A Newcastle based entrepreneur has raised over £250,000 for a green energy start-up that aims to help prevent blackouts and lower electricity costs for consumers.
Originally from Bangalore, India, 28-year-old Chirag Kumar first came to Newcastle to undertake a Masters in Renewable Energy Enterprise and Management at Newcastle University.
During his time at Newcastle University Chirag became the Post Graduate Officer of the Newcastle University Students’ Union and successfully lobbied for funding support for postgraduate students. After completing his Masters, Chirag applied for and was one of just 10 companies to be selected in the Ignite Newcastle Pre-Accelerator program.
Since then Chirag has launched Lumion, gained funding from £255,000 from Venture Capital, Angel Investors and grants, and has successfully applied to take part in the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Regional Talent Engine programme in Newcastle this autumn.
Chirag says, “I came to Newcastle to study and learn more about the renewable energy sector and was interested in developing solutions to help the future of green energy that ultimately helps consumers.
“Lumion is a green energy startup that develops software for grid-scale battery systems housed in shipping containers. Our platform helps prevent blackouts, stores renewable energy during peak generation, and reduces the need for expensive gas-powered electricity, lowering electricity costs for everyday consumers.
“I have found there is real support and community in Newcastle and the region, from being part of the students’ union at university, to the support for start-ups and entrepreneurs, it’s the ideal place for me to be.
“I am looking forward to the next stage, taking part in the RAE’s programme and growing the company, and making a real difference to the future of renewable energy.”