A ‘spin-out’ company from the University of Strathclyde has received funding to help it enter the renewable-energy and sub-sea markets.

Synaptec (www.synapt.ec), which has developed high-performance fibre-optic technology to reduce the down-time and operating costs of electrical-power networks through improved monitoring, has received £370,000 investment from the Equity Gap business-angel syndicate, the Scottish Investment Bank (the investment arm of Scottish Enterprise) and the University of Strathclyde.

A spokesman said: “This funding will help to grow our team, ramp up operations and broaden the scope of the business.” Founded in 2014, Synaptec develops photonic sensing systems that use existing optical-fibre networks to help electricity network operators determine the health and capacity of their systems. This includes increased monitoring of voltage and current, temperature, strain and dynamic vibration.

Philip Orr, managing director (and one of the founders) of Synaptec, said: “Monitoring, protection and control of power networks is becoming more important than ever, thanks to increased global electricity demand and the simultaneous move to greater penetration of distributed renewable-energy sources.

“By improving network management through enhanced awareness, we provide multiple benefits, including cost reductions, enhanced security of energy supply and reduced emissions.”