UK-headed anaerobic digestion (AD) technology developer SEAB Power Ltd, trading as SEaB Energy has announced that it has entered into commercial discussions with Japanese construction giant Shimizu Corporation (Shimizu) to develop compact AD solutions following a UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme reverse pitch event.
The UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme provides free and subsidized support to technology companies aspiring to enter one or more of 11 markets in Asia-Pacific – South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand.
It is delivered on behalf of the government by international business development consultancy Intralink Ltd.
In a typical reverse pitch set-up, a highly established corporation first asks tech start-ups to propose solutions to the challenges they are facing. In a follow-up meeting the multinational assesses the results which have been created by start-ups.
If they find something unique, then the company can decide to partner with the start-up.
Advancing ‘Vision of 2030’
At the UK-APAC event held in June 2024, representatives from Shimizu Corporation set out their plans to collaborate with UK tech companies to advance the corporation’s ‘Vision of 2030’ sustainable business strategy.
The ‘Vision of 2030’ includes commitments to build strong and resilient infrastructure, provide built environments that enhance health and well-being, use sustainable energy, and promote energy-saving, energy creation, and ZEB (zero energy) facilities.
Our focus on sustainability is strong, especially in Southeast Asia where we have a long history in construction. We were therefore delighted to explore the solutions on offer in the UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme’s reverse pitch. The event was incredibly insightful and we were impressed by the advanced technologies and expertise showcased by the UK companies in the field of net-zero buildings. They highlighted that UK sustainability efforts are a few steps ahead of Japan, which is valuable knowledge as we strive to close the gap in APAC. It was inspiring to see so many UK tech companies aligned with our goals for a sustainable future in Asia Pacific, said Daisuke Kato, Head of the Acceleration Group at Shimizu’s NOVARE facility.
Ten companies – selected from among the UK’s leading sustainability tech startups – then presented how their technology could support Shimizu’s vision, before participating in a Q&A session.
Shimizu selected SEaB Energy as the winner because of its innovative, compact, easy-to-install anaerobic digestion (AD) systems housed in shipping containers.
The systems are already being installed globally, by SEaB Energy and through distribution and licensing agreements.
We’re thrilled that Shimizu recognized the value creation opportunity of using sustainable energy and reducing CO2 emissions via our waste-to-energy technology. Our various-sized platforms and the significant reduction in emissions they deliver will help Shimizu win new construction orders and further promote the use of electricity derived from renewable energy sources. This aligns with the corporation’s ‘Vision of 2030’ to realize a sustainable society, said Sandra Sassow, CEO of SEaB Energy.
