Why we invested: Uplift360
The need for recycling and regeneration options for high-performance materials is paramount for creating more sustainable solutions. The severely polluting process of incinerating and landfilling carbon fibre at the end of its lifespan creates immense carbon emissions, whilst destroying its potential as a regenerative resource. Uplift360 is responding to this issue with its innovative approach to chemical recycling.
With the development of new chemical processes, Uplift360 has made breakthroughs in the dissolving and reconstituting of complex polymers such as carbon fibre composites. This process results in the creation of new high-performance materials from waste sources. There are numerous use cases for this technology across aerospace, automotive and defence industries.
Through the development of key partnerships with leading industry players and government organisations, Uplift360 has secured over £1.4 million in research funding, enabling future strategic partnerships for initial market entry.
Previous investors have included a number of high-profile angels such as Lt Gen (ret) Richard Nugee and funds including etsaW Ventures which specialises in circular technology including material science and waste innovation. The conviction we saw from Uplift360’s existing partners and investors was a core component in our decision to invest - being a strong indicator of their future commercial success.
From a climate perspective, we have no doubt that at scale Uplift360 has the potential to deliver substantial improvements to the way in which numerous industries operate, from the use of new materials, the potential for new applications for existing materials and the end-of-life disposal of large assets from planes to wind turbines.
Another key component that enabled our investment in Uplift360 was the talent they have brought together in such an early-stage team. Jamie Meighan (CEO), brings strategic and industry experience to the team as an RAF veteran - his experience ranges from defence procurement to technology development and deployment. In the role of CTO, Sam Staincliffe leads research with her experience in materials technology exploitation and military operations within the USAF and the MoD. Taking on the position of Chair is Lt Gen (ret) Richard Nugee, who draws from his experience as a senior leader in the British Army, with his previous role establishing the climate change policy for MoD, the first of its kind.
Sustainable Accelerator has invested alongside a number of other funds and angels to expedite the development of this much needed technology. This raise will enable the further development of their IP and allow them to begin the process of commercialisation.
You can find out more information about Uplift360 here.