Generation, storage and distribution of hydrogen - investment pitch opportunity for innovators

Innovate UK KTN are seeking innovators developing solutions that support the production, storage and distribution of green hydrogen, which if scaled, could have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions.

A video briefing is available below.

Who should apply?

Innovators should meet the following criteria:

• Solution has a place in the net zero carbon world of 2050 e.g. not a transitional technology, and not providing incentives for industries to continue carbon-emitting activities such as fossil fuel production
• Be Seed/Series A, looking to raise equity investment now or in the near future
• Company must be incorporated in UK or Europe
• At least two co-founders, likely scientists
• Solution is rooted in defendable, scientific innovation

We are keen to hear from teams of founders from a diversity of backgrounds, particularly from those typically underrepresented in science and engineering.

Alongside access to capital from investors active in hydrogen, this programme offers the opportunity to link with organisations that provide insights and connections, could support testing and demonstration of new technologies, connect with other supply side innovations, as well as potential future large scale users of hydrogen.

Please note that proposals in the following areas will not be considered: SaaS, websites, big data, AI, apps, digital marketplaces.

Process

Innovators are asked to submit their proposals through Innovate UK KTN’s online form, where full guidance and FAQs are provided.

Short guidance is given below each question, for convenience, but please refer to this longer guidance document and FAQ, as needed.

Submitted proposals will be checked for eligibility and assessed against predefined criteria. Feedback will be provided on all proposals that meet the eligibility criteria.

Leading proposals will be invited to the pitch day which will take place virtually. Innovators will be invited to deliver a 10 minute pitch, followed by 10-15 minutes of questions from the investor panel.

Key Dates:

Applications will close on Sunday 24th April at 23:59

Pitch day will be held on Wednesday 18th May, sessions 2-5pm

An informational webinar with Q&A was held on 4th April 13:00 – 14:00, watch the recording above or click here.

Investors

The investors in the programme have deep knowledge of, and are all active in, the hydrogen sector.

Zero Carbon Capital

Zero Carbon Capital backs early-stage companies on a mission to address the hardest problems of climate change.

IQ Capital

IQ Capital invests in early-stage deeptech businesses using hard-to-replicate technology in massive global markets.

Chrysalix

Chrysalix is a global VC fund that specializes in transformational industrial innovation. Its new fund focuses on carbon neutral and decarbonization solutions.

CEMEX Ventures

CEMEX Ventures, the corporate VC and open innovation unit of CEMEX, is an open and collaborative platform with a global focus to lead the evolution of the construction industry. We engage with the most innovative, sustainable and promising entrepreneurs to play, together, a key role in building the transition to a better planet and a sustainable future through decarbonization, recycling, circular economy and renewable energy sources in the built environment.

AP Ventures

AP Ventures, headquartered in the U. K., has been investing in the hydrogen industry since 2013 and is recognized as a leading venture capital fund across this value chain. AP Ventures manages $395 million of assets on behalf of 12 LPs and presently has a portfolio of 17 hydrogen technology companies.