Global collaboration to develop innovative net zero solutions
UK businesses to collaborate internationally to develop innovative net zero products and services via Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living Programme.
Innovate UK has completed the round of funding competitions under its Net Zero Living programme with a series of awards to small and medium sized businesses (SMEs), to help them provide net zero products and services that meet the needs of markets and users.
Net Zero Living is a three-year £60M programme which invests in helping places and businesses accelerate the transition to net zero. It has already awarded funding of over £30M to 52 places all around the UK, helping local authorities and their partners develop and deliver ambitious projects to accelerate the net zero transition.
Digitalisation, data and user focused design
The latest funding focuses on helping SMEs develop new products and services that take into account two important considerations in maintaining momentum towards net zero. The first is the vital role of digitalisation and data in net zero projects, and the second is the application of user-focused design principles to ensure that products and services meet real customer and market needs.
A final strand of the programme creates opportunities for UK businesses to collaborate internationally, working on innovative solutions with partners facing carbon reduction challenges in Africa and Asia.
Under the data and digital competitions, a total of £4.5m has been awarded across 60 projects focused on applying data, digital and AI technologies to help accelerate take-up of carbon reduction measures. Subject areas include building retrofit, housing and infrastructure planning, and greener commuting.
Awards under the Net Zero Living user-focused design competition, in partnership with the Design Council, are helping ambitious, early-stage growth businesses to develop net zero products or services that are focused on user needs. This includes using ‘living laboratories’ to test their products or services with end users. Over £3.5m funding has been awarded to 48 projects.
Related programmes
Net Zero Living
Innovate UK’s £60 million, three-year Net Zero Living programme aims to help regional authorities and businesses accelerate the transition to net zero, across the UK and internationally.
Net Zero Places Innovation Network
Making net zero a reality in the UK by supporting local/regional authorities to achieve their net zero ambitions by connecting, collaborating, sharing experiences and adopting innovation.