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A digital gateway for SME innovators to tap in to our Universal assistance as well as the latest innovator challenge calls to access Energy Systems Catapult’s unique combination of whole energy systems expertise and specialist business support.
Click hereTurning clean energy innovators into successful entrepreneurs
Our Energy Launchpad works with high-growth potential start-ups, propelling them step-by-step from innovation assessment to commercial validation.
Innovation is crucial to transforming the energy system to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions and to help the UK capitalise on clean growth. Yet many UK innovators face systemic barriers preventing products, services and business models getting to market at scale.
Energy Launchpad draws on a range of capabilities, tools and testing labs to accelerate deployment and turn innovators into entrepreneurs.
Universal
The front door to Energy Launchpad for SMEs, helping start-ups gain insight about the UK energy system and Energy Systems Catapult, find partners, access events and workshops, plus sign-posting to: funding calls, investors and international opportunities.
Incubator
Tailored support for selected SMEs utilising the Catapults capabilities and tools, and those of our delivery partners. This includes business model development, energy system integration assessments, consumer insights guidance, digital fitness, market testing and validation, investor readiness, specialist advice, as well as identification for Acceleration support.
Accelerator
Scale-up support for selected high-impact potential SMEs. Support includes those areas outlined in incubation but in more depth, as well as help to access demonstration environments such as our Living Lab, engagement with potential corporate clients and investors, and links to international opportunities.
What we offer
Energy Systems Catapult supports innovators to commercialise energy products and services, with performance validation, real-world consumer insights, business model analysis and system integration.
Business Model Innovation
Drawing on market evidence, systems engineering expertise and consumer insight to create viable businesses models for innovations.
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Consumer Insight and Proposition Design
Energy market research, user experience (UX) and service design, and consumer trials. Helping innovators see beyond what people say to understand what they do.
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Whole System Modelling
Modelling the complex interactions between the physical, digital and market systems, across power, gas, heat and transport, from generation to consumers and at the level of home, locally and nationally.
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Test & Demonstration
We offer a range of quick and affordable tools and labs for testing, validation and analysis in either simulated environments or with real consumers in real homes.
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Markets, Policy and Regulation
Independent thought leadership that combines expertise in clean technology, economics, and energy policy design, informed by cutting-edge modelling and evidence-based analysis.
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Harnessing Digital and Data
Independent thought leadership and practical expertise that harnesses a range of services, tools and expertise, such as data science, algorithms and artificial intelligence..
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Case Studies
Business Model Innovation
Ventive started out as a designer and manufacturer of innovative passive ventilation systems, before expanding into developing a smart, zero carbon home solution, that includes: low carbon heating and cooling, electrical and thermal energy storage, hot and cold water and ventilation all in one box – Ventive Home.
Following a rigorous Innovator Challenge application process of SMEs developing innovative smart heating and cooling solutions, Energy Launchpad selected Ventive to receive support for commercial development.
With different market segments at varying stages of readiness for complex retrofit solutions, innovative business models are required to finance and deliver improved consumer services.
So the key challenge for Energy Launchpad was to quantify the market opportunity, prioritise the sectors based the value being created and then develop the commercial model and route to market.
- Ventive secured a pilot project with Nottingham City Council to demonstrate the feasibility of Net Zero retrofitting of social housing at a reasonable cost.
- The tenant gets great indoor air quality, excellent levels of comfort and dramatically lower energy bills.
- The local authority or housing association get a simple to install and cost-effective whole house retrofit solution, with all technologies accessible in the one box plugged into the outside of the home.
- Ventive now has a viable “Comfort-as-a-Service” commercial model that makes Ventive Home more affordable for both tenant and landlord.
- Ultimately Nottingham City Council plan to retrofit around 20,000 homes in response to the climate emergency and Ventive are in a prime position to help them execute that ambition.
Business Model Innovation and Test & Demonstration
Sunamp has developed groundbreaking heat batteries using a patented phase change material that provide the residential market with a low carbon, reliable, space-saving thermal battery storage system.
With dynamic time of use tariffs emerging, households will be able to cut carbon emissions and fuel costs by charging the battery with mains power at times when grid demand and cost is low or by using on-site solar PV. The energy can then be released to deliver space heating, hot water and even cooling on demand.
Following a rigorous Innovator Challenge process, Energy Launchpad delivered for Sunamp:
- Market landscaping
- Innovative service-based Business Models by sector (New Build, Build to Rent, Social Housing Retrofit), exploring the value of integrated smart home solutions.
- Home Energy Dynamic simulations delivering data on optimal configurations of battery size by building and occupancy type.
- Consumer Insights research validating the propositions using in-depth interviews with Housing Directors in social and new build organisations.
This independent verification helped Sunamp evidence the value of installing heat batteries in high rise dwellings with social housing providers.
Sunamp are now gaining traction in this market, having undertaken two product trials that led to confirmed sales, including their biggest single order to date.
Energy Systems Catapult’s support has also helped Sunamp to progress the Technology Readiness Level of their product from 8 to 9.
Energy Launchpad case study: Ventive Home retrofit-in-a-box