Startup Barocal secures $10m seed funding to commercialise solid-state cooling technology

A new cooling technology developed by Cambridge-based startup Barocal has attracted significant capital to move beyond traditional refrigeration methods. The firm has raised a $10 million seed round to commercialise a system that utilises solid plastic crystals to heat and cool food and drink without relying on gaseous refrigerants. This funding marks a pivotal step for the company as it seeks to bring its innovation to market, challenging the dominance of vapor compression technology which has remained largely unchanged for over a century.

The core of the innovation lies in the unique properties of the plastic crystals developed by founder Xavier Moya. The technology operates on the principle that compressing the material releases heat, while removing pressure allows it to absorb heat. By manipulating the rotation of molecules within the organic solid, the system can transfer thermal energy effectively. Early prototypes reportedly match the efficiency of existing refrigerator compressors but consume significantly less energy, offering a compelling case for adoption in energy-conscious environments.

Environmental benefits are a primary driver for the investment, as the technology eliminates the risk of leaking greenhouse gas refrigerants. Conventional systems often utilise gases that can be over 1,000 times more potent than carbon dioxide in warming the climate. By using a solid material that does not rely on volatile gases, Barocal removes the threat of ozone degradation and climate-warming leaks that have plagued the industry for decades.

Moya, a professor of materials physics at the University of Cambridge, traces his interest in heating and cooling technologies back to his youth in Spain. His academic focus on solid materials that capture and release heat through mechanical stretching and compression has now been translated into a commercial venture. The company notes that the underlying physics involves stopping molecular rotation under pressure to release heat, and allowing it to resume when pressure is removed, a process that can be harnessed to pump heat from inside a refrigerated space to the outside.

The capital injection from World Fund, Breakthrough Energy Discovery, Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, and IP Group will support the transition from laboratory prototypes to commercial deployment. While the technology is theoretically scalable, the company has indicated an initial focus on large commercial HVAC and refrigerator systems. This strategic choice allows the firm to target applications where efficiency gains will deliver the most immediate financial impact for customers before potentially expanding to smaller units.

Despite the promising early data, the path to mass adoption involves scaling production and proving long-term reliability in real-world conditions. The seed round provides the necessary resources to refine the technology and navigate the complexities of bringing a novel engineering solution to the broader market. As the industry grapples with the environmental costs of traditional refrigeration, Barocal's approach offers a distinct alternative that could redefine how cooling is achieved in commercial and potentially consumer settings.