Spin Out TTPi hailed as “great prospect” by Nottingham Technology Ventures

The University of Nottingham is a major investor in the power electronics spin out, The Thinking Pod innovations (TTPi). Alice MacGowan, CEO of Nottingham Technology Ventures, which manages the university’s portfolio of 38 spin-out companies, told TTPi.tech why the institution believes the company is a great prospect.

The University of Nottingham is renowned for research that has a real-world impact, and green technology is a field in which the institution is rich in expertise.

Academics pursuing  groundbreaking research can establish a spin out company to develop cutting edge products for use in manufacturing and industry, and the University recognises this as an effective route to translate that research into impact.

A part of the University IP Commercialisation Office, Nottingham Technology Ventures (NTV) supports the university’s spin-out companies through early-stage development and works with the founders to secure investment and management expertise to ensure the enterprises have a strong chance of success.

Pioneering power electronics company, The Thinking Pod innovations (TTPi), was one of those enterprises successfully spun out, and in its first external fundraise late last year, the company received an investment of £70,000 from the university.

“Power electronics and green technology are very strong research areas for the University of Nottingham,” said Alice MacGowan, CEO of NTV. “And it’s important that research is translated into technologies that address significant industrial and environmental challenges.

“So, it’s exciting to see TTPi becoming established and preparing to take its technologies to the market. Their technology has the potential to contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions, which is a major priority for the University.”

TTPi’s novel technology enables the creation of smaller, lighter, more efficient power converters and motor drive systems, which are essential in electric vehicles, green aerospace, and any dynamic industrial processes that rely on electricity as a power source.

Currently, these components can be bulky and heavy, but using TTPi’s technology they can be packaged into lightweight, compact, modular units that will produce major savings in terms of precious raw material use, energy and cost. Overall, they deliver better performance compared to anything currently available.

The technology has already been tested and field-trialled with excellent results. Prototypes for electric vehicles and aviation are expected to be ready in 2025, while industrial motor drive systems will be in production during the first half of this year.

The company has been funded through grants from Innovate UK, UKRI, and Driving the Electric Revolution, the University of Nottingham and income generated through commercial development agreements.

In 2024, TTPi sought external investment for the first time, securing £340,000, including the University funds, to commercialise its pioneering power electronics technology through the recruitment of new engineers.

“We measure both the financial performance and the potential impact our spin-out companies will generate to help us determine how they are progressing,” added MacGowan.

“One of the factors that underpins that progress is the people. The team at TTPi have the technical expertise and knowledge of the sector to fully exploit this technology. They will need further investment to take that forward and that is the next big step.”

The driving forces behind the company are the current, founding directors, Dr Liliana de Lillo, and Professor Lee Empringham.

Dr de Lillo, an Associate Professor in the PEMC group at the University of Nottingham, who holds a Royal Academy of Engineering Senior Research Fellowship in Advanced Embedded Motor Drive Technologies to reduce Global Energy Consumption, was the mastermind in establishing TTPi.

Professor Empringham is a world-leading expert in power electronics, who has collaborated with global companies, including Boeing, GE Aviation, Infineon, Liebherr-Aerospace, Airbus, Ultra Electronics, Jaguar Land Rover.

They are guided by a Board and  a Technical  Advisory Board, which includes, Professor Jon Clare, Emeritus Professor at the University of Nottingham; tech entrepreneur Dr Simon Hart, Honorary Associate Professor (Electrification of Transportation) at the university and Riona Armesmith, Chief Technology Officer at magniX, who is a world leader in power electronics, innovation and product development, respectively.

Last month, the company made another significant hire, appointing Chief Engineer Andy Dargle  to oversee TTPi’s team of talented engineers to quickly deliver prototypes and oversee the development of high-performance, market-leading products.

Dargle was previously Vice President of Product Sustainment and Engineering Director at Ultra Electronics – PCS, which designs advanced aerospace control systems for civil and military aircraft. At PCS, he ensured compliance with industry standards, delivered innovative solutions under challenging timescales and worked with customers to provide continuous improvement to bring products from initial concepts into service.

“When industry experts join the team, this is a good indicator for the business,” added MacGowan.

“Industry experience not only helps the company progress, but it provides confidence for investors. Everything we have seen so far points to this being a successful, scalable company with great prospects.”