University of Leeds spin-out secures £600k funding for toughened glass tech

A University of Leeds spin-out has secured £600k funding to prove the benefits of its toughened glass technology.

Optimus Vitrum has secured funding from NPIF - Mercia Equity Finance - which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund - as well as the university and a private investor.

Specialising in a new way to make toughened glass for mobile phone screens and wearable devices, Optimus Vitrum’s process is based on research by materials specialist Professor Gin Jose, from the School of Chemical and Process Engineering at the university.

Professor Gin Jose, director at Optimus Vitrum, commented: “Our process has the potential to disrupt the glass market, in particular the way glass is toughened - a process that has remained largely unchanged for decades.

“The practical benefit is that industry will be able to make glass that is thinner and stronger and also more resistant to scratches.”

Maurice Disasi, investment associate with Mercia added: “Optimus Vitrum’s technology addresses a key challenge for manufacturers and could have a huge potential market, not only in mobile phones but also for uses such as vehicle windscreens.

“This investment will fund independent tests and provide the proof the company needs to approach customers worldwide.”

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