Tour Engine builds a patented split-cycle internal combustion engine that separates intake/compression and combustion/exhaust across two cylinders and uses a proprietary crossover valve. The company has tested a 1 kW prototype and will apply those learnings to develop a commercially viable 5 kW engine targeted to be at least 20% more efficient than comparable ICEs. Target applications include residential combined heat and power (CHP) for electrical generation and broader sectors such as transportation, agriculture and industry. Tour Engine holds 18 patents on its design and says it aims to commercialize efficient, simple and green ICEs soon. Financially, Tour secured a $2.59 million Phase II ARPA-E grant and $2.25 million in private funding led by Joan and Dr. Irwin Jacobs of Qualcomm; it previously received a $1 million Phase I ARPA-E GENSETS award in 2015. Management frames the technology as a way to reduce fuel costs and emissions by addressing long-standing thermal inefficiencies in ICEs.

Total raised

$5M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Grant

Latest activity

Jul 2018