A startup working with University of Bristol researchers has secured more than £600,000 to develop technology that could reduce energy waste in the data centres powering artificial intelligence.
HexSeed Technology is developing a way to apply ultra-thin diamond coatings to advanced electronic components used in data centre power systems. Diamond is one of the world’s most effective heat-conducting materials, and the technology could help components run cooler, more efficiently, and for longer.
As computing demands continue to grow, managing heat has become one of the biggest challenges facing next-generation electronics. While diamond offers an attractive solution, existing manufacturing methods require temperatures that would damage finished semiconductor components.
Working closely with University of Bristol Professors Paul May, an expert in diamond materials, and Professor Martin Kuball, a specialist in semiconductor devices and heat managment, HexSeed is developing a low-carbon, low-temperature process that should allow diamond coatings to be applied directly to completed gallium nitride (GaN) devices without damaging them.
The company’s first target market is power conversion hardware for hyperscale data centres, where demand for energy is growing rapidly alongside advances in artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
Data centres already consume a significant share of global electricity. The International Energy Agency predicts electricity demand from data centres could reach 945 TWh by 2030, driven largely by the expansion of AI-enabled facilities.
While GaN transistors offer substantial efficiency advantages over conventional silicon devices, managing the heat they generate remains a major challenge.
Mark Tandy, CEO and co-founder of HexSeed Technology, said: “Data centres are on track to consume a significant share of UK grid capacity within the decade, and a large proportion of that energy is lost as heat in power conversion. This funding will allow us to take our low-temperature diamond coating technology which we are developing from laboratory demonstration to working GaN devices.”
The company was founded by Tandy, Dr Leonardo Santoni (CTO) and Dr Michael Glerum (COO), bringing together expertise in advanced materials, engineering, and business development.
The funding, led by Carbon13, with participation from Net Zero Technology Centre and Vento Ventures, will be used to demonstrate the coating process on commercial GaN power devices and support engagement with pilot customers. The investment also unlocks a Partnership Grant from Innovate UK, awarded on a provisional basis earlier this year.
Further information
About HexSeed Technology
HexSeed Technology is a research-led company developing proprietary advanced carbon materials for power electronics applications. The company promotes the innovative use of carbon dioxide as a raw material in the manufacture of novel materials and technologies. HexSeed has received investment from Carbon13, Net Zero Technology Centre and Vento Ventures, and receives grant support from Innovate UK.
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