SIF RVC invests in innovative catalytic filter

The RVC Seed Investment Fund together with private investor CJSC VOOP-Consulting invest in the EkoKat project company, which is engaged in the project Production and sale of industrial catalytic air heaters. EkoKat will receive 15 M RUR for implementing this project.

The signing ceremony was held on May 23, 2012 in the OJSC RVC office with the participation of representatives of the Federal state budgetary institution of science G.K. Boreskov Institute of Catalysis of the Siberian Branch of RAS. Preparation of the project to attract funding from SIF RVC and CJSC VOOP-Consulting was conducted by the Branan company, a venture partner of SIF RVC.

The uniqueness of the event lies in the fact that this is the first Russian deal to attract investment from a venture fund to a company registered under the RF federal law of August 2, 2009 N 217-FL On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation on creating by the budget research and educational institutions of economic entities for the practical application (implementation) of the intellectual activity results.

The project envisages the creation of the own production of catalytic filters of the unique composition and design to be installed on industrial gas heat guns. Modified using this technology heat guns have high efficiency (more than 90%). The composition of emissions fulfills accepted MPC for the air of working zone, which allows the use highly efficient heating equipment in closed industrial premises without additional expenses to the ventilation system. Sale of the modified heat guns will be carried out by the project company, both independently and in collaboration with engineering companies, manufacturers and dealers of industrial heating equipment.

G.K. Boreskov Institute of Catalysis of the Siberian Branch of RAS introduces to the project the rights to use intellectual property. Valentin Parmon, the active member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, doctor of chemical sciences, professor, the director of the Federal state budgetary institution of science G.K. Boreskov Institute of Catalysis of the Siberian Branch of RAS, said: One of the important activities of the institute is commercialization and market launch of the accumulated unique developments. Under this project we received a positive experience in attracting external investment capital and business expertise needed for the conversion of scientific developments into the demanded market product.

This deal is unique for the Seed Investment Fund, since in this project the Fund has first held investment in a company created in partnership with a major world-class research institution - commented Alex Teleshev, SIF RVC director.

Eugene Ahpashev, the Head of Branan practice Attracting finance in innovative projects, said: The project is an example of successful cooperation between the representatives of science, business, and consultants, which we believe will successfully implement the proposed idea on the market.

The first venture capital deal under 217-FL is an important event for the Russian market of technological entrepreneurship indicating the next step to building and development of the Russian venture industry infrastructure, which is one of the priorities of OJSC RVC. Our funds in some areas have to literally be pioneers in the venture capital market of the country, - said Andrey Vvedensky, the Director of Infrastructure and Regional Development department of OJSC RVC. - The developed practice of making technically complex transactions and projects are then passed on to our partners. And for such RVC partners as scientific and educational centers, the routes for building the internal work and cooperation with investors are extremely important.