UK low carbon solutions challenge opens for smart energy solutions

The low carbon energy solutions innovator challenge, launched by the Climate Innovation Platform (CIP) is aimed at supporting businesses dedicated to driving energy innovation.

Interoperable and digital solutions are among those from SMEs that can apply.

Delivered by the University of Birmingham in partnership with Energy Systems Catapult, the Innovator Challenge has been designed for SME innovators working on low carbon energy solutions.

The programme offers successful applicants packages of support to drive the commercialisation of energy products and services.

Applications are open to SMEs registered in the UK, particularly those able to attend in-person workshops in Birmingham. SMEs developing solutions in the following categories are encouraged to apply:

• Active, interoperable control systems for more efficient local energy system operation
• Leveraging data for digital platforms, services and business models accelerating the transition to net zero
• Innovative low carbon generation or infrastructure technologies for the built environment
• Energy storage innovations
• Energy from Waste innovations
• Infrastructure innovations speeding up electric vehicle adoption
• Energy storage and smart local energy system innovations for network optimisation
• Hydrogen generation solutions for transport
• Low carbon heating and cooling innovations for the built environment
• Innovations to decarbonise the textile sector, especially natural solutions for product supply chains and renewable energy sources

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Selected participants will benefit from:

• Energy Launchpad Incubation Program
• Cash grants of up to £5,000 ($6,000) during phase one (five businesses from each cohort will progress to phase two and access grants up to £20,500 ($24,900)
• Incubator management and workspace at Tyseley Energy Park in Birmingham’s Green Energy and Innovation Quarter
• Business engagement support through the University of Birmingham
• Tailored mentoring
• Access to supply chain partner networks
• Market research and IP strategy
• Collaboration and event invitations
• Grant writing and bid development
• Investor readiness and introductions

The application window for the fourth cohort of the CIP low carbon energy solutions innovator challenge closes at 9am on Monday, November 20, 2023.