Clean-tech companies can transform

Looking for the next opportunity in energy efficiency? Perhaps you can draw some inspiration from an innovative US business named Transphorm.

Google Ventures recently invested a whopping $20 million into the start-up, which claims to prevent most of the energy loss that occurs in solar panels, electric cars and computer services.

Transphorm, which makes a form of electric power conversion technology, says its modules can recoup 90% of the energy that is lost when direct current or alternating current is turned into another form of power.

The technology is heavily reliant on gallium nitride – used in LED lighting – which Transphorm says is better suited to power conversion than the more popular silicon.

Google’s investment portfolio already includes companies involved in DNA analysis, anti-malware technology and even auto manufacturing. However, the investment team tends to look at clean-tech companies.

Australia is increasingly being looked upon as a leader in this area, so perhaps there is an opening for a local clean-tech company to offer something in the way of power conversion.