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View AllRevolution Fibres: Transforming materials through nanotechnology
Revolution Fibres uses electrospinning to turn polymer materials into nanofibers that have a huge range of uses. From flexible sensors, filters of nano-sized pollutant particles, to next-generation composites, Revolution Fibres is a game-changing manufacturing platform. This technology is applicable to aerospace, architecture, automotive, energy, infrastructure, marine, military, and sports/recreation. This applied nanotechnology will enable stronger, lighter vehicles resulting in fewer emissions and cheaper travel via a reduction of fuel usage and CO2 emissions. In addition, the nanofibres are also being used in the creation of lightweight particulate filter masks to both block and kill viruses. Revolution Fibres is now NanoLayr UK.
Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research (ICURe)
Funding: Grants: £500k; Equity: £100k
KEY MILESTONES
2014
Patent applied for
June 2019
Started on ICURe programme
April 2020
Innovate UK funding approved
October 2020
First large customer sale
May 2021
£100k private investment received
July 2022
Company sold to NanoLayr Ltd.
April 2023
Revolutionl Fibres Ltd rebranded to NanoLayr UK Ltd.
“Leading up to ICURe I was already in touch with another electrospinning company in New Zealand who were interested in collaborating together. In 2018 I was granted funding for a four-month secondment to the company, which was an amazing experience to see and a commercial electrospinning manufacturer in action. It taught me the first steps in setting up a company, and from there the decision to start the spin out process from the University of Surrey was a natural next step.”
“My first thought was to seek investment, but it was difficult to find the right people as an academic researcher. Instead, I looked at alternative funding streams, and ICURe stood out as an opportunity to undertake market validation and help take my ideas out of the lab and into the market. The ICURe programme was exceptional, but it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted however. The first week of the programme was stressful because it was so intense; you have to be mentally prepared for the challenge. Undoubtedly it changed my business strategy. During the market validation phase I was able to get out there and speak to real customers. Sometimes the feedback is not what you want to hear, but it’s worth it as that’s how you adapt and grow.”
“From the market validation findings we planned to focus on inter-leaf materials that make composites stronger. At the time we didn’t appreciate how much of a demand there would be later for face mask filters for viruses. Due to the pandemic, we were able to quickly pivot the main business focus to produce filters for facemasks. It wasn’t something I had planned to do, but it was an obvious business decision due to the overwhelming global demand.”
“Within 6 months of operations we secured several collaborative grants with our first set of customers. This caught the attention of global competitors NanoLayr Ltd. By May 2021 NanoLayr Ltd made the offer of our first investment of £100k to help grow the business.”
“After a very successful 2021, in 2022 NanoLayr committed to fully acquiring Revolution Fibres, with the company being fully sold by July 2022. Revolution Fibres was then rebranded in April 2023 to NanoLayr UK Ltd.”
“After the acquisition, now as NanoLayr UK, the company is looking to expand operations and lead NanoLayr’s business across Europe and the east coast of the USA. Nanolayr are currently expanding its team and growing in customer numbers and sales.”
Dr Simon King, CEO and Founder
Revolution Fibres Ltd
Updated April 2023
