Impact investment firm MY Social Company (MYSC) has announced a strategic investment in ZERC, a deep-tech startup specializing in radiative cooling materials. The funding, of an undisclosed amount, is set to accelerate the commercialization of ZERC's innovative paint that cools surfaces without consuming electricity. This development positions ZERC to address rising energy demands and carbon emissions associated with conventional cooling systems on a global scale.
Pioneering Passive Cooling Technology
Founded in November 2022, ZERC is commercializing groundbreaking technology developed by a materials science and engineering research team at Korea University. The startup holds the core intellectual property for its advanced radiative cooling materials, which form the basis of its product line. ZERC is currently focused on bringing its flagship paint-form product to market for widespread application.
ZERC's radiative cooling paint operates on a passive cooling principle, requiring no external power source to function effectively. The material is engineered to reflect a high percentage of incoming solar radiation, preventing heat absorption from the sun. Simultaneously, it efficiently radiates the surface's own thermal energy as infrared waves directly into the coldness of outer space.
The company has demonstrated the significant real-world effectiveness of its technology through rigorous testing and validation. Surfaces coated with the paint have been shown to achieve temperatures up to 8.8°C lower than the surrounding ambient air, even when exposed to direct sunlight. This proven performance underscores the material's potential to deliver substantial cooling benefits in various environments.
Strategic Investment for Commercialization and Growth
The new capital injection from MYSC will be instrumental in propelling ZERC from the research and development phase to full-scale commercial production. This funding will support the final stages of product refinement, manufacturing scale-up, and the establishment of market entry strategies. The investment signifies strong confidence in ZERC's technology and its commercial viability.
ZERC is targeting a broad range of applications, with an initial focus on the architectural coatings and infrastructure markets. The company aims to supply its cooling paint for buildings, data centers, and other critical infrastructure where heat management is crucial. This strategic approach allows ZERC to tap into large-scale industries seeking sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
Addressing Global Energy and Climate Challenges
The commercialization of ZERC's paint comes at a critical time, as climate change intensifies the need for efficient cooling solutions. By reducing the reliance on traditional, energy-intensive air conditioning systems, the technology can significantly lower electricity consumption in buildings and industrial facilities. This translates directly into reduced operational costs and a more resilient energy grid.
Beyond energy savings, the environmental implications of this technology are profound and far-reaching. Widespread adoption of the radiative cooling paint can lead to a substantial reduction in global carbon emissions associated with cooling. This positions ZERC's solution as a key tool for industries and governments working to meet ambitious climate targets.
A representative from MYSC emphasized the technology's global potential, stating it offers an effective solution for carbon reduction, particularly in warmer climates. The firm highlighted regions like Southeast Asia as prime markets for ZERC's innovation. MYSC has committed to actively supporting ZERC's international expansion to maximize its environmental and social impact.
This strategic investment by MYSC marks a pivotal moment for ZERC, validating its cutting-edge radiative cooling technology and its potential to redefine sustainable cooling. As the company moves toward commercialization, its electricity-free cooling paint is poised to offer a powerful, scalable solution to the interconnected challenges of energy consumption and climate change. ZERC is now well-positioned to make a significant impact on both domestic and international markets.