CGF invests in University of Sheffield spin-out advancing silicon battery technology
Clean Growth Fund (CGF) is delighted to announce the first investment from its second fund (Fund II). The specialist climate tech investor has backed AmpliSi, a University of Sheffield spin-out developing next-generation silicon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, in a £2 million pre-seed round. The investment was made alongside Northern Gritstone, a prominent investor in the North of England.
Today’s batteries rely on graphite anodes, which limit energy density and performance. AmpliSi’s proprietary porous silicon material is designed as a direct replacement for graphite, enabling lighter, longer-lasting, higher-energy batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage. The company’s novel low-temperature process converts abundant silica into porous silicon through a simpler, lower-emissions route. This approach avoids many of the cost and scalability barriers that have historically restricted silicon anode adoption, while aligning with existing battery supply chains.
The funding will support AmpliSi’s transition from laboratory development to industrial scale-up and early customer engagement, with an initial focus on the fast-growing mobility sector, and back AmpliSi as they move from breakthrough science to commercial deployment.
Clean Growth Fund deliberately targets opportunities beyond the traditional “Golden Triangle,” ensuring its capital reaches innovators across the UK. University of Sheffield spin-out, AmpliSi, aligns perfectly with this mandate. This latest backing marks the first investment from Fund II, which completed first close at £49m (targeting £150m).
Beverley Gower‑Jones OBE, Managing Partner at Clean Growth Fund, said:
“We’re delighted to invest in innovation emerging from Sheffield as we begin deploying capital from Fund II. Silicon anodes have long been recognised as offering dramatic performance advantages over current anode materials in battery systems. AmpliSi’s technology directly addresses the challenges that have restricted the widescale adoption of silicon anodes to date, including the emissions intensity of current manufacturing processes. Clean Growth Fund is delighted to support the company on its goal of unlocking silicon’s potential and supporting the acceleration of the energy transition.”
Dr Ruth Sayers, CEO of AmpliSi, said:
“Our focus from day one has been on building a new type of silicon battery material that can be produced at scale and integrated into existing battery supply chains. This investment allows us to move beyond proof-of-concept and concentrate on scaling a product that delivers real commercial value to battery manufacturers, without introducing unnecessary cost or complexity.”
The post First Fund II Deal Announced: CGF Backs AmpliSi appeared first on Clean Growth Fund.
