staff and expects to create five new jobs within the next year.
David Baker from Mercia Ventures said that Uniphy’s technology has the potential to make a big impact and that they are happy to support the company as it gets ready for large-scale production.
Lizzy Upton, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, said that Uniphy’s team is creating technology that can improve everyday life.
