· Michele Memoli
Architect-Entrepreneur's Vision to Democratise Architecture Wins £50k Innovate UK Grant
- Innovate UK
- Grant
- HTCHNews
Rubporn ("Ponk") Memoli, a Thai architect and co-founder of HTCH ("hatch"), has secured a critical £50,000 grant from Innovate UK – the UK's leading innovation agency. This prestigious award fuels her mission to dismantle barriers in the architecture and construction (AEC) industry, to make it more accessible for everyone.
HTCH tackles a long-standing problem in the world of architecture: the disconnect between professionals and homeowners. By democratising building information (3D models, technical drawings) and clarifying building processes, HTCH empowers everyone to participate in shaping their living spaces. This grant signifies a major milestone for Ponk and HTCH, providing vital resources to scale their impactful solution and bridge the gap within the industry.
"I'm thrilled to have Innovate UK on board," says Ponk. "This grant comes at the perfect moment for HTCH, allowing us to make architecture more open and inclusive. It represents a giant leap towards achieving our vision of empowering individuals to understand and engage with their built environment."
Innovate UK received over 2,100 applications for this highly competitive funding round, highlighting the appetite to fuel innovation in the UK. Ponk's proposal and dedication to inclusivity resonated with the judges, securing her a position among the chosen few.
With this grant, HTCH will extend into the construction stage, linking site issues directly to 3D models and drawings in real time, instead of the usual trail of emails and WhatsApp messages. The goal is the same one behind the rest of the product: let the architect see what's happening on site without having to chase it down.
HTCH's web-based platform, accessible from a phone, gives teams one shared, up-to-date picture of the project rather than scattered updates across channels.
With this grant and business mentorship from Innovate UK, HTCH continues building toward that goal. Follow HTCH's journey to democratise architecture.