Food & drink innovation case study: Albotherm

Revolutionising energy efficiency with smart material technology

Albotherm is at the forefront of innovation in advanced materials, agritech, and construction. The company has developed a ground-breaking material technology that passively cools buildings and greenhouses by increasing its opacity with temperature. This unique capability reflects heat in hot weather without requiring any energy input, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional cooling systems.

This revolutionary technology has significantly boosted company outputs, increasing crop productivity by up to 34%. Albotherm also predicts that their products could reduce carbon emissions from air conditioning by 10%, potentially saving up to 3,800 tonnes of CO2 annually in the UK alone.

Key achievements

Albotherm has made significant strides in the development and commercialisation of its innovative materials technology. The company's key achievements reflect its dedication to advancing sustainable solutions and its ability to secure the necessary resources for growth.

Advancement to TRL5

Albotherm has successfully advanced its product to Technology Readiness Level 5 (TRL5), a critical milestone that demonstrates the viability of its technology through rigorous proof-of-concept trials. Reaching TRL5 indicates that the company’s material technology is not only feasible but also ready for further development and scaling.

Successful funding

Albotherm has attracted significant investment to support its growth. The company has raised approximately £1.36 million in total, showcasing investor confidence in its technology and business model. Additionally, Albotherm has secured over £1 million in grant funding, which has played a crucial role in accelerating its research and development efforts.

Completion of £1.2 million seed round

In 2023, Albotherm successfully closed a £1.2 million seed round, a pivotal achievement that provided the financial backing needed to expand its operations. This infusion of capital enabled Albotherm to grow its team from 3 to 8 permanent employees, significantly enhancing its operational capacity and positioning the company for future growth.

Scaling production for market launch

With its technology validated and team expanded, Albotherm is now scaling production to commercial levels, preparing for a market launch focused on the greenhouse industry. These efforts highlight the company's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth, positioning it to significantly reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency across multiple sectors.

Image credit: Albotherm

Future plans

Albotherm is driven by a bold vision: to eliminate carbon emissions from some of the world’s most polluting sectors through its cutting-edge material technology. As the company prepares to launch its first product, it is setting the stage for a broader impact on global sustainability.

Launch of first product in the greenhouse industry: targeting the greenhouse industry to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions by passively cooling them in hot weather.
Expansion into the built environment: using its material technology to significantly reduce the reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning systems in buildings. By reflecting heat and cooling buildings passively, Albotherm's technology could play a crucial role in lowering energy consumption and carbon emissions in urban areas, addressing one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases.
Creating sustainable solutions across multiple sectors: developing sustainable solutions that can be implemented in various sectors, including construction, agriculture, and beyond. By continuously innovating and adapting its materials, Albotherm will provide versatile solutions that contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

Support in the region

Albotherm selected the West of England due to its thriving scientific ecosystem, which is supported by world-class universities and dynamic start-up incubation spaces that encourage innovation. The strong academic and entrepreneurial community in the area offers invaluable resources and collaboration opportunities, fuelling the company’s growth. Additionally, Bristol’s high quality of life makes it an attractive destination for top talent, a key factor for Albotherm as it continues to expand its team.

Bristol's unique combination of innovation, talent, and liveability ultimately made it the perfect choice for the company's headquarters.

Invest Bristol & Bath (IBB) played a key role in connecting Albotherm with the local AgriTech cluster. Through IBB's AgriTech Campaign Lead, Albotherm was introduced to the South West AgriTech network, which led to their attendance at the South West Agritech Showcase in April 2023. This event provided Albotherm with the opportunity to network and highlight their capabilities to a wide range of key businesses, stakeholders, and academic institutions.