CPT has raised £1,556,000 in new funding
Cambridge Photon Technology (CPT), a deep-tech spin-out from the University of Cambridge, has raised approximately £1,556,000 in new funding to advance the commercialisation of its photon-multiplier technology. The pre-Series A round combines £926,000 in equity investment with a £630,000 grant from Innovate UK's Investor Partnerships: Clean Energy and Climate Technologies programme
CPT has designed a patented photon-multiplier technology that allows existing silicon solar panels to generate more power by transforming wasted sunlight into usable light. The solution fits into standard solar modules without any redesign or capital-intensive manufacturing changes.
The £926,000 equity investment round brought in international backing from Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, Spectrum Impact, Providence Investment Company, SourceSquared, and Tybourne Capital. A £630,000 Clean Energy and Climate Technologies grant from UKRI Innovate UK Investor Partnerships was also awarded, enabled by Cambridge Enterprise's participation in the investment round as an Innovate UK Investor Partner.
Converting each high-energy photon into two infrared photons that silicon can absorb increases energy output by up to 15% while remaining compatible with existing solar infrastructure.
Dr Claudio Marinelli, CEO of Cambridge Photon Technology, said, “This investment demonstrates strong private-sector confidence in CPT’s technology and vision. 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. The Innovate UK programme provides a powerful layer of support, helping us bridge early-stage development and commercial readiness. Together, this funding positions CPT to accelerate product readiness and bring a breakthrough British innovation to the global clean-energy market.”
This funding will enable CPT to expand its R&D operation in Cambridge, advance material testing with industry partners, and prepare for a larger Series A raise ahead of pilot deployment. CPT expect to bring its first product to market by 2028.
The Innovate UK's Investor Partnerships Programme: Clean Energy and Climate Technologies has helped accelerate the commercialisation of clean energy technologies by integrating Innovate UK's non-dilutive R&D grant funding with private investment.
As global solar demand grows and silicon PV approaches its theoretical efficiency ceiling of around 28%, new solutions that improve output power without redesigning solar panels are needed. CPT's technology provides a step-change, frictionless upgrade to the renewable energy platform.
Chris Gibbs, investment director at Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, said, “Cambridge Photon Technology exemplifies the kind of transformative innovation needed to accelerate the global transition to sustainable energy and address climate challenges. We are proud to have supported the company from the beginning and now in this next exciting phase of its journey.”
