An AI-driven materials discovery company spun out from the University of Liverpool has secured £4 million in a pre-series A funding round. Matter Machine, led by Gordon Sanghera, former chief executive of Oxford Nanopore, aims to harness artificial intelligence to accelerate the development of new materials.

The funding round was led by IP Group, a UK-based investment firm, with additional support from Northern Gritstone, which focuses on backing technology companies emerging from universities in Northern England. Matter Machine was established to commercialize the research of Professor Matt Rosseinsky, whose work involves advanced materials science.

Sanghera, who recently stepped down after more than 20 years leading Oxford Nanopore, one of Oxford University’s most successful spin-outs, now heads Matter Machine. The company’s mission is to develop AI-powered technologies that speed up the identification and optimization of novel materials, which could impact a broad array of industries including energy, manufacturing, and electronics.

Professor Rosseinsky, serving as chief scientific adviser to Matter Machine, highlighted the potential synergy between advanced materials science and artificial intelligence, describing it as a transformative approach to materials discovery. Greg Smith, chief executive of IP Group, noted that the venture has the potential to significantly reduce the time required to develop new materials, thereby accelerating innovation in areas such as batteries, catalysts, and advanced manufacturing.

By combining expertise in AI and materials science, Matter Machine aims to streamline the traditionally lengthy and complex process of material development, supporting advancements that could lead to more efficient energy storage and improved industrial processes.