By fostering collaboration, investment, and cutting-edge clean technologies, the Clean Futures programme is supporting the West Midlands’ transport sector to be at the heart of the green industrial revolution.
Clean Futures is a transformative programme aimed at stimulating economic growth, increasing industry engagement, and accelerating the commercialisation of clean-tech solutions in the West Midlands and beyond. The programme is based in Dudley and Coventry and led by Connected Places Catapult in partnership with BCIMO and Coventry University.
The initiative is designed to support the development and diversification of transport manufacturing supply chains, enabling the transition from fossil-fuel-powered to clean-tech solutions. SMEs benefit from funding to develop, demonstrate, and scale their clean-tech innovations in collaboration with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and a broader network of industry partners.
Clean Futures has focussed on fostering long-term sustainability, bringing together the innovation community to drive economic growth, create jobs, attract new investment, and connect buyers and suppliers to address the challenges of clean transport.
Inspiration
The Clean Futures programme is driven by a commitment to advancing sustainable transport solutions. The programme focuses on:
- Supporting SMEs in the clean-tech sector through funding and resources
- Driving innovation in electric vehicle components, road freight alternatives, and greener transport infrastructure
- Fostering collaboration between businesses, investors, and industry leaders to accelerate commercialisation
- Raising awareness about decarbonisation challenges and guiding SMEs through the transition to net-zero operations
- Through structured engagement and collaboration, the programme has facilitated over 1,500 networking opportunities, supporting clean-tech SMEs in refining their innovations and scaling their businesses
Innovation and Impact
- 57 full-time jobs created
- 39 businesses supported in clean-tech development trials
- £129.6million in co-investment secured
- 135 formal business and investor introductions
- 1,500+ networking opportunities facilitated
Conclusion
The Clean Futures Innovation Accelerator is playing a vital role in shaping the future of clean transport by driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and securing investment in the West Midlands. By equipping SMEs with the resources, connections, and funding they need, the programme is accelerating the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon transport sector while contributing to job creation and economic growth.