Component-level energy monitoring for greener IT operations

The solution must/should:

• Enable simple and continuous monitoring of power usage across all internal components of a computer workstation or server, including the motherboard, graphics cards, interface cards, disk drives, and fans.
• Operate in a vendor-agnostic and non-invasive manner, requiring no bespoke system modifications aside from intercepting the machine’s existing standard PSU power connectors.
• Ideally function through a pass-through cable system, where standard PSU connectors are routed via the monitor, allowing seamless connection to standard components (e.g. ATX boards).
• Be compact and unobtrusive, with monitoring electronics ideally housed in a casing similar in form factor to a standard internal disk drive, allowing it to mount into a vacant system slot.
• Minimise space impact, as internal space can be limited; both the monitoring unit and associated cables should be as compact as reasonably possible.
• Be manufacturable at scale within the UK, using widely available, well understood electronic components that UK-based electronics manufacturers can easily source and assemble.
• Include full electronic design files and product housing specifications.
• Support an initial low-volume experimental production run, with a view to quick iteration and refinement into a commercial-ready product.
• Demonstrate potential for mass production and long-term deployment, including consideration of component standardisation, robustness, and ease of replication.

The solution must/should:

• Be powered in a way that does not interfere with the operation of the server or workstation being monitored. Power options could include drawing from a PSU line before the monitoring point, using a dedicated line, or employing a battery charged when not in use.
• Monitor current and voltage on each power line with high frequency and provide near real-time data transmission. Acceptable connection methods include USB, WiFi, or Bluetooth, with the preference for an accessible HTTP API to allow independent data logging without affecting the machine’s power consumption.
• Support data streaming that enables live “tap-off” readings via a separate device (e.g. laptop or phone), ensuring that data collection remains non-intrusive and does not distort actual energy usage.
• Aim for microsecond-level sampling frequency and microvolt/microamp measurement resolution, though the challenge holder is open to discussion on what is practically achievable.
• Include onboard data logging capabilities, with simple CSV file storage and access via USB drive-style interface or API.
• Allow configuration of data logging parameters, such as start/stop times and local storage activation through a simple web-based interface or mobile app.
• Be designed to avoid any safety implications or performance degradation during installation or operation.

The solution must operate safely and reliably within a standard office or laboratory computing environment. It must not interfere with the normal function, performance, or safety of the server or workstation it is installed within, including during extended operational periods.

Specifically, the solution should:

• Function within ambient temperatures typically ranging from 10°C to 40°C.
• Operate effectively under standard indoor humidity levels found in office or lab settings.
• Pose no interference to existing airflow, component cooling, or electromagnetic stability.
• Be mechanically secure, ensuring no risk of dislodgement or obstruction of other components during system use, transport, or maintenance.
• Require no specialist maintenance that could impact the operational uptime of the machine.
• Be compatible with routine handling, including installation by IT technicians and use within racks or desktop tower environments.

The solution must not introduce any health, safety, or compliance risks, and should be designed to integrate with systems that may be in daily use for extended periods without supervision.

The solution must/should not:

• Rely on niche, highly specialised, or hard-to-source components that may hinder rapid development or future mass production.
• Require significant alterations to the internal architecture of the server or workstation. Solutions should remain as non-intrusive as possible, ideally preserving original casing and internal layout.
• Disrupt or interfere with the normal operating functionality or safety systems of the machines being monitored.
• Be below Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 unless the solution has a clear and feasible development pathway to reach TRL 6 within 12 months.

The solution should be cost-effective and demonstrate clear value relative to its functionality and scalability. While precision and reliability are important, affordability for potential mass-market adoption is a key consideration.

We are particularly interested in solutions that:

• Aim for a unit cost in the region of £50 – £150, comparable to general purpose computer components.
• Avoid the high price point of £1,500 – £2,000 typically associated with bench-top digital multi-metres.
• Could benefit from cost reductions through component choice, simplified design, or scaled manufacturing.

We are open to engaging with early-stage (lower TRL) technologies if there is a realistic path to reduce production costs over time. A mid-range cost target at pilot phase is acceptable if there is a credible route to commercial feasibility.

Successful applicants will be given an opportunity to pitch to Digital Tactics. Selected solutions will be trialled by Digital Tactics with potential for further adoption if trials are successful.

The solution has potential to be deployed across multiple GreenCode partner experiments internationally and to end users of GreenCode based solutions as well as to market generally to meet the needs for accurate energy consumption reporting in IT systems.

The benefits package for a successful applicant may also include:

• Support from Innovate UK Business Connect
• Support in the development of a prototype or pilot
• Technical support
• Invitation to attend or present at Innovate UK Business Connect events
• A potential business collaboration
• Investor introductions (if investment is required)
• Support if any Innovate or similar competitions are relevant.

• Launch of the Competition: 24 June 2025
• Deadline for applications: 5 August 2025
• Selection and notification of finalists: 12 September 2025
• Date of Pitch Day: w/c 22 September 2025

Entrants to this competition must be:

• Established businesses, academic institutions, start-ups (5 years), SMEs, or individual entrepreneurs.
• UK based or have the intention to set up a UK base.

Applications will be assessed on:

• Relevance to the defined challenge
• Benefit of implementation
• Feasibility/economic viability
• Innovative nature
• Ability to launch in line with expected timescales
• Credibility of applicant company
• Coherence of the proposed business model
• Development potential
• Maturity of the solution
• Suitability for the intended geographic market

Existing background IP associated with a potential solution will remain with Solution Provider(s). Where any new IP generation is envisaged, it will be subject to the mutual IP agreement of the Solution Provider(s) and Challenge Holder.

Any commercial deployment of a transferred solution or newly developed solution, through licensing, joint venture, partnership, or direct investment, will be subject to the commercial agreement between the Solution Provider(s) and Challenge Holder.

Where necessary, a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) may be signed to uphold confidentiality in the engagement between the Solution Provider(s) and Challenge Holder. (This would be expected to be after company selection, it is suggested that details of IP be not disclosed, focus on the outcomes of the technology proposed).

Innovate UK and Innovate UK Business Connect do not take any share of IP ownership or enter commercial ventures through the iX programme.

A selected panel of assessors will review and score your application. The panel of assessors will meet and agree a consensus score. Successful solutions will be selected by the Challenge Holder. Success will be based upon total consensus scores, a portfolio approach and capacity within the Challenge Holder to carry out the projects.

The application form for this challenge will require applicants to provide company information and answer 3 questions – Idea Summary, Technology Readiness and Intellectual Property – each with a limit of 300 words.

Optionally, supporting documents can be attached to the application. We recommend that supporting documents are limited to those which are directly relevant to the application. Please note that applications with no supporting document will not receive any penalty in assessment. Supporting documents which the Assessment Panel deems to be superfluous may be disregarded. Examples of useful additional documents include product images or short specification sheets, slide decks detailing the solution and/or company background, or solution case studies.

We recommend that you complete the application form in Google Chrome as other browsers may have compatibility issues. The application form does not need to be completed in one session and can be saved for future edits. Please ensure that you toggle “Stage Complete” for each section before submission. Note that you will no longer be able to edit your application once you have clicked “Submit Idea” at the bottom of the Summary page.