Mater-AI has built a physics-informed, AI-powered platform that can design, generate and evaluate 100 new thermoelectric material structures every hour, reportedly speeding discovery up to 438× versus traditional R&D. The technology targets the 70 % of global energy that is currently lost as waste heat, aiming to supply novel materials for thermoelectric generators and coolers across data centres, defence, automotive and industrial IoT markets. By initially focusing on applications such as silent power sources, extended EV battery life and self-powered industrial sensors, the company believes it can unlock £3.4–4.6 billion in new market value. Over the next 6–8 weeks Mater-AI will begin lab testing of its first AI-discovered compounds with the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London and the Henry Royce Institute, feeding those results back into its models for rapid iteration. Within 12–18 months it aims to deliver a commercially viable material that outperforms today’s 5–7 % efficient standard while also being less toxic and more scalable. Founded by Dr Nickel Blankevoort (CEO), Gatleen Bhambra (COO) and Chelsea Williams (CTO), the company originates from research done at the University of Warwick. Financially, Mater-AI has secured £1.6 million to date (£100k in an initial cheque and £1.5 million in its main pre-seed round) to fund continued platform development and material validation.

Total raised

$2M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Seed

Latest activity

Dec 2025