*We spoke to Ming Kong, Co-founder and CEO of TG0, about sustainable interfaces, haptics, and the three Cs that underpin the business: curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.*
I founded TG0 driven by a desire to pursue a career where creativity and innovation knew no bounds. 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 led me, alongside my co-founder Dr. Liucheng Guo, to create TG0.
Tell us about the business
TG0 is a materials and interface technology company. 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 — automotive, health tech, consumer electronics, and more. Partners include Zwift and Novares, along with university partnerships including University College London and the University of South Wales. We reach customers through direct outreach and by showcasing our technology at global events like CES.
How has the business evolved since its launch?
We officially launched TG0 in 2016. 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've matured into a business that delivers innovative hardware solutions integrated with 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.
How are you funded?
TG0 has received support from a mix of sources. Early on, we secured grants from InnovateUK and the European Innovation Council, and investment from Amadeus Capital. Over the years, we've attracted private investment and forged partnerships with industry leaders. Most recently we closed our Series B round with NetMind AI and WP Health leading the round, driven by their interest in our work in AI and MedTech respectively.
What has been your biggest challenge?
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 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.
How does TG0 answer an unmet need?
TG0 bridges the gap between traditional tactile interfaces and the evolving demands of modern 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 — not just simplifying how interfaces are made, but transforming them into smarter, more responsive tools.
What's in store for the future?
The future for TG0 is about scaling our impact — expanding partnerships, refining our technology, and exploring 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-centred interfaces.
One piece of advice for other founders?
Surround yourself with people who are more experienced and skilled than you. Building 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 on a personal note — what's your daily routine?
I start my day at 6:30am with 30 minutes dedicated to messaging Asian customers, followed by a 30-minute breakfast (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 — that's when I'm most productive. While my day can stretch until 11pm, I've learned to avoid late-night shifts or all-nighters, which was a hard lesson from my university years about the importance of maintaining my health.
