Barocal wins $1M at 2025 TERA-Award for breakthrough solid-state cooling innovation
Barocal, a UK-based company, has claimed the Gold Award at the 2025 TERA-Award, earning a US$1 million prize for its cutting-edge solid-state cooling system. The winning innovation uses barocaloric materials that undergo temperature shifts when pressure is applied—offering a revolutionary approach to refrigeration and air conditioning.
Developed over a decade of research at the University of Cambridge, the barocaloric technology eliminates harmful refrigerants while tripling energy efficiency compared to traditional systems. This positions Barocal’s solution as a sustainable and scalable answer to global cooling challenges.
Global presence grows with Cambridge hosting
For the first time, the Asia-based TERA-Award was held outside of Hong Kong, with the 2025 ceremony taking place at King’s College, University of Cambridge, on July 18. The event drew over 100 participants, including scientists, investors, entrepreneurs, and global energy leaders.
Dr Peter Lee, Principal of Full Vision Capital and Founder of the TERA-Award, emphasized the importance of expanding internationally. “We’re building a close-knit and growing network for innovators, investors, and partners,” he said. “The TERA-Award is a bridge between ideas and markets, where they can make transformational impacts on lives and the planet.”
Out of 785 entries from 76 countries, the finalists included innovators from Australia, China, Singapore, Spain, the UK, and the US. A forum and innovation showcase were also held, promoting global clean energy collaboration and startup success stories.
Backed by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation, InvestHK, the UK Department for Business and Trade, and Kerogen CelerateX, the TERA-Award continues to drive forward deep-tech and zero-carbon energy solutions worldwide.
