Bristol-Based High Temperature Material Systems Raises €1.5 Million To Advance Heat-Resistant Material Development

Founded by engineers Dr. Danilo Di Salvo and Dr. Richard Grainger, HTMS aims to apply aerospace-grade materials to sectors like automotive manufacturing and EV battery production.

The round was backed by the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund and Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, through Maven Capital Partners and Mercia Ventures, with additional support from SFC Capital, DeepTech Labs, Plug and Play, and angel investors. The funds will help HTMS open a new production facility in Wiltshire, set up an office in Leamington Spa, and expand R&D efforts.

HTMS specialises in Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs)—materials combining ceramics’ heat resistance with fibres for greater strength and flexibility. Commonly used on the Space Shuttle, CMCs can withstand extreme environments while being lighter than metals. HTMS’ breakthrough manufacturing process significantly reduces the cost, time, and energy needed to produce these materials.

Founded in 2021 after early kitchen experiments, HTMS is building the UK’s first domestic CMC supply chain. It already collaborates with major automotive and battery manufacturers alongside research partners like Cranfield University. Its materials endure temperatures up to 1400°C addressing key automotive challenges such as exhaust systems, brake shims and EV battery casings.

Headquartered in Stratford-upon-Avon with a Bristol lab HTMS employs eight people and plans to add around 40 more over four years. With the global CMC market projected to surpass $25 billion by 2033, the company is positioned to lead the next generation of high-performance material innovation.

Dr Danilo Di Salvo, CEO and Co-founder of HTMS, said: “Richard and I saw the potential of advanced thermal composites but were frustrated with the high cost and lack of a UK supply chain. This is a fantastic moment for British manufacturing. We are excited to scale up manufacturing of our world-leading products and look forward to growing our business and championing British innovation.”

Rafi Khan, Investment Manager at Maven, said: “HTMS has developed a truly differentiated manufacturing process for high-performance ceramic composites, combining technical excellence with commercial insight. As industries seek lightweight, heat-resistant materials that are scalable and sustainable, HTMS’s platform is well placed to deliver real impact. We are pleased to support Danilo, Richard and the team as they enter their next stage of growth.”

Shubham Jaipuria, Investor at Mercia Ventures, added: “HTMS’s advanced materials open up new possibilities across a range of industries – from safer electric vehicles and more fuel-efficient aircraft to improved energy storage. By enabling the launch of the new laboratory, this investment will also help to create a domestic supply chain for these important new materials.”

Beth Bannister, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank, said: “This investment is the first time the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II and the South West Investment Fund have worked together. By bringing together our expertise and funding, we have been able to support HTMS’s expansion across both regions, helping to create skilled jobs, strengthen the UK’s supply chain for advanced materials, and support one of the key growth sectors identified in the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy.”

About High Temperature Material Systems

Founded in 2021 High Temperature Material Systems (HTMS) develops advanced high-temperature composite materials for demanding engineering applications. By combining innovation with efficiency, HTMS delivers lightweight, durable and heat-resistant solutions that enhance performance across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy.