Innovative solutions for a regenerative future

The Regen Innovation Catalyst is a pilot project that aims to accelerate positive impact on the climate and environmental crisis through innovation. It is supporting the development and de-risking of selected research-based solutions that have potential for impact at scale in the market, through a new Proof-of-Concept Fund.

CGEN Engineering is a University of Edinburgh spinout developing next-generation modular permanent-magnet generator systems for renewable energy. Its innovative generator design reduces lifecycle costs, simplifies maintenance and enables scalable deployment across wind, wave and tidal energy. By embedding modularity and durability at the heart of its engineering, CGEN’s technology provides life extension for ageing wind turbines and improves maintainability for emerging sectors such as floating wind and marine energy. This approach supports a more resilient and sustainable clean energy future.

CGEN secured early investment from Old College Capital (OCC), the University of Edinburgh’s in-house investment fund, from their Launch initiative. In 2026, they will open an investment round to support field trials and the next stage of technology deployment.

Exergy3 , a spinout from the School of Engineering, has developed a technology designed to replace up to 100% of the fossil fuels used in high-temperature industrial processes. These processes (used in a broad range of industries, including food, drink, materials, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals) are responsible for around half of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide and are notoriously difficult to decarbonise. Exergy3’s modular thermal energy storage captures excess renewable electricity from the National Grid and stores it as heat at temperatures of up to 1,200°C with minimal energy losses. The stored heat can then be released when required to provide a clean and reliable source of high-temperature energy for industrial applications.

At the point of spinout, Exergy3 was a recipient of investment from Old College Capital (OCC), the University of Edinburgh’s in-house venture fund, as part of their Launch initiative. OCC has continued to support and invest in the company as they have completed their demonstrator unit at Annandale Distillery and they scale and expand in Europe.

MiAlgae recycles the by-products from food and drink production to grow Omega 3-rich microalgae for use in animal and aquaculture feeds. This sustainable source of Omega 3 will help eliminate reliance on wild-caught fish as the prime source. MiAlgae’s process essentially cuts out the intermediary, leaving the fish in the ocean, which is good news given that 90% of the world's stock of fish are overexploited or fully depleted. MiAlgae has received support and funding from Edinburgh Innovations and are now building a new production facility in Grangemouth to meet the rapidly rising demand for clean, sustainable, functional ingredients.

Rhizocore Technologies produces locally-adapted mycorrhizal fungi to enhance tree planting success. By working with native fungi, they offer a sustainable solution to accelerate woodland regeneration, improve forest productivity, and increase natural capital benefits.

Robocean provides seagrass restoration services using subsea robotics to help fight climate change. The University of Edinburgh student startup's technology enables bespoke seagrass restoration projects anywhere in the world. Seagrass meadows provide essential biodiversity and are capable of absorbing carbon dioxide 35 times faster than tropical rainforests.

The growing global population need increased protein production with less environmental impact. Roslin Technologies applies innovative biotechnologies to develop superior cells for the production of cultivated meat – real meat grown directly from animal cells, without the need to raise animals. 

Spun out from the University of Edinburgh’s School of GeoSciences, SeaWarm offers low-carbon alternatives to ground- and air-source heat pumps that provide reliable, affordable heating for homes, businesses and community sites adjacent to natural water sources. Their project with the Museum of Lead Mining is a great example of regenerative sustainability in action - using mine water discharge as a sustainable and renewable heat source. This reduces the carbon footprint of the museum’s heating by >70%, in addition to converting a negative environmental impact into a positive environmental and sustainable resource.

Seawarm recently closed a £550k preseed round, which included £50k from Old College Capital (OCC), the University of Edinburgh’s in-house venture investment fund. This was from OCC Launch, which invests in pre-seed companies associated with the University of Edinburgh to help founders explore, experiment and build traction.