Innovate UK helps shelter solution warm up for international expansion
Mat Zero Heat, a sustainability innovator based in Hexham, Northumberland, is addressing one of the most critical challenges faced by humanitarian efforts: providing safe and reliable heat to refugees and those living in makeshift shelters. The company’s three-part modular heating solution – comprising a heated mat, energy hub and solar panels – offers an innovative way to bring warmth to vulnerable populations. Innovate UK has played a pivotal role in helping Mat Zero develop this life-saving technology, providing crucial business growth support in preparation for commercialisation and internationalisation.
Mat Zero’s mission is to create affordable, sustainable heating that can be quickly deployed in any shelter. Its heated mat uses advanced carbon fibre technology, ensuring it can be safely used in disaster relief environments. Its solar-powered energy hub also provides an independent source of power, making the system versatile and suitable for off-grid locations. This modular solution can be adapted to meet a wide range of needs, offering a lifeline to people living in the most challenging conditions.
Sri Hollema, Founder of Mat Zero Heat, says: “We understand the urgent need for reliable heating solutions in humanitarian crises. Our innovative approach not only provides immediate warmth but also empowers communities to be more self-sufficient, helping them regain a sense of normality.”
Tailored strategic support fuels product development
Mat Zero began its journey with Innovate UK in August 2023 with strategic advisory support initiating with a bespoke action plan from Innovate UK Business Growth. With the guidance of Innovation and Growth Specialist, Peter Dale, the company received critical support to overcome its early challenges, particularly in securing the necessary expertise and funding for product development. Two key barriers stood in the way: the need for technical expertise to develop a working prototype and the funding required to advance the product’s design.
Innovate UK Business Growth’s RTO (Research and Technology Organisation)/Catapult grant enabled Mat Zero to test and examine the materials used in its mat production. This phase of research and development was essential to refining the product and, by January 2024, the company had successfully developed a working prototype.
In addition to the RTO funding, Innovate UK Business Growth pointed Mat Zero to Innovate UK’s ‘Design for Repairability’ competition and provided constructive criticism of its application. The £80,000 that it won was instrumental in further advancing the product’s design and functionality.
Sri notes: “The action plan developed by Peter was hugely important in helping us navigate the complexities of the UK funding landscape. Innovate UK’s support has been crucial in achieving these significant milestones that will ultimately enable us to make a difference.”
Preparing for internationalisation
Innovate UK Business Growth’s support extended beyond funding. By facilitating its application to Innovate UK ’s Global Explorers initiative, Mat Zero gained invaluable insights that helped the company refine its product for different environments. This programme enabled Sri to travel abroad, attending industry events and exploring potential sites for field trials.
These trials, set to take place in Nepal, are in collaboration with the Pahar Trust Nepal, a UK charity dedicated to improving standards of education, health and sanitation for isolated communities in the Himalayan region. This partnership will allow Mat Zero to test its innovative heating solution in real-world conditions, addressing the urgent needs of vulnerable populations.
Sri adds: “Innovate UK Business Growth has unlocked incredible opportunities for us, including the chance to explore global markets and connect with key partners. This has accelerated our progress, bringing us closer to commercialisation and internationalisation.”
Mat Zero’s journey with Innovate UK Business Growth has also opened doors to new UK partnerships, including with design specialists, E3 Design, a partner in the Design for Repairability project, who are playing a key role in the product’s ongoing development. These collaborations are helping Mat Zero refine its product and prepare for full-scale deployment.
Delivering positive outcomes and fostering future growth
While Mat Zero is still in the early stages of its journey, the company has already created one new job and formed valuable partnerships that will support its future growth. Following on from the pilots, Mat Zero will launch its product to market. Additionally, there are plans to expand the team in early 2025 on the back of a funding raise.
Sri concludes: “Innovate UK Business Growth has been a key support for me on our journey from product prototypes to product trials in Nepal this winter. They have unlocked incredible funding opportunities that have accelerated Mat Zero’s journey and turned the vision into reality.
“Specifically with global travel and technical expertise funding to develop our product and mission.”
With Innovate UK Business Growth’s continued guidance, Mat Zero is well-positioned to scale its operations and expand its reach. As the product undergoes trials and gains international attention, the company aims to help more communities in need of safe, sustainable heating, thereby strengthening the UK’s reputation as a global leader in innovation.
Innovate UK Business Growth has unlocked incredible opportunities for us, including the chance to explore global markets and connect with key partners. This has accelerated our progress, bringing us closer to commercialisation and internationalisation.
– Sri Hollema, Founder of Mat Zero Heat