In a significant boost for British automotive technology, a pioneering firm has secured major investment to transform how we interact with vehicles and everyday appliances. Uniphy, based in Leeds with an R&D centre in Swindon, has successfully raised £3 million in its latest funding round, bringing its total investment to over £13 million.
The Technology Behind the Revolution
Uniphy's groundbreaking innovation centres on 'smart surfaces' – advanced 3D panels that can be moulded into any shape while incorporating intuitive controls. Unlike conventional touchscreens that demand visual attention, this technology enables users to locate and operate functions through touch alone. This represents a particularly significant advancement for automotive safety, allowing drivers to keep their eyes firmly on the road while adjusting vehicle settings.
The technology's potential has already attracted attention from industry heavyweights. Automotive giant Hyundai and Spain's Grupo Antolin have conducted successful trials, exploring methods to integrate Uniphy's smart surfaces into their future vehicle designs.
Funding for Future Growth
The substantial investment came from existing backers NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance, managed by Mercia Ventures as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, alongside Mercia's own capital. This financial injection will accelerate two crucial developments: creating Uniphy's proprietary integrated chip to facilitate mass manufacturing, and miniaturising the technology for mobile applications.
Jim Nicholas, Uniphy's Chief Executive, explained the broader vision: "As humans we spend much of our lives interacting with machines – on our mobiles, in our cars or our homes – but the limitations of current controls can make it a frustrating experience. Uniphy's technology offers designers the freedom to create new, more intuitive interfaces and transform the way we engage with machines."
Northern Innovation Making Global Waves
Founded a decade ago by microelectronics experts David Lomas and David Dean, Uniphy now employs 15 staff and expects to create five new jobs within the next year. This growth underscores the company's transition from research and development towards commercial production.
David Baker of Mercia Ventures expressed strong confidence in the company's trajectory: "Uniphy's disruptive technology could be a game changer. Having spotted its potential at an early stage, we are pleased to continue supporting the company as it prepares for mass production."
Lizzy Upton, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, highlighted the regional significance: "Leeds, and indeed the North of England, have long been at the centre of new technological innovation. That's why it's important that we continue to inspire and support founders to develop technology that can make a real difference to everyday life. The team at Uniphy are doing exactly this, and I can't wait to see what other innovations will come out of our region over the coming years."
