Concretene has secured £4.5 million in the first close of its Series A funding round to scale up its ‘Manchester graphene’ technology, which uses wastewater biogas to create carbon-negative materials. The spinout from the University of Manchester is developing a circular manufacturing programme that turns local biogas from United Utilities into a feedstock for large-scale graphene production.
Backers for the round include NPIF II and LocalGlobe
The investment comes from NPIF II – PXN Equity Finance, managed by PXN Ventures as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, alongside existing investors LocalGlobe and Molten Ventures. Concretene previously received backing from LocalGlobe in 2022, followed by Molten and Arup, the global engineering consultancy, which aids in technical development and adoption.
This capital will support industrial-scale admixture manufacturing and scaled concrete trials with industrial partners, advancing the Manchester graphene programme. The round also includes £2 million from the British Business Bank.
Cutting cement with no cost impact
According to the company, its admixture technology can remove 10-20% of cement from common industry mixes without affecting strength, durability, or batching. The product is designed to be cost-neutral at scale, meaning construction companies pay standard concrete prices rather than a green premium.
Read Also: ATG chair faces removal by top shareholder
CEO Mike Harrison stated that the funding allows the company to move from the laboratory to multi-tonne manufacturing. He noted that backing from the British Business Bank through PXN, matched by long-standing investors, means Manchester graphene can cut carbon from British construction without adding cost.
Recent trials have demonstrated that the technology maintains concrete performance while reducing its environmental impact. This approach contrasts with many other carbon-reduction methods that often impose higher production costs or require significant changes to existing industrial processes.
Government support for advanced manufacturing
The first close of the funding round was announced during a visit to Concretene’s materials testing facility in Manchester’s Sister innovation district by Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. The visit coincided with a meeting involving Prime Minister Andy Burnham and small business representatives at Number 10 North.
Reynolds highlighted the role of small businesses in innovation, mentioning that the Government is removing £800 million worth of paperwork and bureaucracy to help companies grow. He congratulated the team on securing the British Business Bank funding and described trying to fill concrete moulds as an honour.
