Category: Hardware

• Somerset green energy tech business Gridimp has secured £250,000 debt funding from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund through FSE Group.
• The company provides energy technology that helps businesses improve sustainability and efficiency by joining flexible energy markets.
• Gridimp’s solutions enable real-time energy usage monitoring and utilize AI to assist customers in lowering their carbon footprint and costs.
• The funding will support Gridimp’s growth, allowing for more staff hiring and relocation to a better-suited office space.

• Wave energy funding of $112.5 million has been announced by the Department of Energy to develop new wave energy technologies for generating power from ocean waves.
• The funding aims to reduce deployment risks and enhance commercial adoption through longer-duration demonstrations of wave energy technology.
• Expanding renewable energy sources like wave energy can diversify the U.S. energy supply and reduce reliance on imported fuels, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

• A Queensland company, Elexsys Energy, known for its two-way smart grid technology, has been placed in liquidation after facing financial difficulties and an application from the Australian Taxation Office.
• The company, which operated as Planet Ark Power in Australia, aimed to transform traditional one-way power grids into renewable-powered smart grids without significant infrastructure costs.
• Elexsys was recognized for its role in Australia’s largest commercial solar and battery microgrid at Ikea Adelaide, which launched in May 2023, supplying a substantial portion of the store’s energy needs.

• Apheros cooling technology has secured $1.85 million in pre-seed funding to develop innovative metal foam solutions for cooling data centers.
• Founded in August 2023 by Dr. Julia Carpenter and Dr. Gaëlle Andreatta, the startup aims to tackle energy consumption challenges in data centers and high-performance computing.
• The patented metal foam technology offers a cost-effective, energy-efficient alternative to traditional cooling methods, enhancing heat transfer and fluid transport.

• Zayo funding expansion includes a $27.8 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act to enhance middle-mile infrastructure in Dallas County.
• The initiative aims to provide high-speed internet access to approximately 24,000 households currently lacking connectivity.
• Over 60 miles of middle-mile network infrastructure will be constructed and upgraded across 10 priority zip codes identified through a needs assessment.
• Zayo is partnering with Compudopt to distribute 300 laptops and provide tech support to under-resourced youth in Dallas County.

• Shanghai chip fund, the Shanghai Semiconductor Industry Investment Fund (SSIIF), has doubled its size to approximately US$2 billion following a new funding round aimed at enhancing self-reliance in the semiconductor sector.
• The SSIIF raised 6.9 billion yuan (US$963 million) from mainly state-backed investors, increasing its total capital to 14.5 billion yuan.
• This capital boost is intended to finance projects essential for China’s self-sufficiency in semiconductors, reflecting Shanghai’s commitment to advancing chip technology.

• Apheros has raised $1.85 million in funding for data centre cooling technology, focusing on thermal management solutions to reduce energy consumption in data centres.
• The start-up’s metal foam technology aims to optimize heat dissipation and fluid flow, addressing the projected 6% of global energy consumption that will be used for cooling by 2030.
• Founded in August 2023 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich, Apheros is led by co-founders Julia Carpenter and Gaëlle Andreatta, who bring valuable experience in innovation and technology transfer.

• Fast charging funding of $12m has been raised by Gaussion, a UCL spinout focused on developing fast charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs).
• The funding round was led by Autotech Ventures and supported by existing investors BGF and UCL Technology Fund.
• Gaussion’s technology enhances battery performance using an external magnetic field, improving charging speed and reducing cell degradation.
• The company aims to complement existing battery technologies, enabling market entry and potential licensing for various applications.

• UCL battery charging technology developed by Gaussion, a spinout from University College London, has secured $12m in a Series A funding round.
• Founded by Dr. Tom Heenan and Dr. Chun Tan, the startup aims to tackle the slow charging speeds that hinder the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
• Gaussion’s technology promises to allow EV drivers to gain a week’s charge (200 miles) in under 10 minutes, while maintaining battery lifespan after 1,000 charges.

