Summary
- Profile Type
- Research & Development Request
- POD Reference
- RDRGB20250901014
- Term of Validity
- 1 September 2025 - 1 September 2026
- Type of partnership
- Research and development cooperation agreement
- Targeted Countries
- All countries
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General information
- Short Summary
- UK-based SME with an award-winning innovative thermal comfort controller, THERCOM, allowing users to control their energy systems by expressing how hot or cold they feel instead of setting specific temperatures. They are looking to integrate THERCOM with off-the-shelf infrared heaters or coolers to provide intuitive user-friendly interaction with infrared systems based on user thermal comfort feedback rather than temperature setpoints. They company are looking for R&D partnerships for EUROSTARS.
- Full Description
-
The company are an engineering technology and energy consultancy founded in 2020, specialising in energy efficiency and immersive technology solutions. The company develops AI-powered optimisation systems, IoT-integrated (Internet of Things) smart infrastructure, and VR-based training environments, helping businesses improve operational efficiency, sustainability, and workplace safety.
Technology & solutions on offer:
They offer an award-winning intuitive indoor climate controller THERCOM that enhances occupant comfort while optimising energy use. Unlike traditional thermostats, THERCOM lets users express their thermal preference rather than setting specific temperatures, leveraging IoT algorithms to reduce energy consumption by 40%. THERCOM won TeesTech Innovation of the Year 2023 award. It integrates with smart building systems and aligns with sustainability regulations for energy efficiency.
Type of cooperation sought:
They seek international R&D partnerships with infrared heating or cooling system manufacturers eligible for EUROSTARS funding, to integrate THERCOM into off-the-shelf infrared heating or cooling solutions, enabling intuitive user interaction based on thermal comfort feedback rather than temperature setpoints. The ideal collaboration would involve joint product development, system compatibility validation, and market deployment strategies, ensuring seamless integration and scalability across smart building applications and energy-efficient climate control solutions.
Desired outcome & partnership vision:
The partnership will develop and test an innovative thermal comfort-based solution for controlling infrared heating or cooling devices. It will also contribute to the long-term vision of establishing sales channels and wide-scale adoption in sustainability-driven markets, providing a competitive advantage through innovative thermal comfort control.
Eurostars is a European funding programme supporting R&D-performing SMEs working on market-driven innovation projects with international partners. It offers up to €360,000 in grant funding per UK partner, making it ideal for collaborative technology development like this.
They are looking to engage with European companies, research organisations, or technology developers in infrared systems, smart energy, user interface design, or behavioural energy modelling to co-develop this next-generation solution. - Advantages and Innovations
-
1. User-Centric Comfort Control
Unlike conventional thermostat-based climate systems, THERCOM allows users to express their thermal comfort level (hot/cold) rather than adjusting precise temperatures. This human-centric approach enhances user experience and reduces inefficiencies in infrared heating/cooling.
2. IoT-Driven Optimisation
THERCOM leverages IoT sensor integration to continuously adjust operation of infrared heaters/coolers based on real-time occupant feedback and environmental conditions. Competitor solutions often rely on manual on-off controls rather than automation through dynamic user inputs.
3. Proven Energy Savings – 40% Reduction
THERCOM field tests have demonstrated an average 40% reduction in energy consumption, significantly outperforming traditional HVAC system controls. Many existing solutions focus on reactive control, whereas THERCOM provides proactive, user-responsive adjustments to maximise efficiency.
4. Smart Integration & Scalability
Compatible with off-the-shelf smart plugs, smart valves and smart thermostats, THERCOM easily integrates with existing HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) infrastructure, smart building systems, BMS (Building Management System) platforms, and IoT-enabled automation, providing a seamless upgrade path without extensive retrofits. Competitor solutions often require high-cost hardware replacements.
5. Sustainability & Compliance
THERCOM supports net-zero building initiatives, reducing carbon footprints through intelligent climate control. It aligns with U.S. and EU energy efficiency standards, making it highly attractive for regulatory compliance and green certifications. - Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
-
The potential partner should have expertise in manufacturing infrared heating and cooling systems, including hardware integration and control algorithms. Key technical requirements include:
• Compatibility with Iot & Smart Control Systems – The Ability to integrate infrared solutions with third-party climate controls will be useful.
• Sensor & Feedback Integration – Support for real-time thermal comfort input rather than fixed temperature setpoints will be essential.
• Energy Efficiency & Regulatory Compliance – Knowledge of building standards, HVAC efficiency protocols, and sustainability certifications will be useful.
• Software & Firmware Adaptation – Ability to adjust device firmware for seamless communication with THERCOM will be essential.
• Testing & Validation Capabilities – Capacity to conduct performance validation, interoperability testing, and user experience trials will be useful. - Stage of Development
- Under development
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 13: Climate Action
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- IPR status
- Secret know-how
Partner Sought
- Expected Role of a Partner
-
The potential partner is expected to provide technical expertise in manufacturing infrared heating and cooling systems, ensuring seamless integration with THERCOM.
Specifically, they should:
• Adapt existing hardware to support thermal comfort-based control rather than traditional temperature settings.
• Ensure IoT compatibility for real-time user feedback and AI-driven climate optimiSation.
• Collaborate on firmware and system adjustments to ensure smooth interoperability with THERCOM.
• Validate performance and energy efficiency through testing and user trials.
• Support market deployment, assisting with product positioning and regulatory compliance. - Type and Size of Partner
- SME 50 - 249
- Big company
- Other
- SME 11-49
- SME <=10
- University
- R&D Institution
- Type of partnership
- Research and development cooperation agreement
Call details
- Framework program
- International cooperation
- Call title and identifier
-
EUROSTARS
- Coordinator required
-
No
- Deadline for EoI
- Deadline of the call
- International cooperation
Dissemination
- Market keywords
- 06008 - Energy Storage
- 06006001 - Thermal insulation
- 09004008 - Other manufacturing (not elsewhere classified)
- 06006003 - Heat recovery
- Targeted countries
- Afghanistan
- Aland Islands
- Albania
- Algeria
- American Samoa
- Andorra
- Angola
- Anguilla
- Antarctica
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Aruba
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Benin
- Bermuda
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Bouvet Island
- Brazil
- British Indian Ocean Territory
- British Virgin Islands
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cabo Verde
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Chile
- China
- Christmas Island
- Cocos Islands
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Cook Islands
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Curacao
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Denmark
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Estonia
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Falkland Islands
- Faroe Islands
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- French Guiana
- French Polynesia
- French Southern Territories
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Greenland
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Guam
- Guatemala
- Guernsey
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Heard Island and McDonald Islands
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Israel
- Italy
- Ivory Coast
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jersey
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mali
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Martinique
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mayotte
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Montserrat
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- Netherlands Antilles
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Niue
- Norfolk Island
- North Korea
- North Macedonia
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Palestinian Territory
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Pitcairn
- Poland
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- Qatar
- Republic of the Congo
- Reunion
- Romania
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Saint Barthelemy
- Saint Helena
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Martin
- Saint Pierre and Miquelon
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Sint Maarten
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
- South Korea
- South Sudan
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Svalbard and Jan Mayen
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Timor Leste
- Togo
- Tokelau
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Tuvalu
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Vatican
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Wallis and Futuna
- Western Sahara
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe