Ionix detects support from IP Group

Ionix Advanced Technologies, a Leeds University spin-out commercialising a range of sensors, has received backing from commercialisation firm IP Group for an unspecified sum.

The money will be used to further develop Ionix’s range of sensors, which are based on high-temperature piezolelectic materials. Piezoelectricity is a form of electricity which is generated from pressure, which can be used in a sensor to measure changes in pressure, acceleration, strain, or force.

Ionix is targeting a market where regular piezoelectric sensors cannot operate due to high temperature conditions, estimated to be worth £500m annually, such an in aerospace or energy sectors.

The company also announced the appointment of David Astles as its new CEO. Astles comes from a long history of senior business roles at the oil company Shell, and was also the CEO of University of London advanced materials spin-out Phosphonics for eight years before leaving the company in 2013.

Astles said: “Ionix has developed a set of excellent products which offer a range of exciting potential opportunities. I look forward to working closely with the talented Ionix team to lead the company in the next stage of its commercial development. We are at the start of an exciting new phase in the implementation of this technology and are looking for the right partners to realise its potential.”