These start-ups are powering the energy transition, from fossil fuels to renewables, so we can secure a sustainable future for our planet.
ADTechOptima, Lancaster University
A Lancaster University spin-out business, ADTechOptima, is set to tackle long standing problems holding back the biogas–bioenergy sector.
The company, formed by researchers from the Lancaster Environment Centre and Lancaster University’s School of Engineering, is focused on developing two groundbreaking anaerobic digestion technologies.
The AdTechOptima team
Anaerobic digesters convert organic waste, such as food waste and sewage, into biogas for electricity production. There are currently around 650 anaerobic digestion plants in the UK alone. However, many plants under-perform.
By addressing inefficiencies in anaerobic digestion, ADTechOptima’s innovations have the potential to create a significant impact on both energy productivity and waste management.
With growing concerns about climate change and the environmental toll of landfill waste, these new technologies, created at Lancaster University, could offer a cleaner, more sustainable solution for the future.
Our goal is to make a significant contribution to the production of clean, affordable energy while supporting the UK’s commitment to net zero, combating climate change and reducing the amount of organic waste going to landfill.
Dr Bhushan Gandhi
CEO, ADTechOptima
CEO Dr Bhushan Gandhi undertook his PhD as part of the RECIRCULATE project with Lancaster Professors Alastair Martin and Kirk Semple, who are also part of the team behind ADTechOptima.
Kinewell Energy, Newcastle University
Kinewell Energy offers innovative, cost-optimisation solutions for offshore wind to support the global transition to net-zero.
Dr Andrew Jenkins founded Kinewell Energy in 2015 to develop commercial offshore wind technologies. Initially supported by Newcastle University’s START UP team, they are now a world leader in Offshore Wind solutions and are recognised as Gamechangers by RenewableUK’s Global Offshore Wind Awards.
EvoPhase, University of Birmingham
EvoPhase uses an AI-driven ‘evolutionary design’ processes that mimic natural selection to break free of long-standing biases in design and generate novel 3D structures.
The team recently announced the world's first geographically tailored urban wind turbine designed by AI – which is up to seven times more efficient than existing designs in Birmingham’s wind speeds and urban environment.