Enterprise Hub Network - Case History
Sittingbourne Enterprise Hub
Paul Walsh
Solarstar Technology
Company Background
Solarstar Technology was created in 2006 to commercialise a portfolio of renewable technologies developed by award-winning inventor Alexander Bushell. The portfolio includes solar-powered generators, wind and tidal turbines, water purification and filtration devices and innovative reactor technologies designed to generate power from nuclear waste materials.
With over 30 different technologies in the portfolio the challenge has been to focus efforts on a combination of fast-to-market quick-wins while, at the same time, developing long-term, high value projects.
Solarstar’s range of vertical axis wind turbines is due to be the first product launch in 2008. Unique in the marketplace, the Windstar 800w turbine can operate at extremely low wind speeds, is ultra-quiet and achieves high levels of efficiency by applying a novel gearing and dynamo array.
The Windstar turbine began its final test stages in summer 2008 and is expected to be launched initially in the UK into the embedded generation market, powering small, often remote, facilities and contributing power to the grid.
The first major long-term, high-value project is PermaStar, a novel reactor system which will use waste radioactive materials to generate electricity via photovoltaic panels. An application for a multi-million Euro research grant under the European Commission’s Framework Programme 7 (FP7) is under way. Partners from throughout the European Union will participate, with the research coordinated from Kent Science Park.
Work with the Enterprise Hub
Based at Kent Science Park, host to the largest Enterprise Hub in the UK, Solarstar has been working with Sittingbourne Enterprise Hub since 2006 to commercialise its technologies. The Hub has assisted the business in a number of ways, including:
- Provision of market information to assess size and value of the commercial opportunity
- Access to contact networks throughout the region, including introductions to key sources of finance and potential partners
- Regular mentoring by the Hub director and team, who have provided ongoing advice and support
- Invitations to exclusive events and learning sessions that provide an opportunity to meet other Hub companies and discuss shared issues
- Signposting to vetted and approved third party suppliers able to accelerate progress on a number of fronts.
Sittingbourne Enterprise Hub has provided invaluable support as Solarstar’s marketing director Michael Doggwiler explains: “The advantage of working with the team at Sittingbourne Enterprise Hub is that their only agenda is to see us succeed. Many of the benefits are intangible; you can’t measure the ongoing advice and support we have received, except by the significant progress we have made.
“If the Hub team had not signposted us to a grant consultant and lobbyist,” continues Michael, “we would not have considered applying for EC funding.”
Sittingbourne Enterprise Hub director Paul Walsh said: “Solarstar has a range of genuinely innovative and environmentally friendly products in development, and they have shown that they combine this design flair with genuine commercial acumen by having the discipline to focus on commercialising a handful of products first.
“We will be working with them into the future to help them to develop both new technologies, and also extensions to the existing ranges, and to ensure that they are in good shape to exploit the commercial opportunities.”
What’s next
Following a successful launch of the Windstar wind turbine into the UK market and when the results of the European Commission FP7 grant application are known, Solarstar will be looking to focus on the next products in their portfolio.
