Durham startup’s tire wear technology leads to investment from Bridgestone

DURHAM – Startp Tyrata is bringing extended life to tires – and that’s drawn the attention of Bridgestone Americas.

The tire giant has made what it calls a “strategic investment” in the Durham firm, which licensed techn ology from Duke University’s Aaron Franklin, Addy Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

How much was invested in the deal was not disclosed. Tyrata had previously raised $7.5 million from investors, according to Crunchbase.

Last July, Tyrata  announced its Automated Tire Monitoring technology “safely extends bus tire life by 12%.”

Tyrata licensed from Duke technology developed by Aaron Franklin, Addy Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

“Partnership will enable Bridgestone to offer more sustainable, efficient and cost-effective tire management practices for fleets, including last- and middle-mile delivery fleets,” the companies said in a statement.

“With Tyrata’s unique technology, more fleets will have the opportunity to optimize their tire programs, enhancing safety and reducing environmental footprint,” explained Brian Goldstine, president of mobility solutions, Bridgestone Americas. “Our partnership with Tyrata will allow us to strengthen and expand our portfolio of tire management solutions to fleets of all sizes as we work toward a safer, more efficient and more sustainable mobility future.”

Aaron Franklin, an associate professor of engineering and chemistry at Duke, developed the technology. He is working with Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment and the Pratt School of Engineering to further develop the technology.

Tyrata CEO Jesko von Windheim is a professor of the practice at Duke. He also co-founded Cronos Integrated Microsystems Inc. and founded Nextreme Thermal Solutions Inc., where he was CEO.

”The Bridgestone investment represents a very significant milestone in the validation of Tyrata’s technology and business model,” said  von Windheim. “We are thrilled to be working with the Bridgestone team and to now have access to one of the largest fleet channels in the world.”