Frontier Ip Regulatory News (FIPP)

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AIM: FIPP

30 October 2017

Frontier IP Group Plc

("Frontier IP" or the "Group")

Portfolio News

PulsiV Granted Two US Patents

Frontier IP, which specialises in the commercialisation of intellectual property, is pleased to note that its portfolio company PulsiV Solar Limited ("PulsiV") has announced that it has been granted two patents in the United States to protect its intellectual property. The full text of this announcement is set out below.

Innovative solar power company granted two US patents

A University of Plymouth spin out venture founded on breakthrough research into the efficiency of photovoltaic solar panels has been granted two patents in the United States to protect its intellectual property.

PulsiV Solar, which is based at Plymouth Science Park, is developing technology that significantly improves the amount of energy generated by solar panel inverters and harvested for supply to the grid.

The first patent protects the technique developed by PulsiV, that of 'pulsing' the solar panel, drawing its power in bursts rather than continuously. Under testing, PulsiV's prototype is performing strongly when compared with market-leading technology.

The second patent applies to new technology developed for LED lighting that reduces energy storage requirements. This means that LED lights can be built with fewer components, thus reducing their profile and increasing the flexibility in how they are mounted.

PulsiV Solar is the creation of Associate Professor Mohammed Zaki Ahmed, of the School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics, through the support received from the Research and Innovation Directorate. He said: "The granting of these two patents really does confirm the huge potential of these two technologies - both of which could prove to be 'disruptive' in a positive fashion. The patents also increase the commercial value of the company and set us up for future investment."

US patents are notoriously difficult to secure due to the burden of proof placed upon applications and the rigorous scrutiny they are subjected to from experts in the field. PulsiV has already been granted patents in the UK and Europe for the work it is doing.

The company is now expected to seek new commercial investment, working with the Research and Innovation Directorate, Frontier IP Group plc, the University's intellectual property partners, and the original investors to fully deliver the technology to commercial standards.

Neil Crabb, Chief Executive of Frontier IP, said: "We were pleased to note the granting of Pulsiv's patents in the US. Pulsiv's development programme and prototypes are progressing well and showing improvements over benchmarked industry technology. We look forward to continuing to support PulsiV on its route to commercial success."

PulsiV has been supported by Plymouth Science Park, and its CEO, Ian McFadzen, said: "PulsiV Solar is a prime example of how research and knowledge can be nurtured, supported and ultimately transformed into a significant commercial opportunity. It has the potential to not only make a major breakthrough in photovoltaic panel technology, but also to secure a platform for further research and development in a range of energy-related fields."

Notes to Editors

For more information on this press release, contact Senior Media and Communications Officer Andrew Merrington on 01752 599003.

About the University of Plymouth

The University of Plymouth is renowned for high quality, internationally-leading education, research and innovation.

With a mission to Advance Knowledge and Transform Lives, Plymouth is a *top 50 research university with clusters of world class research across a wide range of disciplines including marine science and engineering, medicine, robotics and psychology. A twice winner of the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher Education, the University of Plymouth continues to grow in stature and reputation.

It has a strong track record for teaching and learning excellence, and has one of the highest numbers of National Teaching Fellows of any UK university. With 21,000 students, and a further 17,000 studying for a Plymouth degree at partner institutions in the UK and around the world, and over 100,000 alumni pursuing their chosen careers globally, it has a growing global presence.

http://www.plymouth.ac.uk

* Research Fortnight Research Power League Table 2014.

About PulsiV Solar Limited

www.pulsiv.co.uk 

PulsiV Solar was set up by Dr. Mohamed Zaki Ahmed, Plymouth University and Frontier IP Group plc and develops a novel inverter technology to improve power take-off from photovoltaic solar panels. PulsiV Solar's technology aims to maximise the energy generated by solar inverters and is a potentially disruptive technology, capable of retro-fit. The PulsiV Solar team is based at Plymouth Science Park, with key strategic and support functions being provided by Frontier IP Group plc.

Dr Mohammed Zaki Ahmed, Chief Technology Officer of PulsiV Solar, has led the development of this breakthrough technology and has a successful track record with other innovations, including train collision avoidance systems, which are now widely adopted across the world.

ENDS

For further information:

Notes to Editor:

About Frontier IP Group plc

www.frontierip.co.uk.

Frontier IP specialises in assisting institutions and companies in the commercialisation and exploitation of their intellectual property. It establishes formal and informal relationships with sources of exploitable IP, principally universities. Its core business is building and growing a portfolio of equity stakes in spin-out companies by taking an active involvement in the commercialisation and funding of these businesses.