CATAGEN lands UKEF-backed finance to scale aviation fuel tech in Northern Ireland
What's the deal? Northern Ireland cleantech company CATAGEN has secured government-backed commercial finance to launch a new division focused on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology. The debt financing is backed by a guarantee from UK Export Finance (UKEF)Dealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, the UK government's export credit agency.
What's the endgame? The Belfast company builds technology aimed at cutting carbon and other emissions. Its Green Flight unit produces small modular units that make SAF with very low carbon emissions and can be deployed across sites and expanded as demand grows.
Why now? The money helps CATAGEN move from late-stage development into commercial production. It also strengthens the company's intellectual property position and international growth plans, chief executive and founder Dr Andrew Woods said.
UKEF says the backing should help CATAGEN reach more overseas customers. The announcement came ahead of UKEF's Northern Ireland Business Forum in Belfast on October 6, where exporters and officials were due to discuss support for international trade.
What else? Alongside the SAF push, CATAGEN continues to expand its Green Emissions Testing business, which helps vehicle manufacturers and industrial customers meet emissions standards in global markets. Its partners include ROUSHDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, DucatiDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, RyanairDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Shell Aviation IrelandDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Vinci AirportsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, and LoganairDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.
The signal: The financing fits the UK government's industrial strategy, which puts clean growth and sustainable aviation at the centre of its manufacturing and export ambitions. For Northern Ireland, it reinforces the region's role in low-carbon aviation and clean technology, with ministers citing support for skilled local jobs.
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