Although ‘Cleantech’ is a comparatively new term, 3i’s history of partnering cleantech businesses goes back many years.  From our pioneering participation in the oil and gas sector of the 1970s through to our championing of semiconductor companies over the last decade, we have a rich history of supporting businesses that are implementing new ecological standards and changing the way we live.

Currently 3i is partnering more than 10 companies related to the cleantech sector, helping ambitious, capable management teams to achieve profitable growth while reshaping industry norms.  We invest at all funding stages but our global network and contacts make us a particularly suitable partner for companies that have proven their technology and are keen to introduce it to a wider world.

Successful cleantech innovations have the potential to cross continents rapidly because the problems they resolve are common around the world.  Three current 3i investments illustrate the power of a great idea expertly applied:

• Konarka Technologies, Inc. – delivering true wireless applications.  Konarka’s power plastic converts light to energy.  This makes it possible for devices and structures to have their own inbuilt sources of renewable power at minimal cost.  Konarka’s operations are split between the US and German-speaking Europe, making 3i ideally-placed to partner the business as it rapidly increases global take-up of its groundbreaking technology.
• SFC (Smart Fuel Cell) – mobile power based on fuel-cell technology.  In the past, fuel cells were large, complex and expensive.  SFC have revolutionised them, making the cells lighter and cheaper, and eliminating the platinum coating.  As a result, fuel-cell technology has become highly viable for a wide range of mobile and portable devices, from laptops and cameras to caravans and sailing boats.  3i has been helping the company to capitalise on its ingenuity since 2000, and SFC has now sold more products than all other fuel-cell companies in the world put together.
• Crystal Is, Inc. – world leaders in Aluminum Nitride (AIN).  The global nitride semiconductor industry is expected to grow to $10bn a year by 2010 but needs improved substrate technologies to achieve it.  Substrates enable the cost-effective production of high power, high temperature and optoelectronic devices, such as blue and ultraviolet lasers.  Crystal is the world’s leading supplier of single-crystal AIN substrates, providing the increases in yields and reduction in costs that are transforming the industry.  Its products are revolutionising the deep-UV market, facilitating the sterilisation of air and water, and are set to make a big impact in solid-state lighting.