Lancaster University chemistry spin-out joins Northern Gritstone growth scheme as it targets investment

A start-up business using innovative carbon technology to boost battery performance has become the first Lancaster University spin-out company selected for a flagship accelerator programme.

Gavion, co-founded by Professor Abbie Trewin and built on her research into Organically Synthesised Porous Carbon (OSPC) - a novel carbon allotrope designed to eliminate lithium plating in batteries and improve performance, safety and longevity, has joined Northern Gritstone's ‘NG Studios’ growth programme, marking an important milestone as the company begins its investment round.

The selection comes at a vital stage for the company as it engages with investors and prepares for the next phase of commercial growth. Northern Gritstone has become a key player in the north of England’s innovation ecosystem, helping university spin-outs access the investment, networks and commercial expertise needed to grow. Its programmes provide an important route for early-stage companies to engage with investors and accelerate their path to scale-up.

Tom Kaye, Investment Manager at Northern Gritstone, said: "We're delighted to welcome the Gavion team to NG Studios. What stood out to us is how innovative and fundamental the science is, building on years of research at Lancaster University.

“Abbie and the Gavion team are incredibly ambitious. Through NG Studios, we'll work closely with them to help develop their commercial strategy, build Seed investor readiness and connect them with our network of investors, industry partners and experienced operators.

“They are coming into an innovation ecosystem designed to create and scale companies that are rooted in the north, but global in ambition. We're very excited to support Gavion.”

The 12-week programme will see spin outs from across the region given the opportunity to develop their narratives and value propositions and refine their target markets - all supported by Deeptech Labs and their ecosystem of experts and entrepreneurs.

The Northern Gritstone approach was commended in a recent UKRI review, Deepening university-investor links, which highlighted the importance of investor partnerships, venture builders, regional funds and collaboration opportunities which help research-intensive universities translate innovation into scalable businesses

Jessica Wenmouth, Head of Research Commercialisation at Lancaster University, said the success demonstrates how Lancaster's emerging spin-out companies can compete alongside ventures originating from much larger, mature institutions.

She added: “Historically, Lancaster spin-outs have had limited engagement with Northern Gritstone, making Gavion's inclusion particularly significant. It represents external recognition of both the company's potential and the growing quality of Lancaster's spin-out pipeline.

“The programme creates opportunities to strengthen relationships with regional investors and commercialisation partners, supporting Lancaster University's ambition to develop and scale more research-led businesses.

“It is excellent to see this external validation of Gavion's technology and commercial potential through selection to a highly-competitive venture development programme.”

When added in small amounts to graphite anodes, OSPC suppresses lithium dendrite formation, reducing the risk of fires while also remaining compatible with existing battery manufacturing processes.

Developed from a computational design platform built over many years of research at Lancaster University, the material offers a route to batteries which are safer, faster-charging and longer-lasting.