Concretene, a pioneer in nanomaterial technology, has successfully raised £3 million to further its mission of revolutionising the concrete industry. This Manchester-based innovator is on a path to develop sustainable concrete alternatives.
The new investment will enable Concretene to accelerate the development of its graphene-enhanced admixture, aiming to cut down the carbon emissions associated with concrete production significantly. This funding will help transition the product from its current development phase to full market readiness and commercialisation.
Innovative Investment and Strategic Partnerships
Leading the investment round is Molten Ventures, a tech-specialist VC fund known for backing ambitious technology projects. They have been joined by LocalGlobe, who have a history of supporting technology unicorns, further cementing their commitment to Concretene’s potential breakthrough in sustainable construction.
Along with financial backing, Concretene is collaborating with prominent industry players such as UK’s Roger Bullivant and global cement leader Cemex. These partnerships focus on creating specific formulations for low-carbon CEM II/III cements, underpinned by substantial grant support from Innovate UK.
Advancements in Materials and Certification
In collaboration with Arup, a globally recognised engineering consultancy, Concretene is conducting a comprehensive material testing programme. This initiative aims to establish a robust dataset essential for certifying Concretene as a standard concrete admixture, a key step towards practical application.
The partnership with these industry giants not only enhances Concretene’s credibility but also aligns with its goal to deliver a product that meets both performance and environmental standards.
Foundational Strength Through Research
Concretene’s journey began with the innovative minds of civil engineers Rob Hibberd and Alex McDermott. They worked collaboratively with The University of Manchester’s Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) to formulate a prototype admixture.
This prototype demonstrated significant compressive strength gains, achieving uplifts of 25-30% in lab conditions and an average of 17% in field trials. This increase in strength allows for a reduction in the carbon emissions typically associated with concrete usage by approximately 10-15%.
The initial success of this prototype led to the recruitment of an experienced team, including Dr Craig Dawson, a former GEIC scientist and co-inventor, to spearhead the commercial development of Concretene’s products.
Challenges in Commercial Viability
Securing a reliable and sustainable supply chain is crucial for Concretene’s commercial success. The company has redirected focus towards identifying feedstocks with sustainable credentials, enhancing the appeal of their product to environmentally conscious consumers.
This strategic direction not only addresses commercial viability but also supports Concretene’s commitment to sustainability at every stage of its production process.
Integrating into Manchester’s Innovation Hub
Concretene was the inaugural tenant of Manchester’s new innovation district, known as Sister. This £1.7bn development sits strategically on 22 acres of the former University campus, reflecting the city’s commitment to becoming a hub for innovation.
The project was officially branded and launched by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, signifying the importance of fostering innovation within the region.
Expert Insight and Future Outlook
Mike Harrison, Chief Operating Officer at Concretene, emphasised the unique blend of construction and nanomaterial science expertise found within their team. This fusion is pivotal for the firm to achieve industry recognition and certification. “Our team’s expertise positions us to progress rapidly towards commercialisation,” Harrison noted.
George Chalmers of Molten Ventures remarked on Concretene’s noteworthy progress from laboratory successes to real-world applications. He is optimistic about the potential impact of their technology on reducing emissions within the challenging construction sector.
Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
The strategic support from both financial backers and industry partners ensures Concretene is well-equipped to lead innovation within eco-friendly construction solutions. Their continued dedication to sustainable development is a testament to their forward-thinking approach and commitment to environmental responsibility.
In summary, Concretene is set to transform the concrete industry with its cutting-edge technology that promises reduced carbon emissions. The recent £3 million investment underlines the confidence investors have in Concretene’s vision and potential.
With strategic partnerships and ongoing research, Concretene is well-positioned to deliver impactful solutions to one of the built environment’s most pressing challenges. Its trajectory indicates a promising future in sustainable construction.