One of the world's largest securities companies and one of the UK's leading commercialisation companies have invested in a small London start-up with a revolutionary, highly efficient internal combustion engine.

NPI Ventures, a subsidiary of Japan's US$11.3bn Nikko Cordial Corporation, has invested in environmental technology developer Lontra, a firm started only two years ago, which is developing energy efficient compressors and engines. The company's principal technology is the Lindsey Engine^TM, which is up to 37% more efficient than traditional engines.

AIM-listed Imperial Innovations Group plc is one of the UK's leading technology commercialisation companies, having formed more than 60 spin-out companies based on technologies emanating from the world-class Imperial College, including companies such as Ceres Power. Lontra is the first ever investment by Imperial Innovations in a company that did not originate in Imperial College. The investment follows assessment of the technology by Imperial College staff, and incubation of Lontra by Imperial Innovations under the Carbon Trust Incubator Scheme, which supports Clean Tech start-ups.

Simon Hombersley, Business Development Director of Lontra, said:

"We're very pleased with the huge vote of confidence in both the technology and the team that this investment represents. Imperial and Nikko are leading institutions in their fields, and we look forward to working together in the future as we exploit the potential of this major technology."

Susan Searle, CEO of Imperial Innovations, said:

"We are delighted to see a Carbon Trust Incubator company reach this stage of development. NPI Ventures' readiness to co-invest alongside Imperial Innovations confirms the value of the Incubator programme and the quality of the technology it seeks to promote."

Brian Berry, CEO of NPIV, said:

"We are very pleased that NPIV and Imperial have agreed to invest in Lontra. Lontra's management team and the unique technology are an ideal investment opportunity for our portfolio."

Lontra has since 2004 been working with the highly respected engine consultancy Mahle Powertrain (formerly Cosworth Technology) on the development of the revolutionary, patented engine and compressor technology. The total investment is £400k, and will enable Lontra to develop and test a prototype for initial compressor products.