Five companies working on innovative smart heating and cooling solutions have been selected by the Energy Systems Catapult to join its Innovator Support Platform (ISP).
The firms comprising its second intake will receive specialised business support to help them unlock new routes to market or break down existing barriers to growth, enabling them to commercialise or scale up at speed.
This includes providing assistance in defining and strengthening their business models, gaining access to testing and validation facilities and securing partners and investment.
The five companies are:
- iPower – a social enterprise aiming to address fuel poverty by using a digital control system for homes, businesses and energy assets to create a so-called virtual power plant
- Logicor – the developer of an electric infrared heating system for use in homes that can deliver comfort more efficiently than conventional radiators
- Senergy – the developer of a lightweight yet strong polymer and nanomaterial solar thermal panels that can be integrated into commercial roofing systems and combined with ground-source heat pumps
- Sunamp – the developer of a chemical “heat battery”
- Ventive – the developer of an intelligent ventilation systems that delivers fresh air to buildings whilst minimising the amount of heat lost in the process
Paul Jordan, innovator support business lead at the Energy Systems Catapult, said: “We were overwhelmed by the calibre of the businesses that approached us to work with the ISP, and whilst choosing the final shortlist was tough, we are really thrilled with the diverse mix of SMEs that have signed up to our programme.
“Energy Systems Catapult was set up to drive innovation in the energy sector and foster clean economic growth. Through the Innovator Support Platform, we wanted to give energy-focussed SMEs with the potential to achieve high levels of growth and impact on the energy system the chance to benefit from our advanced range of tools, assets and capabilities, as well as our network of 40 firms who are on hand to provide wider support on a range of areas key to any growing business.
“Our team of highly experienced staff know the tough challenges that the sector poses for new entrants inside and out. They will work closely with these innovators to tailor our support to the unique needs of their business and put them in the best position possible to succeed.”