Universal Atmosphere Processing (UAP), a Lancashire-based technology company developing a breakthrough carbon reduction and gas recovery system, has closed a funding round backed by institutional, public and private investors.
The round included participation from several angel networks, among them Sixth Wave Ventures and Fhunded Angels. Sixth Wave focuses on supporting early-stage deeptech businesses that apply proprietary, science-based technologies to tackle global challenges, while Fhunded Angels is a Lancashire-focused investor community dedicated to backing early-stage and high growth companies.
Founded in 2022 by Brendan Cornthwaite, UAP has developed patented technology that recently secured a research grant from CERN’s Venture Connect programme. Brendan has also been recognised with the UK Space Agency’s Visionary Award, leading to UAP’s inclusion in the UKSA’s LEO programme.
The company has been named one of the top 100 startups globally by SLUSH, the international tech summit in Helsinki, underlining the potential impact of its innovation.
UAP will also take part in the UK government’s upcoming trade mission to South Korea and Japan, attend COP30 in Brazil, and present at SLUSH 2025 in Helsinki as part of an exclusive cohort of high-potential startups.
We're incredibly excited to partner with UAP. Their technology isn't just an incremental improvement; it's a game-changer for atmospheric gas capture. The business also embodies Sixth Wave’s investment thesis - a truly innovative, science-based solution that has the potential to make a massive, positive impact on our planet's future.
Darren Shaw, Syndicate Lead at Sixth Wave Ventures
Being based at the Fraser House tech hub in Lancaster, Brendan has been fully engaged with the Fhunded programme since its inception, and we were confident that we could help him raise the investment he needed to help turn his vision into a reality. It’s also been great to be able to work with Darren and the team at Sixth Wave to help UAP maximise the benefits of SEIS, and we look forward to exploring future co-funding opportunities with them - and other angel networks - which involve Lancashire startups and scaleups.
Rory Southworth, Equity Finance Lead at Lancashire County Council
I’m incredibly grateful for the backing we’ve had - including the investment secured from the Fhunded Angels and Sixth Wave Ventures — which will allow us to take our technology to the next stage. But for me, this round isn’t about celebration. It’s about execution. It’s about finally building the hardware that’s been in my head for over two years - and proving that atmospheric separation can be done differently.
Brendan Cornthwaite, Founder & CEO
