On and around January 18, 2026, Nathan Owen (Co-founder & MD) and Thomas Kirk (Co-founder) of the Oxfordshire-based cleantech firm Ionech were celebrated for securing a major financial and operational milestone to scale their "Air Voltaic" technology.
1. Secured £2 Million Seed FundingThey successfully raised £2 million (€2.3m) in seed funding led by Elbow Beach Capital.This capital is designated to transition their technology from lab-scale development to real-world commercial pilots over the next 24 months.
2. Awarded Innovate UK GrantIn addition to private capital, they secured a £700,000 (€807k) grant from Innovate UK, validating the scientific viability and national importance of their work in the energy sector.
3. Strategic Partnership with Coca-ColaPerhaps the most tangible achievement celebrated this weekend was the confirmation of a joint development agreement with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP).Owen and Kirk have positioned Ionech to pilot their technology in CCEP's fleet of drinks coolers, directly addressing the carbon footprint of commercial refrigeration.
The Technology: Air Voltaic Cells
The achievement is significant because of what they are building. Owen and Kirk have developed a way to generate electricity from ambient air.
How it works: Their "Air Voltaic Cell" technology uses high-voltage pulses and field electron emission to generate superoxide ions, converting the thermal and chemical potential energy of the air into usable electricity.
The Impact: This offers a potential solution for decarbonizing high-energy-demand sectors like HVAC, data centers, and commercial cooling, which currently account for over a quarter of global energy consumption.
Quotes from the Founders (Jan 2026)
Nathan Owen: Emphasized that this investment "enables the transition from lab-scale development to real-world pilots," specifically noting the potential to reduce reliance on the grid at scale.
Thomas Kirk: Highlighted the broader vision, stating that they are building a "platform energy technology that will fundamentally change the distribution and consumption of electricity in energy-intensive industries."
