University of Nottingham spin-out secures six-figure funding

The Thinking Pod Innovations (TTPi), a spin-out from the University of Nottingham, has secured £340,000 in investment to commercialise its power electronics technology aimed at improving the efficiency and reducing the cost of electric vehicles.
Founded in 2017, TTPi has developed technology in collaboration with the university that enhances the performance and range of electric vehicles.
Previously funded through grants from Innovate UK, UKRI and commercial partnerships with companies like Advanced Electric Machines and Infineon Technologies, TTPi is now seeking external investment for the first time.
The £340,000 funding round has been backed by academics in the field of power electronics, as well as friends and family of the co-founders, Professor Lee Empringham and Dr Liliana de Lillo.
The investment in TTPi will help bring its advanced components to market, focusing on electric vehicles.
It will support further development of TTPi’s DC-to-DC modular converter, fund new hires and help secure commercial licenses and patents.
TTPi’s technology aims to make power converters and motor drive systems for electric vehicles and other applications smaller, lighter, and more efficient.
These improvements could reduce the use of raw materials, cut energy consumption, and lower costs while also delivering better performance compared to current technologies.
Chairman David Whelan said: “The support for TTPi from fellow academics friends and family is exceptional. I have been working with spin-outs for 15 years and this shows what the investors feel about Lee and Liliana and their colleagues, as well as the future of the company, the technology it is developing and where that can go.