news

Clean tech innovators in the West Midlands to tackle transport challenges

Companies delivering greener transport technologies will take part in trials and receive funding and business support as part of the Clean Futures accelerator programme.
A large group of people stands in front of a "Clean Futures Accelerator" sign, posing for a group photo inside a modern building.

Twenty firms at the leading edge of efforts to reduce the transport sector’s reliance on fossil fuels have been announced as participants on the Clean Futures accelerator programme in the West Midlands.

Clean Futures is led by Connected Places Catapult alongside programme partners the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation, Coventry University and CU Services Limited.

Companies chosen for the programme will each receive up to £50,000 to trial their solutions over the next six months, and address one of five challenge areas associated with the rail and automotive manufacturing sectors. The challenges cover greener electric vehicle components; the circular economy of transport; road freight alternatives; greener transport infrastructure; and future fuels.

The accelerator will also provide bespoke technical and commercial support as well as networking and showcasing events to connect the SMEs with industry and financial partners.

“Working with our excellent partners, the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation, Coventry University and CU Services Limited, the Clean Futures accelerator programme aims to really move the needle in the West Midlands by supporting the most exciting clean tech innovators.

Connected Places Catapult is delighted to be supporting the 20 small to medium sized companies in this first cohort of the programme, and we look forward to seeing their ideas develop.”
Alex Weedon, Executive Director, Connected Places Catapult, SME Development and Academic Engagement

Meet the 20 companies and their innovations:

AceOn Group (trading as AceOn Battery Solar Technology) has developed a portable energy storage system using second-life electric car batteries, as an alternative to diesel powered generators.

Adelan will demonstrate its solid oxide fuel cell (hydrogen technology power generator) as a cleantech solution for applications including boats, trucks, planes, trains and cars to enable energy systems to decarbonise.

Box Tube has developed a rapid vehicle loading solution for tote boxes, which promises to reduce emissions by enabling efficient and convenient transfer between road and rail.

ChangeMaker 3D is developing a concrete printing technology for the UK rail sector. It is printing and installing a 3D printed toilet pod, which can integrate rainwater harvesting and solar power.

Coexlion has created a Smart Utility Case to fit to the Verdemoto food delivery vehicle to reduce last mile carbon emissions, and reduce short car journeys. It uses IoT connectivity to link orders with the vehicle.

Composite Braiding will demonstrate the net zero benefits of using lightweight advanced composites to manufacture sustainable and lower cost structural components.

Duck Tours (trading as Seahorse Amphibious Vehicles) is using second-life electric vehicle  components to electrify amphibious passenger vehicles, to promote resource efficiency.

Gaussion designs magnetic systems that improve battery performance, and aims to significantly reduce charging times and increase the lifespan of batteries for use in automotive applications.

Global Nano Network has developed a high performance current collector, designed to dramatically improve the cycle life and discharge rate of li-ion and next generation batteries.

Harry Needle Railroad Company and Advanced Hydrogen Technologies are installing a hydrogen injection system and a carbon capture unit on to a test locomotive to improve the environmental and fuel efficiency of diesel locomotives.

Hixal has developed a high power, high voltage Power Distribution Unit (PDU) and Control System for its mobile, off-grid, ultra-fast chargers with zero emissions.

Hy-Met has created a rapid and non-contact battery inspection solution to evaluate battery cell quality, that offers data crucial for new regulatory procedures such as a ‘battery passport’.

Intelligent Power Generation (trading as IPG Energy) is delivering a clean, fuel-agnostic generator to help businesses accelerate their transition to renewable fuels for distributed power.

Nedra is developing a lightweight electric vehicle using natural fibre composites, to significantly cut carbon emissions over its lifetime compared to other urban delivery and taxi electric vehicles.

Newreg (trading as car.co.uk) is pioneering a digital platform using AI to perform vehicle inspections at the point of collection, while a dynamic pricing model evaluates a vehicle’s market value.

PowerUp Off-Grid Services is pioneering sustainable ‘Energy as a Service’ solutions, starting with the replacement of fossil fuel generators with its AI-driven battery ‘PowerStations’.

