The Climate Innovation Platform (CIP) was a collaborative initiative launched in April 2021 by the University of Birmingham in partnership with Energy Systems Catapult. CIP aimed to support SMEs in commercializing energy technologies and services, contributing to the UK’s goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050. The programme offered comprehensive support to help businesses innovate and thrive in the clean energy sector, providing training, funding, 1:1 mentoring, workspace, and access to expertise.

Part -funded by HSBC UK and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), CIP welcomed applications from UK-registered businesses, particularly those that could benefit from the Climate Innovation Incubator at Tyseley Energy Park in Birmingham. Over four years, the programme supported 52 UK businesses.

Programme Structure

Phase One: Initial Support (6 months) Each year, 13 businesses received:

• Workspace Access: Up to 12 months.
• Start-up Grant: £5,000.
• Mentoring support through a dedicated Incubation Manager
• Masterclasses: Covered various business topics relevant to their stage and commercial maturity, including:
  • Identifying Target Market Sector
  • Planning the Business Model
  • Partnership and Route to Markets
  • Customer Value Proposition
  • Product Solution Design & Demo
  • Data to Deliver NZ Energy Solutions
  • Export Strategy
  • Investment Strategy and Investor Pitching
  • Competitor & Market Positioning

Phase Two: Advanced Support (Additional 6 months) After the initial six months, businesses were assessed on their progress. Five businesses were then invited to receive an additional six months of support, which included:

• Additional Grant: Up to £20,000.
• Focused Mentoring and Tailored task-based Support: On specific areas needing further support to move closer to commercialization, including:
  • Market and Customer Analysis
  • Product and Service Development
  • Business Strategy and Planning
  • Data and Digital Readiness
  • Regulatory and Stakeholder Engagement

The CIP Programme significantly impacted participating SMEs, driving growth and sustainability through targeted support and funding. SMEs involved made noticeable progress in their journeys. Some of their key achievements and successes over 4 years include:

• • • Grants: 55 grants awarded, totalling £19 million, enabling SMEs to develop products, expand operations, and enhance market presence.
    • Fundraising: 30 fundraising activities completed, raising an additional £17 million, crucial for scaling businesses and accelerating growth.
    • Job Creation: 115 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs created, boosting employment and supporting economic growth.
    • Survival Rate: An impressive 92% survival rate, indicating the effectiveness of the support provided.

Dr. Tim Delport, Head of Innovation Projects at Rendesco, said:

“It was great to work alongside CIP staff and tap into their innovation expertise. Their skillsets complemented and enhanced those of Rendesco professionals, raising the bar of the project work we teamed up on.”

Elaine Trimble, Co-Founder of PeerCo, said:

“Through CIP, PeerCo has been able to connect with companies where our tech and knowledge are needed. Only by testing and getting in front of potential customers can we be confident that our tech is actually meeting a real commercial need.”

The Climate Innovation Platform (CIP) proved to be a transformative initiative, empowering SMEs to innovate and excel in the clean energy sector. By providing tailored support, funding, and expert guidance, CIP drove significant progress towards the UK’s Net Zero by 2050 goal. The SME success stories highlight the programme’s impact and the promising future of sustainable energy innovation.