Catator gears up internationally with support from Global Innovation Accelerator
Through the Swedish Energy Agency’s Global Innovation Accelerator (GIA) programme, Catator, a Swedish technology company specialising in hydrogen solutions, has taken decisive steps towards establishing itself on the Japanese and South Korean markets.
Catator, headquartered in Lund, Sweden, is a world leader in catalytic technology for hydrogen production and use. Since its inception in 1990, the company has developed compact and efficient solutions for the green hydrogen economy.
By participating in the Swedish Energy Agency’s Global Innovation Accelerator (GIA) programme, Catator wanted to accelerate its expansion into Japan and Korea, two markets where electrofuels play a crucial role in the transition to fossil-free energy.
The company recognised early on that local presence was crucial to meeting customer needs and building long-term relationships. The GIA programme offered a structured route into these complex markets.
"GIA has been crucial to our establishment in Japan and Korea. The programme provided us with structure, relevant contacts and business opportunities that would otherwise have been difficult to achieve. We highly recommend other technology companies to take this opportunity but be prepared to prioritise the project internally and act quickly", says Tarras Delin, CEO of Catator.
Tangible results and business breakthroughs
With the help of GIA, Catator has secured two important orders in Japan and has several others in the pipeline. In Korea, the company has In Korea, the company has hired a local representative and identified a significant number of promising prospects, several of which have progressed to the quotation stage, with two already converted into confirmed orders.Negotiations on an agency agreement, which could provide further business opportunities and local service capacity in Japan, are also in the final stages.
The programme has not only led to deals but also confirmed Catator’s hypothesis about market potential. The company has gained valuable insight into which customers and partners are relevant, and how communication needs to be adapted to have an impact.
Lessons learned and advice for other companies
Catator emphasises the importance of prioritising the project internally. The project period is short, and resources are needed to support local partners. The company recommends that others be proactive during the application process, have materials ready, and make full use of the support offered by both the Swedish Energy Agency and Business Sweden.
GIA has served as a springboard for Catator’s international venture. The programme has played an important role in accelerating the project and establishing contact with relevant players.
In the longer term, Catator sees great potential in continuing to build up sales in both Japan and Korea, with the support of local representatives established through GIA.