TaiSan Energy develops sustainable and low-cost battery packs for the automotive sector and has built sodium-ion battery packs, designed for micromobility vehicles.

Universal Signalling has developed a novel signalling architecture to create a step-change in the simplicity, cost and flexibility of railway signalling and train control systems.

Varamis Rail is working on a fully-electric express rail logistics business using existing 100mph former passenger trains repurposed to carry parcels, to allow freight to move between train and last-mile sustainable delivery solutions.

White Motorcycle Concepts is developing a first/last mile hybrid motorcycle with enhanced battery capacity, with a view to producing a commercially available vehicle by the middle of 2024.

Image of a cityscape at dusk with the Clean Futures Accelerator Cohort Brochure text prominently displaying the program and its lead partner Catapult. Additional partners are listed at the bottom.

Clean Futures Accelerator Cohort Brochure

File type: pdf

File size: 34.3Mb

Download Report

Clean Futures is being led by Connected Places Catapult in collaboration with the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation, Coventry University and CU Services Limited. It is part of the wider West Midlands Innovation Accelerator, which is designed to bolster the region’s innovation and R&D capability and spark commercial growth and investment. The West Midlands Innovation Accelerator is delivered in partnership with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Innovate UK and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

opportunities

Shaping the Future, Today

Applications are now closed
A cityscape featuring a tall central skyscraper surrounded by various modern buildings under a partly cloudy sky during sunset, reflecting efforts in climate change mitigation through sustainable architecture.

Future Focused Solutions for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation – Open Call and Investment Forum for UK and UAE Businesses

The COP28 – Net Zero Mitigation & Resilience Solutions for the UAE programme is seeking to develop long-term, business led research and innovation collaborations between UAE based investors and SMEs and the UK to address pivotal climate change mitigation and resilience challenges.  
 
Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s Gulf Strategy Fund, this programme is responding to three opportunities outlined in the 2023 iteration of Dubai Future Foundation’s The Global 50 future opportunities report. The challenges have been chosen to create collaborations that merge local and UK expertise.  
 
We will work with Dubai Future Foundation and Expo City Dubai to offer UK and UAE SMEs the opportunity to connect and collaborate on solutions to three challenges focusing on minimising environmental risks, harnessing nature’s capacity to restore itself and radically changing ways of life by replacing the models that countries, communities and individuals live by. 
 
For each challenge, we will select 4 SMEs, two based in the UK and two based in UAE to showcase their solution to the challenge in Dubai at the end of March 2024. The selected companies will also present their business to a selected group of UAE– based investors at an Investor Pitch Evening. Where appropriate and viable, the showcase presentations may be selected to be installed at Expo City Dubai, or other suitable venues, for a period of 3 months.

Application Support Webinar

We will host an application support webinar on 23 January.

This webinar will cover the background to the programme, the challenges it is aiming to address, how the programme will benefit SMEs, guidance on how to apply and information on the application process.

Timeline for a support program from Dec 5, 2023, to March 2024, including application opening, webinars focusing on climate change mitigation, evaluations, interviews, and support programs leading up to a mission to UAE.
Close-up of a car tire with deep treads on a gravel surface, showing part of the vehicle's wheel and undercarriage, emphasizing the necessity for efficient designs in climate change mitigation.

Looking up at a modern glass building surrounded by green leafy trees with the sun shining through the foliage, it's clear that climate change mitigation efforts are at play in this serene urban oasis.
A well-lit, cylindrical tunnel with pipes and conduit cables installed along both sides extending into the distance, designed to support climate change mitigation infrastructure.

Whats’ on offer to SMEs?

6 UK and 6 UAE companies will be selected to participate in this programme and benefit from tailored support from Connected Places Catapult experts, and funding leading up to the presentation of their solutions and investor pitches.

UK Based SMEs will be provided with financial assistance up to £10k in total value to develop their showcase presentations and cover the travel and accommodation for the trip to Dubai in March 2024.

