Follow Innovate UK's Global Expert Mission on Climate Tech in California, 26 October – 2 November 2024

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is set to lead a Global Expert Mission (GEM) focused on Climate Tech in California from 26 October to 2 November 2024. This initiative aims to connect UK businesses with key stakeholders in the US to foster innovation and collaboration in climate technologies.

Why California?

California is a global leader in climate policy and technological advancements. This mission will explore the vibrant innovation landscape in the state, enhancing UK businesses’ visibility and investment opportunities within the climate tech sector.

Objectives of the Global Expert Mission

• Building International Collaborations
  The GEM will facilitate connections with key organisations in California, enhancing collaboration to benefit UK businesses.
• Informing UK Businesses and Government
  Insights gained will be shared with UK businesses and government departments, highlighting potential innovation opportunities.
• Sharing UK Capabilities
  Experts will showcase the UK’s strengths in innovation during the mission.
• UK – USA Climate Tech Global Expert Mission
  According to the UN Technology Executive Committee, technology is vital to achieving national climate action plans and the goals of the Paris Agreement. Innovate UK will lead a GEM that brings together stakeholders from the UK and USA to exchange knowledge and showcase developments in Climate Tech, focusing on products and services.

Shared Capabilities

• Both the UK and California are leaders in climate policy and technology, making them ideal partners for collaboration.
• Strategic Importance
  Engagement with California, a hub for innovation and venture capital, will enhance the visibility of UK climate tech companies.
• Collaborative Projects and Research
  The mission aims to strengthen existing collaborations between UK and Californian academic and research institutions.
• Impact and Outcomes
  This GEM seeks to establish long-term partnerships and funding for climate tech innovations, fostering a conducive environment for sustainable practices.

Mission Objectives

• Gain Insights into the Climate Tech Landscape
  Understand innovation trends in climate tech within both regions.
• Understand Market Dynamics and Government Priorities
  Analyse market trends and priorities of the Californian government, identifying synergies with Innovate UK initiatives.
• Explore Collaborative Opportunities
  Identify partnerships for long-term engagement in climate technology innovation.
• Identify Potential Collaborators and Investors
  Pinpoint organisations interested in supporting climate tech development in California.
• Assess Key Geographical Hubs for Future Programs
  Visit innovation hubs in California and evaluate their capacity to support future Global Business Innovation Programs.

Areas of Focus

The mission will cover various themes, including:

• AI-driven decision-making tools
• Climate risk modelling
• Nature-based carbon capture
• Land use

Outcomes and Post-Mission Activities

A report detailing the mission’s findings and recommendations will be available 12 weeks post-visit. This report will guide Innovate UK’s future innovation activities and inform government policy needs.

Delegation

The delegation will consist of seven experts in climate technology, including UK government policy experts, representatives from research institutions, and leading businesses in the climate tech ecosystem. This delegation will provide critical insights and recommendations for future activities.

Follow us

The Innovate UK team is looking forward to expanding international collaborations with the US. Follow us on X.com (Twitter): @IUK_Global and #UKUSACLIMATETECH

About Global Expert Missions

GEMs are funded by Innovate UK and designed to build international collaborations with governments, societies, enterprises, institutions, and people from every corner of the globe. With global challenges requiring international perspectives, the programme aims to support the UK government’s ambition to be the international partner of choice and a global hub for innovation by 2035.