• Hohm Energy Funding has encountered financial difficulties despite raising $8 million in February, leading to a halt in operations and entry into business rescue.
• The company is undergoing a three-month business rescue process to assess its financial situation and gather creditors for future guidance.
• CEO Franc Gray indicated that Hohm is currently not trading, following unilateral decisions made by the managing director, Ryan Steytler, after the resignation of the previous leader.

• Supercomputer funding cut affects £1.3bn in technology and AI projects, including an exascale supercomputer at Edinburgh University.
• The Labour government has halted funding pledged by the previous Conservative administration, citing “unfunded commitments.”
• Edinburgh University has already invested £31m in supercomputer infrastructure, with hopes to tackle climate science, AI, and medicine.
• Labour’s cuts may impact university research funding, raising concerns about the future of the UK tech sector.

• US DOE announces $48.6m funding for offshore wind R&D
• Funding opportunity includes research on floating platforms, wildlife protection, and supply chain expansion
• Deadline for concept papers is 3 September and for full applications is 7 November 2024
• US set to miss 2030 offshore wind capacity target, with shortfall expected to be mitigated by 2035
• States forecasted to award procurement contracts for additional offshore wind projects in 2024

US DOE Announces $48.6m Funding for Offshore Wind R&D

In a bid to boost the development of offshore wind projects in the United States, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled a significant funding opportunity. Read more

• Electric cement company, Cambridge Electric Cement (CEC), secures $2.9 million in seed funding to scale up its co-recycling process for concrete.
• CEC’s innovative process involves grinding up old concrete to extract sand, stone, and cement for reuse, reducing air pollution from cement and steelmaking industries.
• The company’s method replaces lime with recycled cement paste in steelmaking, contributing to a more sustainable production process.

• Fractile secures $15M funding for AI inference hardware
• Current AI chips constrain AI performance, hindering cost and speed
• Fractile aims to revolutionize AI inference hardware by using novel circuits and in-memory compute
• Fractile targets 100x faster and 10x cheaper AI model inference
• Funding from Kindred Capital, NATO Innovation Fund, and others to support Fractile’s growth and product development

Fractile’s Innovative Approach to AI Inference Hardware

Fractile, a UK-based AI chip company founded by the young and visionary artificial intelligence PhD, Walter Goodwin, has recently made waves in the tech industry by securing $15 million in Seed funding. Read more

• EV battery innovator Addionics secures USD 39 million in series B funding led by GM Ventures
• Addionics develops porous, three-dimensional copper and aluminium electrodes for EV batteries
• Technology promises faster charging, 30% increased range, and cost savings of up to $7.50 per kilowatt-hour
• Company plans to establish a $400 million factory in the US by 2027 for mass production
• Addionics in discussions with major automakers worldwide for collaboration and testing opportunities

Revolutionizing EV Battery Technology: Addionics Secures USD 39 Million in Series B Funding

In a significant development for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Israeli startup Addionics has successfully raised USD 39 million in a Series B funding round. Read more

• Unimech Aerospace secures Rs 250 crore funding led by Steadview Capital and others
• FM announces Budget 2024 with tax tweaks and job initiatives
• New income tax slabs introduced in the latest regime
• Sebi study highlights why retail investors continue trading despite losses
• IndiGo’s potential for repeating record profits depends on various factors

Unimech Aerospace Funding: A Closer Look at the Rs 250 Crore Investment

In the fast-paced world of aerospace technology, securing funding is crucial for companies looking to innovate and expand. Read more

• Black Semiconductor secures funding for new semiconductor technology in Europe, with significant investments from the German federal government, State of North-Rhine-Westphalia, Porsche Ventures, and others
• New generation of chip networks by Black Semiconductor aims to enhance computing power and efficiency, breaking connectivity barriers
• Funding enables Black Semiconductor to lead in semiconductor mass production using graphene, boosting Europe’s technological sovereignty
• Graphene Flagship initiative, funded by the European Commission’s Horizon Europe program, focuses on advancing graphene and 2D materials technologies
• Meta-market analysis predicts composites, batteries, and electronics as key areas to drive the graphene market towards mass production

Black Semiconductor Secures Funding for Semiconductor Technology Launch in Europe

Black Semiconductor, a technology company specializing in graphene-based chips, has recently garnered immense support from both public and private sectors to fuel the launch of their cutting-edge semiconductor technology in Europe. Read more

