Sep 21 2013
On 12 September 2013, the e-Luminate Foundation hosted an ‘Energy and Lighting Showcase’ at the Hauser Forum, Cambridge, in partnership with the Centre for Carbon Measurement at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).
NPL's Paul Miller (left) congratulates Paolo Bombelli and Fabienne Felder from Phyto-Power on their award.
Over 80 industry stakeholders, investors, academics and artists came together to learn more about innovative lighting and energy solutions. These technologies included LED lighting, plant photovoltaics and even a solar-powered racing car.
The evening event began with opening remarks from the founders of the e-Luminate Festival, Hugh Parnell and Alessandra Caggiano. This was followed by a networking session, where the delegates were able to browse the eight exhibitors' stands. Delegates were given interactive Blendology name badges, which enabled them to vote for their favourite technology company, as well as swap details with fellow attendees. Exhibitors included: Polysolar, Pulsar, Cambridge University Eco Racing (CUER), Envirolighting Ltd, Phyto-Power, PhytoLux and Green Running Ltd.
While the votes were being counted, the Centre for Carbon Measurement at NPL gave a talk on the new EU Environmental Technology Verification Pilot Programme (ETV). The three exhibitors with the most votes were then announced and invited to give five-minute 'elevator pitches' to the audience and potential investors.
Cambridge University Eco Racing (CUER) kicked off the pitches, explaining the history of CUER and the technology they will be using on a 3000 km five-day race through the Australian outback. Polysolar gave the audience an overview of their thin-film solar technology and some of the novel applications, including petrol station roofs and industrial greenhouses. The pitches were wrapped up by Phyto-Power, a University of Cambridge spin-out, which harnesses the natural power of photosynthesis to create electricity.
After deliberation from the judges (Paul Miller, NPL; Hugh Parnell, e-Luminate; Kevin Murphy, Low Carbon Innovation Fund), the winner was announced as Phyto-Power. The judges were impressed with the level of enthusiasm and innovation showed by the team, and saw the potential impact this work could have in the future.
As the winner of the Energy and Lighting Showcase, Phyto-Power will receive one day of an NPL scientist’s time to help develop and progress their technology. Look out for future updates on the project.