The rail industry in the West Midlands is poised to lead the way in transforming transport towards a greener future following Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport, and place leadership, announcing the opening of applications for the pioneering Clean Futures Accelerator program.
With grants of up to £50K and expert support on offer, this initiative is a game-changer for small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region, presenting a unique opportunity for organisations to make a lasting impact on the environment while tapping into the area’s renowned transport manufacturing heritage.
The Clean Futures Accelerator is a multi-million-pound programme that offers businesses the opportunity to submit solutions to clean transport challenges, with a range of bespoke technical and commercial support available to applicants, as well as networking and showcasing events to connect with industry and financial partners.
A total of £1 million is available to support up to 20 companies selected to take part in the first year of the Clean Futures Accelerator, with each receiving up to £50K of funding which must be matched in-kind (for example, with labour) by the SME.
The programme is being led by Connected Places Catapult in collaboration with the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation, and Coventry University. It is part of the wider West Midlands Innovation Accelerator, which is designed to bolster the region’s innovation and R&D capability and capacity to spark commercial growth and investment.
SMEs that can address one of five challenges are being sought for the Clean Futures Accelerator, which have been developed around the rail and automotive manufacturing sectors, along with related supply chains.
The challenges to be addressed include:
- Greener EV components: Design or produce components which reduce embodied carbon across the vehicle lifecycle
- Circular Economy of transport: Design or manufacture solutions to reuse or recycle batteries and other vehicle components
- Road freight alternatives: Design or produce systems or sub-systems enabling alternatives to traditional road freight, including using existing infrastructure, facilitating multi-modal freight transportation and exploring shared transport solutions
- Greener transport infrastructure: Design or produce cost-effective solutions for clean transportation infrastructure
- Future Fuels: Produce, transport or store alternative fuels such as hydrogen, biofuels or synthetic fuels
Of the 20 SMEs selected for the first cohort, applications that are focused on developing rail solutions will be supported by BCIMO for the duration. Over a period of six months, successful applicants will receive:
- Up to £50K in funding to develop and test solutions (which must be matched in-kind e.g., labour time)
- Access to BCIMO’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its unique Rail Development and Test Site, a dedicated Clean Futures collaboration area and private meeting rooms
- An engineering support package
- A commercial support package
- Networking and showcasing events
- Access to the Clean Futures Catalyst, bringing together the wider West Midlands transport community
They will also benefit from commercialisation support from the full team to ensure that they are ready to maximise their impact. In addition, all applicants will have the opportunity to join the Clean Futures Catalyst, a network bringing together the wider West Midlands business community to enhance the region’s capacity for clean technology.
Discussing the launch of the Clean Futures Accelerator, Neil Fulton, Chief Executive of the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation, said:
“The Clean Futures Accelerator is a unique opportunity for SMEs operating in the rail sector to leave a legacy on the future of the West Midlands. We’re seeking forward-thinking organisations who can bring real innovation to the table to address the challenges that will help us reach our journey to a net zero transport network.
Neil added:
“The incentives for SMEs working in the rail sector is huge – alongside the funding grant they will receive access to BCIMO’s world-class testing and demonstration facilities. If you’re an SME already working in the rail supply chain or looking to move into it, then the Clean Futures Accelerator is for you, and we’d love to hear about your ideas so get in touch!”
With applications now open, the Clean Futures Accelerator presents an unparalleled opportunity for rail industry organisations in the West Midlands to be at the forefront of sustainable transport innovation. By joining this exciting program, companies can play a pivotal role in shaping a greener, more sustainable future for the region’s transport sector.
Visit the BCIMO website to read more about how it is supporting the Clean Futures Accelerator.
