57321Protection of highways workers from Covid 19 whilst maintaining and repairing highways and pavementsClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKProject pothole has been a venture which has vexed the nation for a decade. The 2020 budget saw the government commit long overdue funds, but the Covid 19 pandemic has now stopped all but emergency repair work. This means that when drivers and cyclists return to the roads, the hazards from potholes continue and if no meaningful repairs are carried out before the winter, then the roads may be severely effected next year. One of the main issues faced by highways operatives, who are classed as key workers, is an inability to social distance. Most repair maintenance requires operatives to work in gangs of 2 or 3 men, sitting in the same lorry cab and unable in the performance of their duties to work in an isolated and safe manner. Rejuvetech Ltd has developed an innovative asphalt repair technology which uses fresh air to repair the roads. The innovative process uses a nitrogen generator which draws in air from the atmosphere, separates the oxygen from the nitrogen, and then by using a specialist heater, heats the nitrogen which is used to meld the old asphalt and when mixed with the new, forms a seamless bond thereby producing a durable repair. The unit is designed to sit on the back of a trailer or flatbed lorry, with a hot box, and thus can be used on any size of road with minimal road interruption. The project has reached a final stage of needing a full scale working prototype to take it out on the roads for testing and demonstration. The de minimis funding will be used to finalise the prototpye and because the technology is so adaptable the unit can be used on a sole operator basis during the pandemic. The process is already UK patent protected and the funding to scale up the prototype will speed up the ability to maintain roads safely and protect jobs in a safe and efficient manner. Following the Innovate award to Rejuvetech Ltd earlier in 2020 the company has been successful in fabricating and utilising a full scale demonstrator of the patented technology. The additional extension funding will allow additional necessary improvements to the apparatus to facilitate a more efficient demonstrator to maximise the quality of commercial demonstrations of asphalt repair. This will give the maximum possible value for the use of public money. The intention, following commercialisation with suitable partner(s) is to manufacture both 'off the shelf' and bespoke units, tailored to individual customer requirements here in the UK. It is the intention of Rejuvetech Ltd to use this technology to address the ongoing 'pot hole' problem using its sustainable methodology maximising and retaining job and wealth creation. Ultimately, the company intends to responsibly export the technology via UKTi ultimately benefitting society and the environment in both the short and longer term.