Our Innovators

Being able to collect waste plastic bottles and using them to 3D-print mini-turbines that gather lost and wasted watts from local waterways is a dream for many remote communities. Doing so for pennies or cents is a dream come true in parts of the world where poor access to finance and challenging geography are major barriers.

There is more than one way to reach net-zero! In fact, many alternatives to fossil-fuels are readily-available as one Northwest innovator is now demonstrating – with RedCAT support and guidance.

Until quite recently, most ventilation ductwork was made of galvanised steel. This has been used to introduce conditioned air (heating and cooling); move or expel bad air, unhealthy dust particles, plus dangerous toxic fumes; and generally to improve a building’s indoor air quality.

Somebody has to supply the machines that UK and global manufacturers must now have to make the high-tech parts increasingly needed to produce a new generation of net-zero technologies – including the mass production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

Seven years ago, visionary engineer and prolific ideas-generator Rob Higham and his wife Katie decided to create a small specialist business to support their family. Today, they are expanding their vision strategically, exponentially and nationally with RedCAT support.

Aquaspira designs and manufactures underground pipelines and tank systems. Some are small – others up to 2,250mm in diameter. Made from Composite Steel Reinforced polyethylene (CSR) with a 120-year life expectancy – rather than concrete with its high carbon cement content – they are used both by utility companies and for commercial applications across the UK.

Being able to design, supply, install and maintain modern UK electric vehicle (EV) public charge point networks does not meet one of the key definitions of innovation – holding unique IP (intellectual property). But it has won a major expression of investment interest from a global sovereign fund – the Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIC).

Sustainable Smart Technologies Ltd, previously IoT Horizon before it’s acquisition, work with clients to reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings, increase productivity, and reduce operating costs.

It is estimated that some 10% of global electrical energy powers industrial cooling, typically in chilled warehouses, pharmaceutical manufacturers, food manufacturing, data centres, and the like. This figure is predicted to rise closer to 25% if global warming continues at current rates.

Heating and cooling consume a large share of global energy, making efficient renewable solutions essential. Global Energy Systems (GES) is driving this shift by designing and manufacturing high-performance Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) for the UK market.

Innovative businesses can be trapped between two very different scenarios – a low ‘Valley of Death’ case with poor commercialisation where they struggle to capitalise on promising new markets … and a higher position designed carefully to remove trade barriers and maximise sales success.