Clean Futures Accelerator: Trial Opportunity for West Midlands SMEs

Test and validate your clean technology with funding (up to £50,000) and expertise from Coventry University’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing.

Opportunity Details

When

Registration Opens

27/05/2025

Registration Closes

06/07/2025

Award

Projects can receive £10,000 to £50,000 each. Provision of in-kind match funding equivalent to 100% of the requested funding amount is required (e.g. personnel costs, materials).

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The Clean Futures Accelerator programme is looking for West Midlands SMEs who have innovative solutions to the following challenges: Net Zero Manufacturing, Future Fuels, Clean Energy Conversion or the Circular Economy. Successful applicants will have the chance to conduct a 6-month trial (2 months planning, 4 months testing) in collaboration with Coventry University. A total funding pot of £300,000 has been made available with projects receiving £10,000 to £50,000 each. Participating SMEs must provide in-kind match funding equivalent to 100% of the requested funding amount (e.g. personnel costs, materials).

The Clean Futures Accelerator invites applications for innovative solutions that tackle four specific challenge areas, in addition to an open challenge. To be considered, your technology, product, or service should address at least one of the challenge themes below. These challenges are aligned with the strategic ambitions of the West Midlands to protect and grow its economy and businesses, decarbonise key sectors, particularly manufacturing and transport, and to accelerate progress toward a Net Zero economy. The challenges are:

  • Challenge 1: Net zero manufacturing
  • Challenge 2: Future fuels and material
  • Challenge 3: Clean energy conversion
  • Challenge 4: Circular economy
  • and an open call for applications that broadly support the aims of the Clean Futures Accelerator and the wider transition to a Net Zero economy.
  • Required:

    • A registered United Kingdom company address.
    • Registration or operational base within the West Midlands region.
    • Demonstrable alignment of the proposed solution to one of the specific programme challenges.
    • Commitment to undertake travel to and attendance at all scheduled face-to-face meetings and events held within the West Midlands.
    • Commitment to complete the development, testing, or demonstration of the proposed solution within a real or relevant environment, utilising Coventry University test site facilities.
    • Provision of in-kind match funding equivalent to 100% of the requested funding amount (e.g. personnel costs, materials).

    Encouraged:

    • A registered United Kingdom company address located within the West Midlands Combined Authority region.
    • An innovative technology or solution currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or above.
  • The West Midlands has huge potential to drive jobs and growth through harnessing the power of innovation. As identified in the West Midlands Plan for Growth, the region is the centre for key growth clusters for advanced manufacturing and home to the ‘Green Industrial Revolution’.

    Clean Futures is supporting the West Midlands’ transport sector as it transitions away from fossil fuels towards clean tech and is driving economic growth in the region by accelerating the route to market for SMEs in the sector. The programme is being led by Connected Places Catapult alongside partners Coventry University.

  • Entering its third year and building on the success and achievements of two previous cohorts, the Clean Futures Accelerator offers a unique opportunity for 10 ambitious SMEs to accelerate the validation and commercialisation of their clean technologies. A core component of this 6-month, challenge-driven accelerator is the provision of rigorous technical trials designed to test and validate their innovative solutions in real-world scenarios. These trials are supported by a dedicated funding pool, with two levels available to suit different requirements.

    The programme offers Standard Trials, funded between £10,000 and £25,000, providing essential resources for focused testing and validation projects. For SMEs requiring more extensive project testing, there is also the option to apply for Comprehensive Trials, with potential funding ranging from £25,001 up to £50,000. The scope and complexity of the proposed trial, alongside an in-kind match funding contribution from the applicant, will determine the appropriate trial category.

    This year’s programme is in collaboration with Coventry University, leveraging their expertise, extensive industry network and advanced facilities to provide comprehensive technical trial support.

    In addition to the technical trial opportunities, participating SMEs will benefit from commercial support valued at up to £250,000. This includes bespoke consultancy provided by Connected Places Catapult and our partners, offering strategic guidance to senior leadership on key business growth areas. Support may include, but is not limited to, facilitating market entry strategies and enhancing operational efficiency, contributing significantly to the SMEs’ future success. Furthermore, the programme offers valuable showcasing opportunities to connect with industry stakeholders and investors, alongside opportunities for PR and press engagement to elevate the visibility of participating companies.

  • We are seeking innovations that reduce industrial emissions through the application of Manufacturing 4.0 technologies, such as digital tools, automation, data-driven optimisation, and process innovation. Around one-third of the West Midlands’ regional emissions stem from industrial activity, particularly concentrated in areas like the Black Country.

    This challenge focuses on accelerating the adoption of advanced manufacturing solutions that enable more efficient, low-carbon production. Innovations that reduce the embedded carbon in manufactured products, delivering the same or improved performance with lower carbon intensity, are especially encouraged.
    Solutions may come from manufacturers directly, or from technology providers and consultancies working with delivery partners to pilot and scale across industry.

  • In addition to the four core challenge areas, we welcome applications that broadly support the aims of the Clean Futures Accelerator and the wider transition to a Net Zero economy. The Open Challenge offers flexibility for SMEs with high-potential solutions that may not align precisely with one of the defined themes but still contribute meaningfully to the West Midlands’ clean growth agenda.

  • If you have any questions about the programme and application, please contact:

    Harriet Muscroft, Accelerator Programme Manager, Connected Places Catapult. harriet.muscroft@cp.catapult.org.uk

    Supporting documents

    Terms and conditions

    Application guidance

    Challenge specification

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