Just a few months ago, Insta GmbH launched its new brand, AUTARIC empowered by Insta. Under the brand's umbrella, innovative products in energy management will be introduced in the future. The initial launch was in March this year with the AUTARIC KNX Smart Grid Interface, which helps users intelligently connect heat pumps with PV systems, smart meters, and KNX. This industry novelty was presented at the Light + Building trade fair the same month, where it impressed with its compatibility and ease of use.

Insta GmbH receives German Innovation Award 2024

Today, just a few months after the official product launch, Insta GmbH has not only convinced the trade fair audience but also the jury of the German Innovation Award: Insta GmbH had already been nominated for the award in the past and continues its successful award history. The expert jury awarded Insta GmbH the German Innovation Award 2024 for its product AUTARIC KNX Smart Grid Interface in the category "Excellence in Business to Consumer: Smart Living" as a "Winner".

"The awarding of the German Innovation Award for our AUTARIC KNX Smart Grid Interface confirms that we are on the right track with our first product. We also aim to contribute to a more sustainable world with future AUTARIC products," commented Alfred Vrieling, Managing Director of Insta GmbH, on the announcement.

The German Innovation Award recognises pioneering products that demonstrably offer users a sustainable added value. In the case of the AUTARIC KNX Smart Grid Interface, this means: users can easily and fully automate the integration of their photovoltaic system or heat pump, manufacturer-independently and with a single device – for a cost-effective and technically optimal energy flow in the home. The AUTARIC product line marks an important step towards autonomous energy supply.

"The AUTARIC KNX Smart Grid Interface intelligently connects PV systems, smart meters, and the KNX bus, using existing information to control the various operating modes of heat pumps via the standardised SG Ready interface. This increases the autonomy rate and contributes to energy-optimised buildings," added Daniel Feykes, Unit Leader Product Management at Insta GmbH. "We see the market need and are very pleased with the award, which underscores the product's innovative performance."

Innovation: from manufacturing to market launch

A key factor that made a decisive difference in the product launch was the product's development itself. The AUTARIC KNX Smart Grid Interface was developed entirely agilely according to Lean principles. This ensured that the product met the highest quality, speed, and planning standards throughout the entire creation process. Through constant close exchange at each individual interface, the company succeeded in ensuring that the product met high product standards and was developed within an open organisational culture.

The economic and fiscal circumstances further favour the sustainable success of modern energy management: for instance, the new version of §14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) will benefit the heat pump market. The new regulations can make the operation of heat pumps more cost-effective and attractive through intelligent control of electricity consumption and specific incentives such as investment grants. The new legal version supports the use of heat pumps during periods of high renewable energy generation, contributing to grid stability and reducing the need for costly grid expansions. Additionally, the legal change promotes the reduction of CO2 emissions and increases the demand for environmentally friendly heating systems – motivating both industry and end consumers to invest.

Current measures to achieve climate goals in Europe will also drive the demand for intelligent energy management solutions further.