CPI opens flagship battery materials innovation centre to fast-track UK net-zero goals

Established through a £12 million investment from UK Research and Innovation’s Faraday Battery Challenge funded by Innovate UK, AMBIC is a joint initiative between CPI and WMG at the University of Warwick; two founding members of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. While AMBIC’s overall capabilities are delivered across two sites, today marks the launch of CPI’s dedicated open-access facility — enabling innovators to develop, test, and scale advanced battery materials from gram to >10-kilogram quantities.

Frank Millar, CEO at CPI, said:

“This new facility provides the UK battery ecosystem with a vital capability — a place to scale and validate materials that could define the future of energy storage. It gives our partners greater speed and assurance as they translate their technology from laboratory to industrial scale.”

Bridging the battery innovation gap

As demand grows for high-performance, sustainable batteries to power electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage, companies face significant challenges in scaling novel materials for use in industrially valid cell formats. CPI’s new AMBIC site helps address this by combining cutting-edge powder processing and analytical infrastructure with AI-enhanced data collection and high-throughput testing. 

By offering flexible access and expert support, the Centre enables companies to de-risk and accelerate their scale-up journey. CPI’s team can support material synthesis, formulation development, automated formulation & electrode coating and deliver performance optimisation under one roof. 

Dr Keri Goodwin, Chief Technologist at CPI, said:

“AMBIC is a key part of the UK’s industrial battery development toolkit. Whether you’re developing lithium-ion, solid-state, or emerging chemistries, our facility gives you the tools and expertise to scale faster — from powder to prototype.”

Supporting the UK’s battery supply chain

Today’s launch event, titled Supercharging the UK’s Battery Capabilities, brings together voices from across industry and government, including the Advanced Propulsion Centre, Department for Business and Trade, and the Faraday Battery Challenge. Attendees are participating in expert panel sessions and are among the first to tour the new facilities. 

The launch reinforces CPI’s commitment to supporting the UK’s Net Zero Strategy, attracting inward investment into the UK, and building a robust, competitive battery materials supply chain. By collaborating with partners across industry, academia, and government, CPI aims to turn world-class science into commercial products — driving jobs, growth, and innovation across the North East and beyond. 

Discover what AMBIC can do for your battery innovation

AMBIC is now open for collaboration and project discussions. Companies interested in developing or scaling novel battery materials can learn more or contact CPI to explore partnership opportunities.