I founded TG0 driven by a desire to pursue a career where creativity and innovation knew no bounds—something that would challenge conventional thinking, inspire others, and contribute positively to the world. During my time at the Royal College of Art, I became captivated by the idea of simplifying how people interact with machines. Traditional devices were overly complex, expensive to produce, and filled with redundant components. I envisioned something entirely different - beautiful, intuitive, sustainable, and seamless. That passion for reimagining human-machine interaction led me, alongside my co-founder Dr. Luicheng Guo, to create TG0.
Tell us about the business – what it is, what it aims to achieve, who you work with, how you reach customers and so on?
TG0 is a materials and interface technology company. At its core, we’ve developed a platform that transforms simple, recyclable or off-the-shelf materials into touch-sensitive, three-dimensional interfaces. This eliminates the need for complex assembly and creates products that are not only innovative and beautiful but also more sustainable.
We collaborate with industries where user experience is critical such as automotive, health tech, consumer electronics, and more. Some of our partners include Zwift and Novares and various University partnerships including University College London and the University of South Wales.
We reach customers through both direct outreach and by showcasing our technology at global events like CES, where we invite potential collaborators to imagine new applications for TG0’s solutions
How has the business evolved since its launch?
We officially launched TG0 in 2016, and it has been a whirlwind ever since. What started as a concept in a university lab has grown into a company with real-world applications across multiple industries. Early on, we focused on proving our technology’s potential - developing prototypes and securing partnerships. Over time, we have matured into a business that not only delivers innovative hardware solutions but also integrates software to provide smarter, more responsive interfaces.
Tell us about the working culture at TG0?
TG0 is built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. We encourage our team to experiment, challenge assumptions, and bring their unique perspectives to the table. At the same time, we’re highly focused on outcomes - building things that work, solve problems, and make life better. It’s a balance between playfulness and precision, and I think that is what makes us a great team.
How are you funded?
TG0 has been fortunate to receive support from a mix of sources. Early on, we secured grants from InnovateUK and European Innovation Council and investment from Amadeus Capital, which helped us bring our ideas to life.
Over the years, we have also attracted private investment and forged partnerships with industry leaders who see the potential in what we are building. Most recently we closed our series B round with Netmind AI, WP Health leading the round due to their interest in our work in AI and MedTech, respectively.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how have you overcome this?
The biggest challenge was navigating the transition from a promising technology to a scalable business. It’s one thing to have a groundbreaking idea and another to bring it to market effectively.
We faced our share of setbacks, including technical hurdles, supply chain issues, and the occasional scepticism about whether we could truly deliver. The key to overcoming these challenges has been persistence and the willingness to adapt. Building a team that believes in the vision has also made all the difference.
How does TG0 answer an unmet need?
TG0 bridges the gap between traditional tactile interfaces and the evolving demands of modern, tech-driven human-machine interfaces (HMIs). Traditional interfaces rely on mechanical components that are bulky, expensive, and limited in their ability to collect and analyse data. TG0’s technology eliminates these constraints by creating seamless, touch-sensitive surfaces that integrate advanced data collection capabilities.
This means we are not just simplifying how interfaces are made; we’re transforming them into smarter, more responsive tools. Our solutions enable real-time data collection and analytics, which can be used to enhance user experiences, improve product performance, and inform better design decisions. In essence, TG0 offers a way to blend tactile interaction with cutting-edge technology, creating interfaces that are both intuitive and intelligent.
What’s in store for the future?
The future for TG0 is about scaling our impact. We are looking to expand our partnerships, refine our technology, and explore new industries where our platform can make a difference. AI and robotics are particularly exciting areas, as they align perfectly with our vision of creating intuitive, human-centered interfaces. Ultimately, we want TG0 to be synonymous with innovation and sustainability in the tech world.
What one piece of advice would you give other founders or future founders?
Surround yourself with people who are more experienced and skilled than you - strong-minded individuals who trust and respect you. Building that trust, especially in the early stages, can be challenging. Focus on listening, learning, and genuinely caring for your team rather than relying on discipline or rigid rules. Earn respect by leading through action, showing a willingness to learn, and embracing humility. You don’t always have to be “better”; you just need to be authentic and committed.
And finally, a more personal question! What’s your daily routine and the rules you’re living by at the moment?
I start my day at 6:30am with 30 minutes dedicated to messaging Asian customers, followed by a 30-minute breakfast. It is always a feast as I skip lunch. After breakfast, I ride my bike to work.
My golden rule is no meetings between 10am and 12pm, as that is when I’m most productive and get the most of my thinking work done. While my day can stretch until 11pm, I have learned to avoid late-night shifts or all-nighters, which was a hard lesson I picked up during my university years about the importance of maintaining my health.
Ming Kong is the cofounder and CEO of TG0.
