Knowledge Centre

At the end of November, our Net Zero Living funded places came together for our quarterly cohort event in Blackpool. It was great to see so many people in attendance and the buzz of conversation and connections was amazing. We have been building this community since the start of our programme way back in March 2023, and it is so rewarding to see that the relationships that are being built here will continue far beyond our funding.

Quantum Science, a pioneering nanomaterial tech company based in Warrington, Cheshire, is lighting up the semiconductor and electronics sectors with its innovative quantum dot technology. As a participant in Innovate UK’s Scaleup Programme, the company has scaled its manufacturing capabilities, protected its intellectual property and accelerated its commercial reach, achieving a 500% year-on-year turnover increase and doubling its workforce.

Mat Zero Heat, a sustainability innovator based in Hexham, Northumberland, is addressing one of the most critical challenges faced by humanitarian efforts: providing safe and reliable heat to refugees and those living in makeshift shelters. The company’s three-part modular heating solution – comprising a heated mat, energy hub and solar panels – offers an innovative way to bring warmth to vulnerable populations. Innovate UK has played a pivotal role in helping Mat Zero develop this life-saving technology, providing crucial business growth support in preparation for commercialisation and internationalisation.

Langham Product, a Bath-based innovator, is transforming coffee retail with its innovative approach to sustainable design. Through its pioneering returnable and reusable coffee cups, developed in partnership with Circular and Co in Cornwall, the company has not only prevented thousands of disposable cups from ending up in landfill, but is also projected to achieve a remarkable 78% increase in sales over the next year. With tailored business growth support from Innovate UK, Langham Product is also boosting the UK circular economy, showcasing how innovation can drive growth and benefit society.

Bristol-based biotech company, Extracellular, is at the forefront of sustainable food innovation, developing cultivated meat products that promise to revolutionise health, environmental and food security. With bespoke business growth support from Innovate UK, Extracellular is rapidly scaling its operations, securing vital funding and making significant strides in the cultivated meat industry. The company has since raised £1.8 million in investments and secured more than £2 million in contracts from global customers.

East Sussex-based Beal’s Farm is revolutionising the UK’s charcuterie market with its award-winning premium Mangalitsa pork products. With bespoke business growth support from Innovate UK, this artisan business has achieved notable growth, equipping it to broaden its reach, build industry partnerships both in the UK and overseas and drive revenue. Beal’s Farm has since achieved a 43% increase in product sales, expanded its client base to include 10 Michelin-starred establishments and secured an innovation grant to drive sustainable farming practices.

Join us for an Innovate Local event in Northern Ireland to discover funding opportunities, connect with innovation experts and learn more about the grant application process.

Heimdal Satellite Technologies (HSAT) received Contracts for Innovation funding to develop groundbreaking solutions for predicting crop yields on a global scale.

Innovate UK, in partnership with Carbon Limiting Technologies, has made an Advance Market Commitment membership group to unlock investment for low-carbon concrete.