Clean Tech & Energy case study: DRIFT Energy Limited

Key achievements

2022

Unveiled the world’s first green hydrogen-producing ‘flying yacht’ at SailGP
Successfully produced green hydrogen from a purpose-built demonstrator vessel – a world first

2023

Winner of the LeZero Innovation Prize at COP28
Energy-harvesting ship concept unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show
Shortlisted in two categories for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards
Winner of ‘Green Startup of the Year’ at the East of England StartUp Awards

2024

Winner of the Monaco Prize for Innovation in Renewable Hydrogen and Transportation
Net positive ship technology demonstrator showcased at the FII8 investment conference in Riyadh
Secured £694,135 grant funding from Innovate UK
Attended the United Nations’ 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States
Expanded the team 4x
Opened the first office in Bath
Named a BE100 (Blue Earth 100) company for driving system change
Shortlisted for the Innovation Zero Awards

2025

Ranked #11 in the Startups 100 Index 2025
Winner of the Startups 100 Sustainability Award

Investment and growth

DRIFT Energy is backed by major deep-tech investors, including Octopus Ventures, Founders Factory, and the Blue Action Lab. In August 2024, the company successfully closed a £4.65 million seed round, led by Octopus Ventures and Blue Action Accelerator. These funds are fuelling vessel design, team expansion, and new partnerships.

Looking ahead, DRIFT is preparing for its Series A funding round in mid-2025, aiming to build and launch the first-ever net positive, energy-harvesting ship.

Image credit: DRIFT Energy

Future plans

DRIFT’s mission is to address the global energy crisis by leveraging the power of the ocean. The company’s pioneering approach, termed ‘Oceans of Energy,’ centres on mobile renewable energy independent of power grids. DRIFT’s high-performance sailing ships use deep ocean wind to generate green energy at sea, utilising an AI-enabled routing system to stay in optimal conditions. Once their hydrogen tanks are full, they return to port for energy distribution.

DRIFT is committed to expanding its renewable energy partnerships to support coastal and island communities worldwide, particularly the 65+ million people living across 1,000+ islands.

Support in the region

Originally founded in Hertfordshire, DRIFT sought a location with strong maritime and technology links to support growth. The company considered Bath, Bristol, and Southampton before selecting Bath for its marine talent pool, access to investment networks, and strong technology sector. In 2024, DRIFT officially opened its office in Spaces, Bath.

DRIFT has benefited significantly from regional support networks, including the SETsquared Partnership, a global tech business growth community that was instrumental in the company’s early success. Additionally, Invest Bristol & Bath has provided vital networking opportunities, helping DRIFT connect with regional grant and equity investment groups, further accelerating its growth.