Lontra, the innovative environmental technology start-up company, today announced that it is to receive developmental support through the Carbon Trust Incubator Scheme.

The Carbon Trust supports the development of UK companies which capitalise on the innovation and commercial value of low carbon technologies.

Lontra is nearing completion of the proof of concept development phase of the energy efficient Lindsey Engine™, which has particular benefits for Combined Heat and Power, and of the MonoMax Compressor™, which demonstrates significant energy savings for compressed air and process gas .

The Incubator Scheme aims to help suitable applicants build their management team, develop business skills, build the business case and help prepare a business plan in order to attract necessary levels of capital investment. The team at Imperial Innovations will provide this support as well as providing advice on corporate finance, mentoring for the management team, energy-related market research and guidance on technical support.

Simon Hombersley, Lontra's Business Development Director, said: "The Carbon Trust Incubator is invaluable, bringing important skills and expertise to the team to help us develop commercial rewards out of technological successes. We're very excited to be working with the Carbon Trust as we prepare ourselves for our next round of investment."

The Incubator support will be provided by Imperial Innovations, one of the UK 's leaders in the commercialisation of intellectual property. The company has a strong value creation record having created over 54 spin-out companies (3 publicly quoted) in the past 6 years and attracted £175 million of external investment.

Lynne McGregor, Incubator Manager at Imperial Innovations, said: "From our detailed assessment of the technology, we believe that Lontra has promising potential. We're very pleased to be playing a part in the growth of the company at this exciting stage".