• Ten teams awarded funding for Lunar Water Purification Technologies
• Aqualunar Challenge part of £1.2 million prize funded by UK Space Agency
• Lunar ice extraction crucial for sustainable human presence on the Moon
• Technologies must be low maintenance and reliable for long-term use
• Finalists to showcase innovations at Farnborough Air Show

Ten Cutting-Edge Teams Awarded Funding for Lunar Water Purification

In a groundbreaking initiative to secure reliable water supplies for a permanent crewed base on the moon, ten innovative teams have been selected as finalists in the Aqualunar Challenge. Read more

• South Mountain Creamery receives $505,744 Animal Waste Technology Grant from Maryland Department of Agriculture
• Grant aims to enhance manure management for 500 dairy cows, promote clean energy sources
• Projects include equipping manure lagoon with cover and flare system, installing advanced manure separation system
• Additional funding from Conservation Innovation Fund and Nutrient Control Systems for treatment of separated solids
• Grant supports innovative technologies for managing animal manure, generating revenue, and reducing environmental impact

South Mountain Creamery Secures State Funding for Innovative Animal Waste Technology

South Mountain Creamery, a prominent dairy farm in Frederick County, has recently been awarded a substantial grant of $505,744 by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Read more

• Aircraft robot firm True Position Robotics secures £1 million investment from Midlands Engine Investment Fund II
• True Position Robotics aims to automate aircraft manufacturing processes using low-cost industrial robots
• Technology enables faster aircraft assembly, reduced material usage, and improved fuel efficiency
• Investment to support scaling up operations and developing next-generation products
• Fund manager Mercia Ventures facilitates investment to help True Position Robotics revolutionize aircraft manufacturing industry

Aircraft Robot Firm Secures £1m Investment from Midlands Engine Investment Fund II

In a significant development for the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, a robotics specialist company, True Position Robotics (TPR), has successfully secured a £1 million equity investment. Read more

• Space industry funding of nearly £11 million boosts Scottish projects
• Two Scottish projects receive £8.5 million for suborbital rocket test and weather forecasting technology
• Three “Kick Starter” projects in Scotland receive £2.4 million for early-stage technology development
• Funding aims to support growth, create jobs, and enhance Scotland’s space capabilities
• UK Space Agency and Scottish government officials highlight the importance of funding for innovation and industry growth

Scottish Space Industry Receives £10.9 Million Boost in Funding

In a significant development for the Scottish space industry, the UK Space Agency has announced a substantial funding injection of nearly £11 million for five pioneering projects. Read more

• Eight space tech projects, including a sub-orbital rocket and a heat-detecting telescope, secure £24m in funding from the UK Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme
• Value of projects rises to £33m with private sector commitments, aiming to support high-potential space technologies and drive growth across the UK
• HyImpulse to conduct sub-orbital rocket test at SaxaVord Spaceport, Rolls Royce Derby developing microreactors for space missions, and SuperSharp launching a heat-detecting telescope
• Funding also supports projects for satellite docking technology, satellite refuelling, electronic propulsion system development, weather forecasting data supply, and ground equipment for satellite connectivity to mobile networks
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• NSW launches $500,000 in grants for space sector
• Grants program offers between $250,000 to $500,000 per grant
• Emphasis on collaboration and strategic partnerships for grant applications
• Administered by Adelaide-based SmartSat CRC
• Deadline for proposal submissions is August 30, 2024

NSW Launches $500,000 in Grants for the Space Sector

The space industry is an exciting and rapidly growing sector that offers immense opportunities for innovation and economic growth. Read more

• BlueGreen Water Technologies secures Series B funding in double-digit millions led by TAU Capital to advance water-based CO2 removal at scale
• Funding will accelerate market penetration for rehabilitating aquatic ecosystems and developing marine-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology
• BlueGreen successfully issues 13,000 tonnes of CO2e and pre-sells Net Blue™ carbon credits at $100 each in the voluntary carbon market
• TAU Capital Group and OurCrowd support BlueGreen’s mission to provide safe water and reduce harmful emissions through innovative technology
• BlueGreen, founded in 2014, focuses on restoring water bodies globally to combat climate change, improve water quality, and support biodiversity

