UK’s Uniphy Secures Additional $3.9M to Replace Touchscreens With Safer Interfaces

Uniphy, a UK-based technology company that seeks to transform how we operate appliances has raised a further $3.9 million (£3m) to enable mass production.

Existing investor, Mercia Ventures returned for this round through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) and Mercia’s own funds.

The fresh investment will allow Uniphy to develop its own integrated chip in preparation for mass manufacturing and miniaturise its technology for use in mobile applications.

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Uniphy is Transforming Everyday Interactions Across The Automobile Industry

Manufacturers are increasingly moving away from touchscreens in favor of physical controls, driven by safety concerns in the automotive industry. They are also responding to complaints about malfunctions in appliances and smart devices. 

Founded by microelectronics experts David Lomas and David Dean in 2015. The duo dreamed of a platform that would free designers from the constraints of flat or mechanical controls. This would allow designers to create intuitive, tactile surfaces that enhance user experience across industries. 

Uniphy’s technology works with any standard plastic or glass surface. It can also incorporate vibration or voice feedback. The company uses standard manufacturing processes, which keep costs down and make the material highly recyclable. It also functions in the presence of liquids, making it suitable for marine cockpits, domestic hobs, and washing machines.

Jim Nicholas, CEO of Uniphy, said: “As humans, we spend much of our lives interacting with machines – on our mobiles, in our cars or our homes – but the limitations of current controls can make it a frustrating experience. Uniphy’s technology offers designers the freedom to create new, more intuitive interfaces and transform the way we engage with machines.”

Competitors, such as Synaptics, Cypress Semiconductor, and Tactus Technology, typically rely on flat touchscreens or mechanical buttons, which can be less ergonomic, less safe for drivers, and more expensive or complicated to produce. 

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Uniphy’s solution is not only more adaptable and user-friendly but also cost-efficient and environmentally conscious, thanks to its fit with existing manufacturing lines and recyclability.

Uniphy

Uniphy’s smart surfaces let controls be built into 3D panels of any shape, so users can locate the right function by touch alone. It offers a safer alternative to touchscreens in vehicles because drivers can keep their eyes on the road, and it is sleeker, more hygienic, and cheaper to produce than traditional buttons. 

Additionally, the system supports haptic and voice feedback and maintains functionality in wet conditions, making it optimal for cars, marine cockpits, and household appliances.

What The Future Holds for Uniphy

The technology has already been successfully trialed by Hyundai and Grupo Antolin. Both companies are now exploring ways to incorporate it into their vehicles. 

The new investment will enable Uniphy to develop its own integrated chip in preparation for mass manufacturing and to miniaturize the technology for mobile applications.

The company, which is based in Leeds with a research and development centre in Swindon, currently employs 15 staff and expects to create five new jobs in the year ahead. The latest round brings the total it has raised to date to over $17 million (£13m).

Looking ahead, Uniphy intends to put the fresh funding toward building its own integrated chip. This will shrink the tech and bring costs down, paving the way for mass production. By miniaturising the system, they’ll be able to tap into mobile and other compact consumer‑electronics markets, stretching far beyond cars and kitchen appliances.

David Baker of Mercia Ventures added, “From cars to consumer electronics and industrial machines, manufacturers are seeking ways to enhance user experience and differentiate themselves. Uniphy’s disruptive technology could be a game-changer. Having spotted its potential at an early stage, we are pleased to continue supporting the company as it prepares for mass production.”

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Lizzy Upton, an investor at British Business Bank also had this to say about Uniphy. “Leeds, and indeed the North of England, have long been at the centre of new technological innovation. That’s why it’s important that we continue to inspire and support founders to develop technology that can make a real difference to everyday life. The team at Uniphy are doing exactly this, and I can’t wait to see what other innovations will come out of our region over the coming years.”

Main Image: Jim Nicholas. Image Source: Mercia Asset Management