Oxford Innovation Space have launched a new Property Technology (PropTech) Incubator to support start-up businesses that are developing technology for use in commercial and residential buildings, as part of their commitment to championing innovation and achieving Net Zero.
Oxford Innovation Space currently supports over 870 early-stage businesses through their network of 32 innovation centres across the UK & Ireland. Some of these businesses are developing solutions to environmental issues, such as reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency and minimising waste. The PropTech Incubator will provide businesses the opportunity to test their technology in one or more of Oxford Innovation Space's innovation centres. The initiative offers the chance to gather practical feedback and data in a real setting to help them evidence and further develop their concepts for commercial success.
Jo Stevens, Managing Director of Oxford Innovation Space, said: “The launch of our PropTech Incubator further builds upon our history of championing innovation and our commitment to environmental sustainability. Oxford Innovation was founded over 35 years ago by entrepreneurs to support entrepreneurs, so we are delighted to be able to use our network of centres to help SMEs trial new technologies that have the potential to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency in new and existing buildings.”
Following the necessary due diligence process, EcoSync and Infersens are the first two companies to take up the opportunity, trialing technologies in Oxford Innovation Space’s innovation centres.
Oxford-based EcoSync, have accessed investment from Oxford Innovation Finance’s EIS Growth Fund and Angel Investment Network (known as OION), has already installed smart valves monitoring room usage and temperatures for a trial period at the Oxford Centre for Innovation and the Mansfield Innovation Centre in Nottinghamshire. EcoSync’s dynamic energy management platform adapts temperature controls to changing room occupancy levels and has been designed to be deployed in commercial buildings (modern and historic) in order to reduce heating costs and carbon footprint by up to 50%.
Meanwhile Infersens, which has developed intelligent water sensors monitoring water flow and temperature to minimise waste and improve sustainability, has undertaken a trial installation of its devices at Heyford Park Innovation Centre near Bicester. The company’s first product Cortense, is a device for the reliable and compliant management of waterborne pathogens such as Legionella in the built environment.
The PropTech Incubator is part of Oxford Innovation Space’s own journey to become Net Zero, working closely with Positive Planet in order to understand and reduce their carbon footprint.
For more information please visit: https://www.oxfordinnovationspace.co.uk/