UK SMEs will receive:

  • Workshops to prepare their showcase presentations.
  • Funding to create a showcase.
  • Bespoke support from Connected Places Catapult to prepare for investment pitches
  • A trip to Dubai which will include:
    • An Investment Summit
    • A Showcase Event
    • In-country networking and introductions

UAE SMEs will receive:

  • Bespoke support from the Connected Places Catapult to prepare for investment pitches.
  • A trip to Dubai which will include:
    • An Investment Summit
    • A Showcase Event
    • In-country networking and introductions
    • Excursions

Am I eligible for this programme?

UK SME eligibility criteria for UK organisations:

  • You must be a registered UK company.
  • You are ready and willing to collaborate and showcase your solution in the UAE.
  • You need to be export-ready, but no previous export experience is required.
  • The technology on which your solution (product or service) will be based should be TRL 3-4 and above, e.g., at proof of concept stage or above.
  • Desire to expand internationally.

UAE SME eligibility criteria:

  • You must be a registered organisation according to your national legislation.
  • You are ready and willing to collaborate and showcase your solution.
  • You need to be export-ready, but no previous export experience is required.
  • The technology on which your solution (product or service) will be based should be TRL 3-4 and above.
  • Desire to expand internationally.

How to apply

Please register through the link below. Applications close midnight 28 January 2024

Supporting documents

A group of people sit around a table in a modern office, engaged in discussion and working on laptops and tablets. A woman stands and addresses the group.

Point of contact

If you have any questions about the programme and application, please contact:

Megan Ford, SME Ecosystem Support Officer, megan.ford@cp.catapult.org.uk  

Application Support Webinar

We will host an application support webinar, with a date to be confirmed shortly.

This webinar will cover the background to the programme, the challenges it is aiming to address, how the programme will benefit SMEs, guidance on how to apply and information on the application process.

A man with gray hair and glasses in a blue suit on the left. On the right, a woman with a bun wearing black and gray holds a virtual reality headset, showcasing how innovators are using VR technology to improve road safety.

Meet the innovators

In this episode we meet two companies that have had to navigate the innovation rollercoaster to get to where they are.

Innovating isn’t easy. It’s risky, it’s fraught with failure, and there’s no guarantees of success. In this episode we meet two companies that have had to navigate the innovation rollercoaster to get to where they are. Both companies have been supported by the Connected Places Catapult at various points in their journey. They have each developed two ground-breaking products and collected some great stories to tell along the way. Our in-house journalist, Mike Walter, spoke to Eugene Bari, the CEO and Managing Director of Ecomar Propulsion and Dr Victoria Kroll, CEO & co-founder of Esitu Solutions. Ecomar Propulsion builds zero emission propulsion systems for the maritime industry, whilst Esitu Solutions is on a mission to improve road safety and reduce the number of driving accidents using virtual reality technology. Theme music on this episode is by Phill Ward Music (www.phillward.com)

Show notes

To read the full article on Ecomar Propulsion or Esitu Solutions, click on the link. To read more articles in our ‘Meet the Innovator’ series, click here. To register for our inaugural Connected Places Summit, being held in London on 20-21 March 2024, click here. To find out more about what we do at the Connected Places Catapult and to hear about the latest news, events and announcements, visit cp.catapult.org.uk and do sign up to our newsletter!

Follow the show

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Please also take a moment to write a review and rate us so that more people can hear about the podcast and what we do at Connected Places Catapult.

Transcript

Full transcript is available here.

events

Smart City Expo World Congress 2023

Welcome to the new urban era
Smart City Expo World Congress logo. Text: "7-9 November 2023, Barcelona & Online." Several colorful geometric shapes are shown below the text.

Event finished: 9th November 2023

Visit the UK Pavilion Powered by Connected Places Catapult in Hall P1, stand 61, to discover exciting technological innovation from partners from across the UK.

Sam Markey, our Ecosystem Director, Place Leadership, will co-host an insight-rich event on innovation-friendly procurement with pioneering place leaders from across the world, on the UK Pavilion on Tuesday, 7 November, from 14:00.

On Wednesday, 8 November, our Principal Place Development Leader, Catherine Hadfield, will Chair a session on the role of Innovation Districts in the digital future of cities and regions, from noon.

