Butterfly is a UK clean air technology company developing an intelligent indoor air quality platform that helps buildings create healthier environments while significantly reducing energy consumption. Unlike traditional building management systems that rely heavily on energy-intensive mechanical ventilation, Butterfly's technology continuously monitors indoor air quality and intelligently balances ventilation with air purification to optimise both occupant health and building efficiency.
Having successfully demonstrated the technology through early-stage trials, including collaborations with leading research organisations such as Imperial College London, Butterfly reached a critical stage of commercial development. The next challenge was to validate the platform in complex, real-world environments including hospitals, schools and commercial buildings, demonstrating that the system could consistently improve indoor air quality while integrating seamlessly with existing building infrastructure.
Delivering large-scale live environment trials required significant investment, extensive collaboration with industry partners and carefully managed technical validation. Without external funding, progressing from successful pilot projects to commercial deployment would have been considerably slower, delaying market entry and reducing the company's competitive advantage within the rapidly growing clean air technology sector.
GrantUp identified the Innovate UK SBRI Phase 3 – Enhanced Clean Air Innovation Trials competition as the ideal funding opportunity. The programme was specifically designed to support innovative technologies capable of improving indoor air quality while delivering measurable environmental and public health benefits, making it an excellent strategic fit for Butterfly's technology and commercial ambitions.
Working closely with Butterfly, our consultants developed a comprehensive funding strategy and led the proposal through every stage of the application process. We refined the technical narrative, clearly communicating the innovation behind the company's intelligent sensing and optimisation technology while demonstrating how the solution addressed major challenges around indoor air quality, energy efficiency and building performance. The application was carefully aligned with Innovate UK's clean air priorities, emphasising both environmental impact and commercial scalability.
GrantUp also strengthened the overall project structure by clearly defining trial methodologies, partner responsibilities, project milestones and delivery plans. This ensured the proposal demonstrated a credible, low-risk approach to validating the technology across multiple operational environments while delivering meaningful outcomes for building owners, occupants and healthcare providers.
Butterfly successfully secured Innovate UK SBRI Phase 3 funding, enabling the company to commence large-scale live environment trials across healthcare, education and commercial settings. The project will generate valuable real-world performance data, optimise the technology under operational conditions and accelerate the company's route towards certification, commercial launch and widespread deployment. Beyond supporting product development, the funding strengthens Butterfly's position as a leading innovator in intelligent indoor air quality management while contributing to healthier buildings and lower energy consumption across the built environment.