Cambridge Photon Technology (CPT), a company founded from the University of Cambridge, has secured £1.6 million in funding to advance its solar energy technology. The company’s approach aims to increase the power output of existing silicon-based solar panels by converting sunlight that is usually wasted into usable light.
Silicon-based photovoltaics are currently the most common type of solar panel but are approaching their maximum possible efficiency. CPT’s technology works by transforming high-energy photons, which would otherwise be lost as heat, into two infrared photons that can be absorbed by silicon panels. This process could improve energy output by up to 15% without requiring changes to current solar infrastructure.
The funding round attracted investment from Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, Spectrum Impact, Tybourne Capital, Providence Investment Company, and SourceSquared. CPT also received a Clean Energy and Climate Technologies grant from UKRI Innovate UK Investor Partnerships.
Chief Executive Officer Dr Claudio Marinelli stated: “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.”
The company plans to use the new funds to expand research operations in Cambridge, speed up material testing with industry partners worldwide, and prepare for further investment before launching pilot projects. CPT aims to introduce its first product by 2028.
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.”