News

Decarbonisation and automation innovators join Maritime Accelerator as Royal Navy confirms support

AI supply chain management, autonomous security drones and emission reduction technologies are among the innovations selected to receive expert support.
A group of people, both men and women, stand together smiling in a well-lit, modern conference room with a large screen behind them. They appear to be at a professional event or meeting.

Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport, and place leadership, today announced the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) selected to take part in the 2023 Maritime Accelerator.

The companies selected are developing technologies that respond to challenges in the sector around automation and decarbonisation. These areas of focus were identified by the programme partners: DP World Southampton; Houlder; Maersk; the National Shipbuilding Office; Port of Tyne; Serco and the University of Plymouth. These partners have recently been joined by the Royal Navy, which has agreed to provide support to SMEs on the accelerator.

“The Royal Navy is a major user of the UK’s port facilities and maintains an active interest in the development of new technologies that can give our vessels, operations and supporting infrastructure a strategic advantage. By collaborating with Connected Places Catapult we hope to provide subject matter experts on the Accelerator with valuable access and insights to help them develop their innovations.”
Commodore John Voyce, Commanding Officer of HM Naval Base Portsmouth

Over the next three months, the cohort of SMEs will receive bespoke business development, investment readiness and technical support from Connected Places Catapult. They will also gain access to expertise and insights from the programme partners, and an opportunity to explore and design trials with them, funded through the accelerator where applicable.

Meet the SMEs selected for the Maritime Accelerator:

Cargo Stream UK provides a platform that encompasses essential management and integrates AI for the maritime and land transportation industries.

Geospatial Insight brings together data analytics with satellite imagery to help clients in the maritime sector to monitor air quality and greenhouse gas emissions.

Mission Zero Technologies develops negative emissions solutions to recover CO₂ from the atmosphere for circular use or permanent removal.

PurEmissions has developed filtration technology that allows vessels and ports to meet strict emission limits and reduce their carbon footprint.

Unitrove Innovation provides zero emission fuelling infrastructure such as green liquid hydrogen, green compressed gaseous hydrogen and renewable electricity for maritime applications.

Unmanned Life has developed a software platform known as U-Security that deploys autonomous drones for security surveillance at port facilities.

“Decarbonisation and operational efficiency through automation are top of the agenda for many companies in the maritime sector and the UK has a rich tradition of leading the way in the development of new maritime technologies. Working with our partners, we’re helping the sector to continue this tradition by supporting innovative companies to rise to today’s challenges and build tomorrow’s solutions.”
Mark Wray, Ecosystem Director for Maritime and Ports at Connected Places Catapult
A busy port with shipping containers and cranes at sunset. The text reads "Maritime Accelerator 2023 Cohort Brochure," with a logo at the bottom labeled "Catapult Connected Places.

Maritime Accelerator 2023 Cohort Brochure

File type: pdf

File size: 22.37Mb

Download Report
News

Carbon reduction champions shortlisted in National Highways programme

Innovative low carbon approaches to road construction and maintenance will receive funding and business support.
Group photo of Accelerator cohort

Seven companies have been selected to join a carbon reduction competition organised by National Highways and Connected Places Catapult.

Innovative ideas put forward to proceed to the second phase of the National Highways Accelerating Low Carbon Innovation Programme include a climbing robot that carries out structural inspections, ‘smart fibre’ plastic bridge beams that monitor structural performance and low carbon fencing materials.

Each shortlisted company will receive between £15,000 and £30,000 to develop their proposals in collaboration with National Highways and several Tier 1 suppliers. Connected Places Catapult will provide coaching, help with marketing strategy and investment support.

The seven companies and their ideas making it through to the next stage of the competition are:

Asset International Structures (Cwmbran) – Developing smart fibre reinforced plastic bridge beams that incorporate optical fibre, enabling structural performance monitoring in real time.

Circular11 (Ferndown) – Providing durable, low carbon fencing and acoustic insulation products; turning mixed low-grade plastic waste into composite material.

HausBots (Birmingham) – Delivering a series of structural inspections using a unique climbing and crawling robot fitted with inspection sensors.

