Kona Clean Teknologies: mapping market opportunities with Arrow

Kona Clean Teknologies: mapping market opportunities with Arrow

When Lynn Chikosha founded Kona Clean Teknologies in Coxhoe, County Durham, she set out to tackle a major sustainability challenge facing the offshore wind sector.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in coatings and applied materials, Lynn launched the business to develop advanced bio-based coatings that protect offshore wind turbines from environmental damage, helping to extend their lifespan while eliminating the use of harmful solvents and VOCs.

Introduced to the Arrow programme through the Durham City Incubator, Lynn initially sought access to R&D facilities. However, the Arrow team at Durham University identified an opportunity to provide wider support through a detailed market research and competitor analysis project.

Led by Dr Matthew Littlefair, with input from wind turbine specialist Professor Grant Ingram, the study analysed global climate conditions to identify where turbine damage is most severe and where Kona's technology could have the greatest commercial impact. The research also provided valuable insight into competing technologies and market opportunities.

The findings helped Lynn refine her product strategy, strengthen her investment proposition and build a more evidence-based business case. The research has also supported Kona's ongoing growth, including securing a place on the highly competitive Sage Impact Entrepreneurship Programme, where the company was one of just 13 start-ups selected.

Lynn said: "Having the evidence and data has made my pitch deck much better. It is grounded in reality and having data that has been independently verified by experts from Durham University gives it real credibility."

Kona's collaboration with Durham University continues as the company moves into product testing and optimisation, helping bring its sustainable innovation a step closer to commercial deployment.

Arrow provides bespoke innovation support to help North East organisations develop innovative new products, services and processes by connecting them with specialist knowledge, facilities and research expertise from the region’s universities.

Arrow support is fully-funded for North East organisations thanks to funding from the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority through its Integrated Settlement Fund, and is delivered in partnership by Durham University, Newcastle University, Northumbria University and the University of Sunderland,

Discover how Arrow can support innovation in businesses based in County Durham, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Gateshead, Newcastle and Northumberland.