Tribol Braking Secures Major Investment

Tribol Braking secures £500,000 investment and £245,000 TDAP funding to advance its revolutionary composite brake-pad technology, offering lighter, corrosion-free, and eco-friendly solutions for EVs and beyond.

Tribol Braking, a pioneering automotive technology company, has secured a £500,000 equity investment from Kero Development Partners, with additional £245,000 in non-dilutive funding from the UK government-backed Technology Developer Accelerator Programme (TDAP) through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK. This significant financial boost will propel the company’s innovative composite brake pad technology into the evolving automotive market, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs).

Key Highlights

  • £500,000 equity investment from Kero Development Partners to support Tribol’s growth.
  • £245,000 non-dilutive funding from TDAP, enhancing research and development.
  • Full Composite Brake-Pad (CBP) replaces steel, offering lighter, corrosion-free brake pads.
  • 70% lighter brake pads reduce un-sprung mass, improving EV range and performance.
  • 65-times more thermally insulative than steel, preventing brake fluid boil.
  • 75% reduction in carbon footprint over the brake pad’s lifespan.
  • Patented technology targets motorsport, enthusiast, and mass passenger vehicle markets.

Founded in 2022 as a spin-out from the University of Exeter, Tribol Braking is revolutionizing the automotive industry with its Full Composite Brake Pad (CBP) technology. Unlike traditional steel brake pads, which have dominated the market for over 60 years, Tribol’s patented multi-layered composite backing-plate offers groundbreaking advantages. The corrosion-free design eliminates the need for frequent brake pad replacements, particularly in EVs, where durability is critical. By replacing steel, the CBPs are 70% lighter, significantly reducing un-sprung mass—a key factor affecting vehicle range and performance. This reduction can lead to a 75% lower carbon footprint over the brake pad’s lifespan, aligning with the industry’s push for sustainability.

Tribol’s CBPs are also 65-times more thermally insulative than steel, preventing brake fluid boil and enhancing safety by reducing the risk of brake failure. Additionally, the technology features unique noise-damping properties, making it an ideal solution for the growing EV market and high-performance motorsport applications. Tribol Braking is actively engaging with the motorsport and enthusiast sectors, laying the groundwork for broader adoption in the mass passenger vehicle market.

The investment from Kero Development Partners, who specialize in supporting early-stage engineering businesses, underscores the potential of Tribol’s technology to disrupt the mature friction linings market. The additional TDAP funding will further accelerate research and development, enabling Tribol to refine its cutting-edge materials and manufacturing processes. With a research-led approach and strong industrial partnerships, Tribol Braking is well-positioned to lead the automotive sector toward a more sustainable and high-performing future.

For more information about Tribol Braking and its innovative technology, visit tribolbraking.com.

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The BRAKE Report Staff
The BRAKE Report Staff

The BRAKE Report is the trade publication of record for braking systems, friction materials, and brake safety. Published by Hagman Media and edited by founder Brian Hagman, it covers OEM and aftermarket braking technology, NHTSA brake-related recalls, and commercial vehicle brake systems for an audience of chassis engineers, friction industry professionals, and automotive investors.