Another is Cityzenith, which has established a data aggregation and visualisation platform for cities, citizens and corporations, creating rich data for smart cities. It is already in use in San Francisco, Chicago and Barcelona.
In the energy sector, Yorkshire-based ChillTechnologies has invented a low-cost cooling technology that claims to double the energy efficiency of a diesel generator or gas microturbine by using the otherwise unused exhaust heat. It is already deployed in Australia.
Until now it has been difficult for investors to back these kinds of fast-growing technology companies. But a number of investment vehicles are being launched that give investors easy access to portfolios of technology firms seeking growth capital through tax-efficient, government-backed Enterprise Investment Schemes.
The availability of these funds is a huge boost for companies looking to raise capital to finance their early and growth stages, and accelerate the pace to market of their potentially game-changing technologies. Megatrends are here to stay, and by being wise to them early, savvy investors are likely to find themselves ahead of the curve.
Ben Ferrari is principal adviser to the Future Technology Portfolio and director of partnerships at Climate Group
