Swindon & Wiltshire News
Albotherm receives £500K Innovate UK grant to advance cutting-edge greenhouse technology
Bristol-based AgriTech startup Albotherm has been awarded a £500,000 grant from Innovate UK to advance its cutting-edge greenhouse technology.
The latest project will focus on adapting Albotherm’s temperature-responsive additive technology to be embedded within plastic films for polytunnel applications.
Polytunnels are seen as a solution to the growing global demand for food. The world faces the challenge of needing to increase food production by 50 per cent by 2050, even as arable land has decreased by 30 per cent over the last four decades.
The University of Bristol spin-out’s temperature-sensitive additive transitions from transparent to reflective white when heated, providing essential protection for crops by reducing heat inside greenhouses which can otherwise overheat and perish in hot weather.
On cooler days, it automatically returns to transparent without the need for electrical input, allowing maximum light availability.
Their technology has previously demonstrated up to 34 per cent increase in crop yields compared to traditional shading methods, and they have successfully concluded trials at two major UK commercial glasshouse farms this summer.
Molly Allington, CEO of Albotherm, said: “With a considerable portion of the world’s horticultural crops being grown under plastic, we aim to leverage this funding opportunity to expand our market reach across the globe, in particular into the Asia-Pacific region as the fastest growing market for agritech solutions.
“By tackling these new markets, we will not only enhance our product offerings but also position ourselves as a key player in the global agricultural sector, addressing the growing demand for efficient and sustainable farming solutions.”
Albotherm won a £500,000 grant from Innovate UK in 2023 to test its innovation with industry partners.
Pictured: Dr Sian Fussell, CTO and Molly Allington, CEO
