University of Liverpool spin-out Matter Machine raises £4m for AI materials discovery

The oversubscribed pre-Series A round, led by IP Group, will support the development of the company's AI-powered platform and expansion of its technical and commercial teams Matter Machine, a University of Liverpool spin-out developing AI-powered materials discovery technology, has secured £4 million in pre-Series A funding to advance its platform for identifying and optimizing inorganic crystalline materials. The university describes the oversubscribed round as the largest investment secured by one of its newly formed spin-out companies. The funding will support further technology development, recruitment across Matter Machine's technical and commercial teams, and engagement with industry partners. IP Group plc led the investment, with participation from Northern Gritstone, the University of Liverpool Enterprise Fund, Norrsken Evolve, LYVA Labs and the Northern Universities Venture Fund, managed by Parkwalk. The investment also marks the first made under the University of Liverpool's multi-year partnership with Northern Gritstone, the investment and venture-building company chaired by Lord Jim O'Neill. Combining AI prediction with materials science Founded by Professor Matt Rosseinsky OBE FRS, from the University of Liverpool's Department of Chemistry, Matter Machine is developing a platform that combines materials characterization, automated experimentation and machine learning. The technology is designed to accelerate the identification and optimization of new materials by bringing AI prediction together with experimental research. Its intended applications span industries including energy, manufacturing and electronics, where the company aims to reduce the time and cost involved in materials development. Rosseinsky explains the ambition behind the university spin-out: "The combination of advanced materials science and artificial intelligence creates a powerful opportunity to transform how new materials are discovered. Matter Machine has been established to unlock that potential, enabling faster innovation and delivering materials that can support advances across a wide range of industries." Oxford Nanopore co-founder joins to lead commercialization Alongside the investment, Matter Machine has appointed Dr Gordon Sanghera CBE, Co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Oxford Nanopore Technologies, to lead its commercialization strategy. Sanghera brings experience in developing and scaling a university-linked deep technology business, having helped build Oxford Nanopore from its inception through to its £3.4 billion London Stock Exchange listing. "Materials innovation underpins progress across multiple sectors from energy to manufacturing and electronics," says Sanghera. "Matter Machine brings together exceptional scientific expertise, unique technology capabilities and a highly scalable commercial opportunity. I am excited to lead the company’s development and growth." Greg Smith, Chief Executive of IP Group, identifies the potential for AI-powered materials discovery to shorten development timelines across batteries, catalysts and advanced manufacturing as a central part of the investment. For the University of Liverpool, the funding provides another route for translating academic research into commercial technology. Its Enterprise Team supported Matter Machine's formation, drawing on the university's expertise in materials chemistry and artificial intelligence. The company is headquartered at the university's Materials Innovation Factory, a center for materials research and industrial collaboration. It also contributes to the AI Materials Hub for Innovation (AIM-HI) program, which supports AI-enabled materials research and innovation in the Liverpool City Region and across the UK. The newly secured funding will support Matter Machine's next stage of technical development and its engagement with commercial partners across multiple sectors. ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 open for entries The ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 are now open for entries, with 26 categories recognising companies, institutions, projects and individuals making a measurable impact across education technology. The global awards span AI in education, digital learning, higher education, skills and workforce, inclusion, education operations, evidence and impact, with entries managed through ETIH’s new online awards platform. Entries are open worldwide, with the early-bird deadline on Friday 18 December 2026 and the final entry deadline on Friday 26 February 2027 at 23:59 UK time. Explore the 2027 categories and judging criteria, read the How to Enter guide or start an entry through the ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 platform.