New high-energy laser company launched in Oxfordshire

DiPOLE Systems, based at the Harwell Campus, near Oxford, is a spin-out from the Central Laser Facility (CLF).

It aims to commercialise laser technology developed over 15 years at the site for use in defence, security, advanced manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Dr Tom Butcher, CEO of DiPOLE Systems, said: “We have created DiPOLE Systems to harness exceptional UK science and engineering to deliver results in the real world.

“We have been developing this laser technology at the CLF for the past 15 years, now we want to take it out of the lab and into the field.

“We are focused on commercialising proven laser technology – being clear about what is possible today, what requires further testing, and how its capability can deliver real benefit to our customers, from advanced imaging to protecting critical infrastructure.”

The company has secured £3.6 million in the first close of its planned £6 million seed funding round.

The round is co-led by Blackfinch Ventures and Empirical Ventures.

DiPOLE Systems’ technology combines high pulse energy with high repetition rates and has already been installed in major international facilities.

The team includes laser scientists and engineers from the CLF, who have decades of experience delivering complex laser systems worldwide.

Kimberley Hay, Ventures Director at Blackfinch Ventures, said: “At Blackfinch we are always excited to back founders who are redefining what deep‑tech can achieve, and DiPOLE is exactly that.

“Their laser systems unlock capabilities that were previously out ofreach, with applications ranging from industrial inspection to next‑generation security and energy technologies.”

The company will initially focus on markets where near-term value can be delivered.

These include counter-drone technology and advanced industrial imaging.

It is also exploring future applications in security, fusion energy, and semiconductor manufacturing, working closely with industry partners.

Professor Michele Dougherty, executive chair at the Science and Technology Facilities Council, said: “I would like to pay tribute to the scientists and engineers in our Central Laser Facility whose work over many years developing and finessing this technology has enabled the spin-out of DiPOLE Systems today.

“The new private enterprise creates the opportunity for the continued development of the capability to now be scaled responsibly though a UK-based company.”

The company plans to expand its team over the next year.

It will focus on building commercial, operational, and manufacturing capabilities.

DiPOLE will remain UK-based and operate within a framework aimed at strengthening the UK’s photonics sovereignty, while also pursuing international commercial opportunities.