Perpetuum makes Significant Energy Harvesting Process with NanoKTN Support

Amongst the successful projects discussed was the implantable self-energising pacemaker, which can generate energy from human power, eliminating the need to periodically replace batteries, as is prevalent with current applications. The project, which was supported by the Technology Strategy Board, is currently undergoing negotiations with major medical device manufacturers.

The harvester delivered excellent results during tests, demonstrating the capability to be easily implanted and to power a pacemaker. It harvests energy from the changing pressure of the heart during the cardiac cycle, eliminating the need for subsequent operations to replace batteries, thereby reducing costs and patient discomfort. Perpetuum’s President, Roy Freeland, believes support from the Technology Strategy Board and Alec Reader, Director at the NanoKTN has had a significant impact on the company’s success and in securing the funding which was integral to the development and research associated with its pacemaker technology.

Global leaders in vibration energy harvesting, Perpetuum produces commercial products for the industrial energy harvesting market. Energy harvesting has been highlighted by the UK Government as an area of major growth and importance and already represents a global £1 Billion industry, with nanotechnology offering the potential for new approaches, which will continue to drive developments forward. Perpetuum’s presentation at the NanoKTN’s workshop provided an update on current trends within the energy harvesting space, focusing on the company’s journey from university spin-out to leading commercial company, as well as an update on its pacemaker technology.

The NanoKTN is committed to stimulating commercialisation of nanotechnology in industry by providing networking and collaboration opportunities for its members. Having worked closely with Perpetuum since its inception, the NanoKTN has provided expert knowledge and assistance, helping to identify collaborative partners for the product and secure funding from the Technology Strategy Board which has been integral in carrying out the huge amount of research required to develop the technology.

“As members of the NanoKTN we have been given a huge amount of exposure, not only by attending events but through recommendations and by presenting at conferences and workshops alongside peers and partners in the industry. The NanoKTN activities have not only helped raise our profile within key market sectors but have also provided a platform to showcase our technology to key target audiences and interested stakeholders,” explains Roy Freeland. “The NanoKTN has been invaluable to us as a business and especially now, as we research potential international partners and licenses to launch the pacemaker technology worldwide.”

The NanoKTN’s primary aim is to encourage collaboration and knowledge transfer between key players in industry, as well as start-ups and SMEs. By bringing like-minded people together at events, in a forum where business can be done, the NanoKTN can support the UK supply chain and create economic wealth for its members and UK industry.

“It is clear that energy harvesting technology will have an impact on both static and mobile applications and nanotechnology holds the promise to provide a significant number of advances in this area,” explains Dr Alec Reader, Director at the NanoKTN. “We believe that energy harvesting technologies will see significant growth in the coming years, already representing a £1billion industry and we believe the technology being developed by Perpetuum will have many potential market applications.”