Clean tech innovators in the West Midlands to tackle transport challenges with university expertise
Monday 11 December 2023
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Companies delivering greener transport technologies will trial their solutions and receive funding and business support as part of the Clean Futures accelerator programme.
20 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 aims to support the West Midlands to be at the heart of the ‘Green Industrial Revolution’ and is led by Connected Places Catapult alongside Coventry University and the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation.
Companies chosen for the programme will each receive up to £50,000 to trial their solutions, 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.
Our team at Coventry University and the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) is extremely excited to support this West Midlands focused initiative to accelerate the development of clean technologies to help with the decarbonisation of our region, whilst generating local growth and local jobs.
This programme stands at the forefront of our commitment to fostering sustainable innovation. By engaging with 20 local SMEs, we are not only nurturing their potential but also catalysing the transformative impact of sustainable transport solutions. Our tailored approach in equipping these companies with cutting-edge skills and technologies underscores our dedication to shaping a cleaner, more efficient future in manufacturing and engineering.
Marcos Kauffman, Director of AME and Centre Director of the Coventry University’s Research Centre for Manufacturing and Materials
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 cleantech 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
The accelerator is a six month, challenge-led programme where 20 SMEs will receive funding to push the boundaries of their technology.
Find out about the 20 companies selected.
Learn about our Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering.
Find out more about the Centre for Advanced Low Carbon Propulsion Systems.
