The three companies are benefitting from six-week business development initiatives involving in-depth market research, direct engagement with potential customers and partners, and the development of a bespoke business expansion strategy. The UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme is delivered on behalf of the government by international business development consultancy Intralink.

The companies are:

• Renew Risk – a provider of innovative risk modelling software for renewable energy infrastructure to assist developers, insurers and financiers. Pioneered for offshore wind, its technology is being adapted for other renewable assets in line with growth in the sector globally. Following the adoption of its technology in Japan, Renew Risk is now targeting expansion into Taiwan
• iGii – the developer of a sustainable, low-cost, 3D foam comprising carbon atoms which retains graphene’s properties while overcoming its scalability challenges. The innovative material enables the creation of highly accurate sensors for industries such as healthcare, water and food quality, agriculture and battery storage
• Viritech – the developer of hydrogen powertrain systems integrating third-party fuel cells and electric motors, with applications spanning the automotive, aerospace and marine sectors

Dr Joanne Holmes, Sales Manager at iGii, said: “Japan’s in vitro diagnostics and point-of-care testing sectors have seen rapid growth in recent years, presenting opportunities to integrate our revolutionary nanomaterial, Gii, into a variety of products. From assembling an expert support team to translating for us during meetings, the team at the UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme is already proving instrumental in connecting us with potential customers.”

Viritech founder and CEO, Timothy Lyons, said: “Entering new markets is always challenging, and we’ve found a great benefit in undertaking our first outreach into South Korea through the UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme. It is providing us with warm, pre-qualified leads at South Korean companies interested in our technologies and in potential long-term partnerships.”

Jeremy Shaw, who heads the UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme at Intralink, said: “Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are increasingly looking to the UK for innovative technologies to tackle the pressing challenges they face, including climate change and cumbersome, traditional business practices. We’re excited to support these three exceptional companies as they tap into the significant opportunities these markets offer.”

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