BlueGreen Water Technologies Raises Millions In Series B Funding To Accelerate Water-Based CO2 Removal At Scale

BlueGreen Water Technologies (BlueGreen) has recently made headlines with the successful closing of its Series B2 funding round, securing a significant investment in the double-digit millions. Read more

• $33 million funding available for smart manufacturing technologies to accelerate clean energy economy
• Smart manufacturing enhances technical performance, productivity, quality assurance, and security in manufacturing sector
• Funding opportunity aims to develop innovative technologies and materials for clean energy transition
• Topics include circular supply chains, sustainable transportation, high-performance materials, and domestic mining
• Applicants must submit concept paper by Aug. 21, 2024, for eligibility

Exploring the $33 Million Funding Opportunity for Smart Manufacturing Technologies

In the realm of advancing smart manufacturing technologies to propel a clean energy economy, the U.S. Read more

• Xora Innovation of Temasek leads $55M Series A funding round in US battery maker Peak Energy
• Funding to launch full-scale production of sodium-ion battery technology
• Participation from existing investor Eclipse, TDK Ventures, and new investors Lachy Groom, Tishman Speyer, TechEnergy Ventures, Doral Energy-Tech Ventures, DETV-Scania Invest
• Peak Energy aims to break ground on building a giga-scale sodium-ion battery factory in 2027
• Sodium-ion technology offers advantages over lithium-ion, Peak Energy positioned as a leader in the market

Introduction

In a significant move in the clean energy sector, Temasek’s Xora Innovation has taken the lead in a $55 million Series A funding round for US battery maker Peak Energy. Read more

• Quinas Technology’s UltraRAM memory technology offers 10 million rewrite cycles and 1,000 years of data retention, receiving £1.1 million in funding for mass production
• UltraRAM, developed by experts from UK universities, combines DRAM and NAND standards for enhanced performance
• The technology traps electrons within layers to control electron flow, leading to higher write cycles and data retention values
• Innovate UK is supporting the project to scale up UltraRAM wafers and move from testing to mass production
• UltraRAM presents significant economic opportunities and potential energy savings, with plans to advance production processes for wider adoption

Understanding UltraRAM Data Retention Technology

In the realm of cutting-edge memory technology, Quinas Technology’s groundbreaking invention, known as UltraRAM, is revolutionizing the data storage landscape. Read more

• Mantle secures $20M in Series C funding for metal 3D printing tech expansion
• Funding boosts total to over $61.5M, supporting Trueshape technology for toolmakers
• Schooner Capital leads funding round, joined by existing investors
• Mantle’s technology addresses global tooling industry challenges, labor shortages, and reshoring initiatives
• Companies like Heyco Products and General Pattern benefit from Mantle’s technology for faster product development and cost savings

Mantle Secures $20M Funding for Metal 3D Printing Tech Expansion

In the realm of advanced manufacturing, the buzz around metal 3D printing continues to grow louder. Read more

• Naked Energy secures £17m funding boost for renewable heat vision
• UK-based Naked Energy secures £17m in new equity for global expansion
• Funding led by E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions and Barclays
• Naked Energy’s solar system generates power and heat, reducing CO2 emissions
• Investment to support ‘heat-as-a-service’ model for renewable heat deployment

Naked Energy Secures £17m Funding Boost for Renewable Heat Vision

In the realm of renewable energy, Naked Energy, a UK-based solar heat and power technology firm, has recently made waves by securing a substantial £17 million in new equity funding. Read more

• Mass. Economic Development Sec. Hao announces $10 million in clean tech grants in Holyoke, supporting innovation and sustainable manufacturing
• Governor Maura Healey’s administration awards $10.2 million to 13 companies and universities through the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2)
• Grantees include CapyBara Energy, SolaBlock, and University of Massachusetts Amherst for various clean tech projects
• Clean Crop Technologies in Holyoke receives the largest grant to develop alternative seed treatment using cold plasma technology
• The grants aim to support companies in scaling up innovative technologies, creating jobs, and fostering manufacturing advancements in Massachusetts

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