As representatives gather “In Solidarity for a Green World” at COP29 in Azerbaijan, we consider a few of the remarkable startups and spinouts from the University of Edinburgh working closer to home.
Our Enterprise Services team supports University staff and students develop their ideas from concept to real-world impact, and ensures that the commercial potential of new ideas, research and inventions can be fully realised. Old College Capital, our venture investment fund supports many of the exciting ideas emerging from the University.
CGEN Engineering creates advanced, modular generators that are designed to be more efficient, reliable, and adaptable than traditional options. These generators are particularly useful for renewable energy projects, like wind, wave, and tidal power, where conditions can be tough and maintenance costs high. By focusing on a design that’s easy to scale, install, and maintain, CGEN’s technology helps energy companies reduce costs, increase energy production, and support the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. The company spun out of the University’s School of Engineering in 2024.
Exergy3's modular energy storage system takes excess renewable energy from the National Grid and stores it at temperatures of up to 1200°C with minimal energy losses. High-temperature industrial processes account for around half of global greenhouse gas emissions. The team say their technology could replace up to 100% of the fossil fuels currently used in these processes. The ability to store energy at high temperatures in an efficient, cost-effective way could be a game-changer in the journey to net zero emissions. Exergy3’s technology was invented by Dr Adam Robinson of the University’s School of Engineering and the company spun out in May 2023.
MiAlgae applies leading advances in science and technology to improve food security and reduce the impact of humanity on the planet. It aims to cut reliance on wild-caught fish as a source of Omega-3 by harnessing the potential of microalgae as a sustainable and rich alternative source. Omega-3 oils are essential for human health. Fish provide the main dietary source but approximately 90% of world stocks are overexploited or fully deleted and therefore cannot act as a sustainable source. The award-winning company was founded by Douglas Martin, an alumnus of the School of Biological Sciences.
Mocean Energy is committed to designing and delivering wave energy converters to provide ocean equipment and the grid with clean, carbon-free, renewable energy. The wave energy pioneer has already secured more than £5 million in funding support from the Scottish and UK governments and the EU. The startup was co-founded by University of Edinburgh PhD graduates Cameron McNatt and Chris Retzler, and was supported by Edinburgh Innovations when McNatt was studying for his PhD in Energy Systems, in the School of Engineering.
E.V.A. Biosystems is developing synthetic biology approaches to help tackle plastic pollution by producing bioplastics that selectively degrade in response to programmable environmental stimuli. This will produce packaging that harnesses the benefits of classic plastic manufacturing while improving the sustainability of the industry and the end-of-life outcomes for plastic products. The startup was co-founded in 2021 by Dr Alexander Speakman, a PhD graduate of the Institute of Bioengineering. In October 2024 E.V.A. Biosystems won the top prize in the SSE-sponsored Net Zero category at the Converge Awards. The startup also scooped the prestigious IBioIC Award and £20,000 for the University.
SeaSat uses satellite images to monitor ocean health. These images are a measure for ocean environmental vulnerability, assessing biological productivity, as well as ecosystem development and how much carbon can be sequestered in habitats. Crucially, they can predict how these indicators will respond to increases in temperature from global warming. The startup was founded by Solomon White, a Postgraduate student at the School of Engineering. The startup secured the top prize in the Converge Awards' KickStart category.
