Bristol spin-out’s smart coatings tune out the heat

Albotherm’s ‘advanced polymer’ technology is designed to coat glass, reacting to the external temperature and automatically adjusting to reduce or increase solar gain. The coatings can reversibly transition from transparent to white, allowing buildings and greenhouses to regulate their own temperature passively. According to the company, the coatings are tuneable to transition temperatures between 18°C and 45°C.

Air conditioning contributes around 20 per cent of electricity usage from buildings and roughly 10 per cent of total global electricity usage. Being able to passively regulate temperature without electricity is therefore an enticing prospect and a significant business opportunity. When it comes to agriculture, Alboterm said its technology has the potential to enhance food productivity in commercial greenhouses by up to 34 per cent, opening another big commercial avenue for the company to pursue. The start-up has recently secured a £1.6m investment to expand its operations.

“We are delighted to have secured this investment,” said Molly Allington, Albotherm CEO. “Albotherm empowers farmers to create optimal growing conditions for crops, resulting in improved yields and increased profitability, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient food system.”

The company’s technology is based on PhD research into temperature-responsive materials carried out by Dr Sian Fussell from Bristol University. Now CTO of Albotherm, Dr Fussell believes the company’s sustainability mission and commercial potential has been an attractive mix for investors.   

“As a female founder in the sustainable technology sector, I am inspired by the growing recognition and support for diverse voices and perspectives,” she said. “Our dedication to sustainability has resonated with investors, and this funding will enable us to further refine and scale our temperature-responsive materials.”