Join us on 19th February 2026 at Coventry University’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering to mark the culmination of three highly successful years of the Clean Futures programme - a flagship regional programme funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) that has strengthened its clean transport and manufacturing ecosystem by enabling 48 impactful SME trials, leading to £103M in commercial contracts, as well as sparking new pathways to investment and industry adoption. 

What to Expect:

• Presentations: Discover breakthrough solutions from accelerator participants, spanning reuse of industrial heat, satellite‑driven insights, clean manufacturing innovations, and more. 

• Live Demonstrations: Experience hands‑on technology showcases that reveal real‑world applications in decarbonisation, manufacturing efficiency, and advanced engineering. 

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with innovators, investors, researchers, and industry leaders shaping the future of clean mobility. 

• Impactful Insights: Hear how collaborative projects across the region are delivering net‑zero solutions, accelerating commercial readiness, and driving new investment opportunities. 

Over the three years of Clean Futures, the programme has:

• Attracted strong SME participation, with consistent engagement across the region — particularly in the Black Country 

• Delivered 48 technical trials, improved trial processes, and supported SMEs to commercialise cutting‑edge technologies that accelerate decarbonisation. 

• Introduced new innovation mechanisms, including the Innovation Circuit and the Clean Futures Fund to meet the TRL7 to 9 ‘valley of death’ 

• Fostered collaboration between academia, industry, investors, and local government 

This event is more than a showcase - it’s a celebration of three years of progress, partnership, and transformational innovation. Whether you’re an investor seeking high‑growth opportunities, an industry leader exploring sustainable solutions, or a technology enthusiast, Clean Futures Demo Day is your gateway to the next wave of clean‑transport innovation.  

SMEs:

Alucast | Turning recycled aluminium scrap into sovereignty: powering the UK with sustainable primary aluminium 

BG Bullas | Grinding scrap plastic for reuse in plastic extrusion manufacturing 

B&G | Thermal Energy Reclamation & Modular Utilisation System 

EarthSavvy | Timely insights to drive your net-zero journey: space data made simple 

Global Nano Network | Transforming battery manufacturing with proven dry-process engineering 

Magrenko | Friction based collet joints enabling faster, cleaner, and fully scalable solutions for pre-cast concrete piling 

Aqueris | Atmospheric Water Harvesting system using metal-organic frameworks 

Thomas Dudley | Waste Segregation and Reuse Strategy at Thomas Dudley Foundry 

Agenda:

09:30 - 10:00 | Arrival, Registration and Refreshments

10:00 - 10:15 | Welcome from Connected Places Catapult, WMCA and Coventry University

10:15 - 11:00 | Cohort presentations

11:00 - 11:15 | Break

11:15 - 12:15 | Cohort presentations

12:15 - 13:00 | Lunch

13:00 - 13:20 | Panel Discussion

13:20- 15:00 | Demonstrations

15:00 | Event close and networking

About the Clean Futures Accelerator  

Clean Futures is a flagship regional programme funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) as part of its commitment to driving innovation and economic growth in the region through its Innovation Accelerator. The initiative supports the West Midlands transport sector in its transition away from fossil fuels towards clean technologies, aligning with WMCA’s net-zero ambitions. Through challenge-led accelerators, technical trials, and commercial support, Clean Futures helps SMEs scale sustainable solutions, strengthen local supply chains, and create high-value jobs—particularly in areas like the Black Country, which WMCA identified as a priority for inclusive growth. This collaboration ensures that innovation translates into tangible regional impact, fostering a cleaner, more competitive manufacturing ecosystem. 

About the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator 

Led by Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation, the pilot West Midlands Innovation Accelerators programme invested £100m in 26 transformative R&D projects between 2022-25 to accelerate the growth of three high-potential innovation ecosystems – Glasgow City Region, Greater Manchester and West Midlands. The programme was boosted by an additional £30m of public funding for 2025/26 spread equally across the regions. Innovation Accelerators is piloting a new model of R&D decision making that empowers local partnerships to harness innovation to drive regional economic growth, attract private investment, and develop future technologies.