Food tech innovator OSY Group has secured a significant grant from Innovate UK Business Growth under the Global Explorers Programme, aiding the Manchester-based company in forging international research partnerships. This funding will enhance OSY's development and global reach, particularly through its groundbreaking product, Xtend.
Xtend, an antimicrobial packaging coating developed by OSY, significantly extends the shelf-life of fresh produce, thereby reducing food waste. The innovative coating works by leaving microscopic pins on packaging surfaces that puncture and eliminate microbes, thereby slowing the natural spoiling process. Rigorous testing at independent laboratories, universities, and other facilities in the UK has proven Xtend to be food-safe and compliant with Food Contact Materials regulations for fresh produce.
With this new five-figure funding package, OSY's Chief Executive Marc Braterman aims to explore various overseas commercial partnerships and collaborative R&D projects with universities and industry bodies. Braterman is optimistic about establishing partnerships in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other Asia-Pacific countries.
“Having proven our technology in fresh fruit in the UK, we now wish to understand how Xtend can be adapted for different markets, and it’s great to have the support of Innovate UK as we seek to maximize opportunities overseas”, Braterman stated. “Our technology tackles a global problem whereby one-third of all food goes to waste, contributing between eight and 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. The demand for our product is evident, and this latest funding will enable us to accelerate our research and development on fresh produce in other types of packaging and climates, as well as extending to include meats, fish, poultry, and bakery items”.
The grant marks a pivotal moment for OSY Group, which has previously raised £1 million from individual investors to support its development. The company, headquartered at the Manchester International Office Centre near Manchester Airport, has now received a total of £500,000 from Innovate UK.
“This will materially support our expansion on a global level by also enabling us to test the viability of new markets and to understand key variables and relevant criteria in targeted territories, as well as the regulatory environments”, Braterman added.
The Global Explorers Programme, delivered by Innovate UK Business Growth, is designed to support UK SMEs in exploring global opportunities and building research and innovation partnerships internationally, aiming to accelerate the commercialization of innovative ideas in fast-growing global markets.
Andreas Johansen, a senior innovation and growth specialist at Innovate UK Business Growth, expressed enthusiasm for OSY Group's progress: “OSY Group is a highly innovative company that has already made promising connections overseas and wants to make the most of these opportunities. We are proud to be part of OSY Group’s exciting R&D journey. This includes supporting Marc and the team with innovation funding through the Innovate UK Better Food for All competition, and now with international opportunities. We look forward to continuing to support OSY Group”.
With Xtend set to launch in the UK and internationally over the coming months, OSY Group is poised to make a substantial impact on reducing global food waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The company’s advancements underscore the critical role of innovation and international collaboration in addressing some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.