Global Brain has invested in IONATE Limited, a startup developing an innovative smart transformer and AI-enabled platform for smart grids

Global Brain has invested in IONATE Limited (IONATE), a startup developing an innovative smart transformer and AI-enabled platform for smart grids, through its JGC MIRAI Innovation Fund L.P. (JGC MIRAI Innovation Fund).

IONATE is a UK-based startup that develops and licenses the “Hybrid Intelligent Transformer (HIT),” a highly functional transformer for smart grid applications. While conventional transformers only perform passive voltage conversion, the HIT employs a uniquely designed core/coil layout and equipment structure, combining it with a smart control system that enables real-time control of various voltages, frequencies, and power factors without relying on external control equipment. Compared to conventional transformers, the HIT is expected to reduce power losses, lower transmission and distribution system operating costs, and save space, thereby contributing to the spread of distributed power sources, expansion of power control capacity, and improvement of overall grid system efficiency.

The global expansion of renewable energy brings power fluctuation, which is a characteristic of power generation methods such as solar power and wind power, but the power transmission and distribution networks (grids) that are stretched around the world still use conventional technology, widening the risk of deterioration in the quality of supplied power. At the same time, the expansion of data centers and semiconductor manufacturing plants, driven by the rise of generative AI, is increasing the level of power quality requirements and load fluctuations on the demand side. As a solution to this quality imbalance, expectations are rising for sophisticated power transmission and distribution systems such as the HIT and corresponding software in addition to power storage such as stationary batteries, and the market is expanding rapidly.

IONATE has not only achieved the innovative invention of HIT but is also vigorously pursuing product and business development based in Europe under the leadership with expertise in the renewable energy and power engineering industries, aiming for global expansion including Asia in the future. With the funds raised, IONATE will accelerate the development of new products, advancement of its power control AI, expansion of manufacturing partnerships, and sales of its product to power distribution companies, industrial customers, renewables generators, and data center operators.

Global Brain has decided to invest in IONATE in recognition of IONATE’s exceptional technological capabilities, intellectual property potential, track record in Europe, the home of renewable energy, and leadership in achieving these goals. Through this investment, Global Brain will support IONATE so that it can contribute to the further acceleration of the spread of renewable energy.