Autovolt Magazine

Lord Drayson Launches New Wireless Energy Technology Business

Lord Drayson is pleased to announce the formation of Drayson Wireless Limited, a groundbreaking new venture that will seek to commercialise wireless energy technology developed over a number of years at Imperial College London.

Working closely with Imperial Innovations plc, Drayson Wireless will rapidly bring the technology to market in numerous applications and sectors.

The new business builds upon Drayson Technologies’ expertise in the use of wireless power in automotive applications such as the development of the Drayson B12/69 wirelessly-charged electric race-car that set a new FIA World Electric Land Speed Record in 2013.

The business is based upon world-class research conducted over several years by scientists from the Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Imperial College. The Imperial team is led by Dr Paul Mitcheson, Dr Stepan Lucyszyn and Dr David Yates, the academic founders of Drayson Wireless. In particular PhD research by Dr Manuel Pinuela is central to the venture and as such Dr Pinuela becomes Chief Technology Officer.

In addition, Lord Drayson has brought together an experienced team with senior-level experience from companies such as Qualcomm, PowderJect and Circassia, with backgrounds in building global businesses in wireless technology and life sciences.

Launching the new company has led Lord Drayson to restructure his interests. A new holding company, Drayson Technologies Ltd, has acquired the business and assets of Drayson Racing Technologies LLP and its Formula E team. The holding company also controls the new venture Drayson Wireless Ltd, which is run in collaboration with Imperial Innovations Plc. This structure reflects the intention to focus on the wireless technology business.

A guiding principle of the business is to incubate world-class scientific research and help translate it into commercial success. As such, Drayson Wireless has signed a long-term strategic research agreement with Imperial College to continue research in the field and to work with Imperial Innovations to accelerate the transfer of wireless energy technology from the research lab to the market place.

Paul Drayson Chairman & CEO of Drayson Technologies said:

“Over recent years we have seen a revolution in the way wireless technology has transformed communications, making smartphones and social media part of our everyday lives. The same is about to happen to energy and Drayson Wireless aims to be at the centre of this next revolution.”

Tony Hickson, Managing Director of Technology Transfer at Imperial Innovations added:

“We are very excited about the potential of the strategic research agreement with Drayson Wireless. The powerful combination of the company’s commercial expertise and the strong IP portfolio developed at Imperial College, gives Drayson Wireless a solid foundation for success in the emerging wireless energy market.”

Lord Drayson with his Electric Lola

Source; Drayson Racing Technologies