Low power tech, high powered growth

Following a successful series of pilot projects in Brazil and Chile and participation on the Innovate2Succeed (I2S) programme, Cambridge start-up Camnexus is set for rapid growth in the global agro-industry market.

The company, which promotes sustainable development by bridging the digital divide with low-power sensor technology, recently deployed three IoT networks in Brazil and in Chile to support real-time data-driven decision-making process for sustainable development through efficient management of land, water and energy resources. The pilots have proven highly successful and enabled the partners to have access for the first time to real-time data to improve productivity and reduce environmental impact.  

The company is now rolling out and scaling up its technology with utilities and agro-industry. With the partnerships that it has created, it is set to achieve £1m revenue in its next year.

Planning international growth

Founder and CEO Dr Jessica Ocampos has been working closely with EEN through the Innovate2Succeed programme. “EEN has been a gateway to a powerful network for our organisation,” she says. “Its global reach has been critical to the growth of our company and perfectly aligned with our plans for internationalisation. As my company is now scaling it has been really helpful to plan my strategy with my EEN adviser.  We have also worked on our IP strategy.

Camnexus has also taken part in Pitchfest, the EEN’s national flagship pitch training, showcase and support programme. “The business support I have received from my EEN adviser, all coaching, access to finance and market opportunities are having a far-reaching impact on our expansion strategy,” says Dr Ocampos. 

“We are now rolling out our technology to the global market. The support I have received has enabled me to grow at a faster pace than I could have possibly imagined.”

The TEDx factor

Another valuable platform that Camnexus has been able to use is TEDx. Speaking at TEDx Leicester, Dr Ocampos described how the challenges faced by her target markets can be tackled in a co-development inclusive innovation approach. 

“I was excited to have the opportunity to use TED’s renowned platform to share my ideas and show how they translate into the mission of our company,” she says. 

“CamNexus is about tackling global challenges through the use of low power technologies and improving productivity in a sustainable and inclusive way and I was delighted to have the opportunity to showcase my business.”