Apply now: £25k support for Cleantech innovators with BetaDen North

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Innovators and businesses developing new technology to help organisations achieve Net Zero targets are being invited to apply to take part in a specialist bootcamp worth £25,000 to help commercialise their ideas.

BetaDen North Cleantech Bootcamp takes place from the end of April, bringing leading experts from the Cleantech world to Worcestershire to help local entrepreneurs and established businesses alike develop technologies that will lead industry supply chains towards Net Zero.

The programme takes place over eight weeks and includes:

skills-based masterclasses
guest speakers, networking and business introductions,
free office space at Wyre Forest House
a pitch and demo day, when participants will be able to showcase their innovations to investors, customers and potential partners.

Participants will also be able to access grants worth up to £9,000 for a variety of purposes including marketing and legal support.

Linda Smith, founder and CEO of Worcestershire technology accelerator BetaDen, said: “Last Autumn, over 40 world leaders committed to the ‘Glasgow breakthroughs’ at COP26 - a series of commitments to speed up the development of clean technologies to meet 2030 Climate Pact targets. Here in the UK, we have also committed to a series of carbon budgets through the Climate Change Act, to help us meet our 2035 and 2050 goals.”

“These ambitious targets have implications for all businesses. They create huge opportunities and risks across every industry - from construction and manufacturing to transport, leisure and agriculture - as well as throughout the entire supply chain. While many businesses are already taking steps to reduce their Carbon emissions, delivering the reductions needed to achieve industry’s targets will require real innovation.”

“BetaDen North Cleantech Bootcamp is an industry-first, offering innovators and businesses the specialist support they need to develop Cleantech solutions for the real challenges facing local businesses. It is a model that has proven hugely successful for our technology accelerator BetaDen, which to date has helped four cohorts of fledgling technology companies bring new technology solutions to market; delivering world firsts, winning high-profile contracts, securing investment and creating jobs in the region.”

“Our vision for BetaDen North is to pave the way for a similar, nationally-significant centre of excellence for carbon reducing technologies in the region. I’d urge local innovators and established businesses with a Cleantech idea or Net Zero Challenge they’d like to bring to market to apply now to access this unprecedented, free support.”

Cllr Helen Dyke, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and Localism, said: “BetaDen North Cleantech Bootcamp is a fantastic opportunity for start-up, scale-up and established businesses within the Wyre Forest and wider North Worcestershire areas to access specialist support to develop their clean tech ideas. Promoting low- and zero-carbon technologies is a key part of the county’s industrial strategy and we have a wealth of innovative companies here that have the potential to make a real difference.”

Councillor Marc Bayliss, cabinet member with responsibility for Economy and Skills at Worcestershire County Council said: “The Community Renewal fund is a fantastic opportunity to make a real positive impact through funding imaginative new programmes that will boost productivity and grow local economies.

“I am delighted to see Betaden North’s plans and the launch of the workshops and bootcamp, the potential they have to make a big difference in the local community is huge. I would encourage people to get involved and sign up to learn more.”

BetaDen North Cleantech Bootcamp is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund and enabled by Wyre Forest District Council and Worcestershire County Council. The programme, delivered by Carbon Limiting Technologies (CLT), is designed to bring to life the real issues and opportunities for businesses arising out of the push towards Net Zero, which will impact businesses and organisations of all sizes across all sectors.

Applications to join BetaDen North Cleantech Bootcamp close on Monday 4 April with the programme onboarding on 26 April.

Eight business will be selected to take part, receiving tailored support and mentoring from industry leaders across a range of specialisms including market growth, developing the route to market, financial management, investment readiness, access to finance, and presentation and pitching skills.