Loopcycle (London) – Creation of a whole life carbon measurement and circular economy tool for use across highway estate assets.

Low Carbon Materials (Seaham) – Delivering a carbon negative aggregate for use in carbon neutral asphalt.

PRG (Scotland) (Hamilton) – Turning waste tyres into useful materials such as a bitumen-like substance for use in road construction and repairs.

Xeroc (London) ­­–­­ Recycling old concrete into new concrete, returning each component to its original form with as little contamination as possible.

Alex Weedon, Executive Director, Connected Places Catapult, SME Development and Academic Engagement said: “National Highways’ goal of achieving net zero emissions involves finding innovative solutions to support decarbonisation, particularly in the maintenance and construction of the strategic road network.

“Connected Places Catapult is proud to have been chosen as a delivery partner for this accelerator project. We look forward to supporting the SMEs in the development of their solutions, and turning bright ideas into commercial products and services.”
Alex Weedon, Executive Director, Connected Places Catapult, SME Development and Academic Engagement

National Highways aims for its maintenance and road construction activities to generate net zero emissions by 2040.

The competition set four challenges for innovative companies to address with their new ideas: alternative materials; decision making enablers for asset management and the whole life value of assets; enablers for the circular economy; and an open challenge.

“We want to speed up innovation within our sector and adopt new solutions. The innovation accelerator will help take potential solutions and drive them through the research and testing phases.”
Dr Joanna White, National Highways Roads Development Director
A rural highway bridge with a road underneath, amidst green fields, promoting the "National Highways Accelerating Low Carbon Innovation Programme 2023 Cohort." Logos of Catapult and National Highways are present.

National Highways Accelerating Low Carbon Innovation Programme Cohort Brochure

File type: pdf

File size: 214.86Mb

Download Report
Project

Unlocking the Value Chain of EVs and Micromobility in India

Unlocking the Value Chain of EVs and Micromobility in India has the goal of fostering mutually beneficial relationships between UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Indian stakeholders within the electric vehicles (EVs) and micromobility sectors.
A modern, illuminated arch structure with streetlights glows under the nighttime sky. Buildings stand tall in the background while people and vehicles, including micro-mobility options, navigate near the structure.

This initiative, funded by Innovate UK, is dedicated to working with Indian subnational governments to address the key challenges that hinder the wider adoption of EVs and the transition to net zero across India. In doing so, we aim to create valuable opportunities for UK innovators to access India’s rapidly growing market.

Project Objectives 

Our project is designed to achieve the following key objectives:

  • Identify and Validate Market Challenges: We will work closely with Indian stakeholders to identify and validate critical market challenges and gaps in the EV and micromobility sectors that need to be addressed.
  • Select Innovative UK SMEs: We will identify and select UK-based SMEs that offer innovative solutions to address these identified market gaps and challenges, ensuring they are well-positioned to meet the needs of the Indian market.
  • Facilitate Knowledge Exchange: Through a series of knowledge exchange events, we will provide UK SMEs with the necessary tools, information, and insights to effectively collaborate with Indian stakeholders.
  • Promote Long-Term Partnerships: Our program is committed to promoting sustainable, long-term partnerships between UK SMEs and local stakeholders in academia, industry, and government across India.

Our Vision

We envision a future where India’s journey towards net zero is accelerated by cutting-edge solutions from UK innovators. By unlocking the value chain of EVs and micromobility, we aim to support bilateral trade, drive investment, and foster equitable and inclusive economic growth in both nations. Through this programme, we are not just addressing immediate market needs but also laying the foundation for enduring collaborations that benefit all involved.

This initiative is being implemented by Connected Places Catapult in collaboration with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office in India, and local partners. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable mobility in India and beyond.

Learn more

Watch our two Knowledge Sharing webinars.

Opportunities for UK SMEs in the Indian Electric Two- And Three-Wheel Micromobility Market
Report

Opportunities for UK SMEs in the Indian Electric Two- And Three-Wheel Micromobility Market

This report supports Connected Places Catapult’s knowledge-sharing programme for UK SMEs looking to enter the Indian E2/3W vehicle ecosystem by partnering with Indian companies.

