DIATOMIC India Accelerator
West Midlands based companies developing clean technologies are invited to apply to take part in a new six-month export-led programme led by Connected Places Catapult in partnership with the West Midlands Growth Company and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.
Known as the DIATOMIC India Accelerator, the programme is designed to prepare up to eight small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with innovative solutions to pressing climate issues, to access the burgeoning Indian market.
Applicants must have their main operational base in the West Midlands, and have products or solutions that are at least of a Technology Readiness Level of six – which means they have been demonstrated in a relevant environment.
A total funding pot of £80,000 is on offer which companies can apply for to carry out trials. Successful participants also benefit from business support, the chance to trial their technology, and the chance to explore new collaborations with Indian stakeholders.
Winning companies will be invited to send one senior team member on two market visits to Delhi, the National Capital Region and Haryana in November 2024 and February 2025, with travel expenses covered including flights and accommodation. The visit in February will coincide with India Energy Week.
Three challenges have been set for the DIATOMIC India Accelerator:
- Future of Energy;
- Future of Mobility;
- Sustainable Urban Areas.
Companies who are welcomed onto the programme will receive tailored market readiness coaching as well as business support, pitch coaching and introductions to key commercial stakeholders.
The programme is aimed at growing bilateral innovation collaborations, trade and investment opportunities between India and the West Midlands – two markets recognised as having strong links in the past – as well as boosting jobs and growth for the UK.
Details of the three challenges for DIATOMIC India and eligibility criteria can be found below.
India offers great potential for the introduction of sustainable innovations to solve several pressing national challenges. These include tackling poor air quality, addressing a scarcity of water and deforestation. The country has also introduced several measures to introduce digital innovation through academic institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology and the Delhi Urban Mobility Lab.
