Cascade Technologies is a manufacturer of high-technology laser-based gas analysers. Energy Technology Partnership (ETP) approached Cascade to identify areas for collaboration. Cascade was already investigating emerging markets in hydrogen fuel and carbon capture. Yet, they lacked contacts in the field. The ETP made introductions to relevant academic experts and businesses. Key among these were the Energy Materials Group at the University of St Andrews. It became clear that the emerging hydrogen-fuels sector was an important opportunity. Cascade’s gas analysers are ideal for quality assurance at fuel-cell vehicle refuelling stations. The ETP identified an open funding call from Innovate UK. Together, Cascade and St Andrews set about building a project consortium. The consortium included the National Physical Laboratory, BOC, and ITM Power. The consortium went on to develop a new gas analyser product.
Collaboration with St Andrews has resulted in major benefits for this Scottish SME. They received a grant of £602k from Innovate-UK and are working with new customers in a new market.
Cascade Technologies and the University of St Andrews.
Benefits
The benefits of working with ScotCHEM included:
- Access to fuel-cell expertise.
- Introductions to industry connections.
- A new product.
- Grant funding; £602 000.
Funding
Cascade technologies and the University of St Andrews are grateful to the ETP and Innovate UK for funding.