Contact the project team 

If you’d like to work with us or find out more, please email aline.martins@cp.catapult.org.uk

events

Connected Places Networking Reception at UKREiiF

Join local government, built environment leaders, and regional, national and international investors to close Day 1 UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF)
Night view of a modern urban waterfront area, featuring illuminated buildings, a canal, and a full moon in the sky.

Event finished: 16th May 2023

Connected Places Catapult is pleased to invite you to the Connected Places Networking Reception, an official UKREiiF event.

Meet existing and new key stakeholders and industry experts, national and international local government, investment community and built environment stakeholders driving the levelling up agenda, innovation and green finance. You’ll learn more about the Cities Commission for Climate Investment (3Ci) and Connected Places Catapult flagship initiatives in the levelling up and green finance agenda.

Venue: The Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, LS10 1LT, Leeds
Room: The Tournament Gallery

Places are limited to 200 attendees only. If you would like to attend please register your interest as soon as possible and we will get back to you if you have been successful.

Please note that to attend this reception you need to have a valid UKREiiF delegate pass. If you don’t, unfortunately you won’t be able to attend.

news

Innovations sought to help National Highways on road to net zero

Applications to a National Highways competition seeking new approaches to reducing emissions associated with road construction and maintenance are now open.

Funding to develop innovative trials of net zero carbon approaches to road construction and maintenance will be offered to up to ten small to medium sized businesses in a competition launched today by National Highways and Connected Places Catapult.

Phase one of the National Highways Accelerating Low Carbon Innovation Programme will see winning UK based firms awarded between £15,000 and £30,000 each to develop feasibility studies in collaboration with the strategic road operator and its tier one suppliers.

Phase two will see further funding of up to £80,000 provided to support a selected number of organisations to trial their solutions.

Applicants are invited to put forward proposals that address at least one of three challenges:

  • Development or application of alternative materials and techniques;
  • Innovations that can improve asset management decision-making;
  • Innovations which can contribute to reusing, redeploying and recycling construction materials and assets.

There is also an open challenge category for other ideas that can contribute to National Highways’ target of zero emissions in maintenance and construction by 2040.

Up to five larger tier one organisations will also be selected to develop net zero solutions either on their own or in collaboration with an SME, but will not be eligible for funding as part of the programme.

Firms interested in putting themselves forward for the competition have until midnight on 30 April to enter.

The aim of the competition is to reach a wider pool of innovators, exploring firms with potential outside of National Highways’ existing supply chain, that promise to make a difference in lowering its carbon footprint.

“National Highways’ Accelerating Low Carbon Innovation Programme is open to companies of all sizes – from tier one firms developing solutions in-house or collaborating with SMEs, to smaller businesses who do not always get the chance to interface with large clients – to showcase their innovative ideas and see how they can be scaled up.”
Connected Places Catapult’s Executive Director for SME Development & Academic Engagement, Alex Weedon

The innovation accelerator seeks to take new materials and solutions described as being ‘low maturity’ and put them through a consistent, standardised process of prioritisation, feasibility and initial trialling, with the aim of assessing viability for wider testing and adoption.

Successful firms will be offered coaching and help with marketing strategy and investment support, as well as trial design training, deployment support, trial monitoring and evaluation. There will also be the chance to take part in a demonstration day for investors, industry and potential customers and ten months’ tailored business support.

“We want to speed up innovation within our sector and adopt new solutions. The innovation accelerator will help take potential solutions and drive them through the research and testing phases.”
National Highways Roads Development Director, Dr Joanna White
events

8th annual Sustainability Week

Empowering businesses to accelerate action on sustainability
Banner for the 8th Annual Sustainability Week by Economist Impact, taking place from March 29th to 31st, 2023 in London, UK, with an option for virtual attendance. "Register" button on the right.

Event finished: 31st March 2023

Join over 1000 leaders, businesses, financiers, investors, NGOs and policymakers in London and more than 4,500 attendees online to ensure you are part of the sustainable future.