Pirta’s cool solutions tackling climate change with Innovate UK support

Pirta’s mission is to transform the cooling industry with sustainable solutions that reduce energy consumption. The company’s flagship solar cooling paint has been validated by Leeds University and field-tested in India and the UK. These successful trials have unlocked commercial potential and led to a strategic partnership with Apater Labs, a US-based venture accelerator. This partnership was fostered with the support of Innovate UK through Research & Technology Organisation (RTO) funding and coaching.

Bespoke support for strategic growth

Pirta started working with Innovate UK in 2022 to fast-track its journey from innovation to commercialisation. The support began with a comprehensive needs assessment to identify the most productive pathways for growth. Innovate UK Business Growth’s bespoke service provided Pirta with coaching and mentoring to enhance innovation management and secure investment.

“The support we have had from Innovation and Growth Specialists Chantelle Brandon Reeves and Kevin Hallas, has been invaluable. They have supported, guided and mentored us since the inception of the company through Innovate UK Business Growth,” says Robert Atkin, Founder and Director of R&D at Pirta.

A key milestone was conducting a feasibility study with the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), backed by £15,000 from Innovate UK Business Growth’s RTOs/Catapult grant for clients.  This study explored cost-effective processes crucial for Pirta’s expansion.

A recommendation to participate in Innovate UK’s Global Business Innovation Programmes (GBIPs) to Singapore and Denver further bolstered Pirta’s international ambitions. These programmes prepared the company for global opportunities, aiding its search for seed investment and facilitating discussions with potential US investors. Innovate UK Business Growth’s ongoing support continues to assist Pirta in accessing overseas markets.

The company also benefited from the British Standards Institute (BSI) Innovate UK Business Growth toolkit. Access to the toolkit helps SMEs demonstrate quality and best practice through the adoption of standards, instilling confidence in customers and investors. Companies who work with an Innovation and Growth Specialist receive access to over 111,000 British, European and international standards, along with live online training on the benefits, use of and participation in standards in key areas.

Accelerating market penetration

With its technology now proved by third parties on three continents and testing having substantiated its claims, Pirta has established manufacturing in the UK and the USA. Investments in new laboratory space and equipment have enhanced its in-house testing capabilities, leading to significant cost savings of £5,000 per month.

Under the leadership of Scott Fleming, the newly appointed CEO from Apater Labs, Pirta is driving global sales and marketing efforts. The company has expanded its team by adding a Lab Manager and Lab Assistant.

Pirta’s strategic partnerships, amongst others with provider of innovative weather protection solutions LNT, a company introduced by Innovate UK, along with extensive testing, have brought it to the soft launch stage. The company is carefully managing cash flow and supply chains, with plans to fully commercialise its product. Pirta is poised to revolutionise passive cooling solutions, contributing significantly to reducing global energy consumption.

Atkin notes, “The growth support, access to the British Standards Institute resources and making industry connections with organisations such as LNT stand out as being highlights of our support. Furthermore, we have been extremely impressed with the support we have had with the Singapore Net Zero GBIP.

“The chance to go and meet, pitch and network in that environment, and the opportunities that will bring, is something that adds so much value to our business.”

Transforming the future with sustainable technologies

Pirta’s innovations are set to make a substantial impact on productivity and growth within the UK and beyond. By offering sustainable solutions that reduce energy consumption, the company is not only addressing the climate crisis but also contributing to the UK economy and society more broadly. With additional technologies in the pipeline, Pirta’s scalable innovations promise to further enhance its position as a leader in the passive cooling industry.

[Furthermore], we have been extremely impressed with the support we have had with the Singapore Net Zero GBIP. The chance to go and meet, pitch and network in that environment and the opportunities that will bring is something that adds so much value to our business.

– Robert Atkin, Founder and Director of R&D at Pirta