Decarbonisation technology company Sunborne Systems has been launched by Reaction Engines, Kiko Ventures and the UK-government-funded Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

Sunborne Systems will combine Reaction Engines’ heat exchanger technology with STFC’s leading ammonia catalyst expertise, and venture building expertise from Kiko Ventures (IP Group’s cleantech investment platform), to design and bring to market lightweight and compact cracking reactors for green ammonia, providing power and propulsion solutions for use in hard-to-decarbonise sectors such as aviation, marine shipping, and power generation.

Innovative ammonia-cracking technology

Dr Peter Collins, Sunborne Systems’ executive chair, said: “I am delighted to be joining Sunborne Systems as Executive Chair. Sunborne is strongly positioned to be a market leader in decarbonisation solutions.

“The company’s innovative ammonia-cracking technology, backed by expertise from Reaction Engines, STFC and Kiko Ventures, has significant market potential and I look forward to working with this team to establish Sunborne Systems as the key enabler of ammonia-powered transport and power generation.”

Professor Bill David FRS and James Barth, Sunborne co-founders, said: “This is an exciting step forward for Sunborne Systems. Peter’s leadership will accelerate the commercialisation of our joint venture which is set to become a true enabler of ammonia for decarbonisation.”

Unlocked potential

Dr Liz Kirby, Director of Innovation at STFC, and Richard Varvill, CTO at Reaction Engines, said: “It is fantastic that Peter is joining Sunborne, bringing his wealth of experience in commercialising innovative technology, as we build the business to realise the potential unlocked by technology originating from STFC and Reaction Engines.”

Dr Robert Trezona, Founding Partner of Kiko Ventures said: “Peter’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Sunborne Systems, reinforcing our drive to fully realise the potential of Sunborne’s world-leading technology.”
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