IONATE

IONATE is a University of Edinburgh spin-in. The Company  designs and manufactures an innovative Smart Hybrid Transformer, enabling next generation smart infrastructure for the electricity system. The transformers resolve critical local power flow control issues for end users and when installed as a network, facilitate system wide control, stability and optimisation, enabling the transition to renewable energy.

IONATE has a long-standing relationship with the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering, working in close collaboration with the team of Professor Michael Merlin. In 2020, they developed the first prototype of IONATE’s Hybrid Intelligent Transformer, built at the University’s labs. In partnership with the University, IONATE subsequently secured additional grant funding from Innovate UK to scale the technology to grid power levels. The Company is also currently co-sponsoring a University of Edinburgh PhD studentship with the support of an Energy Technology Partnership Grant. In 2022, Dr Merlin was awarded the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Industrial Fellowship supporting the most successful synergies between industry and academia, allowing him to dedicate 40% of his research time to IONATE for the next 2 years.