£9k grant funding available to Cleantech innovators

Linda Smith, founder and CEO of Worcestershire technology accelerator BetaDen

Innovators and businesses taking part in an industry-first Cleantech bootcamp in Wyre Forest will be able to access grant support worth up to £9,000 to help bring their innovations to life.

The grant, which can be used for a range of purposes including marketing activities and legal support, is part of package worth over £25,000 being made available to participants of BetaDen North Cleantech Bootcamp - an eight-week programme bringing leading experts from the Cleantech world to north Worcestershire to help local entrepreneurs and established businesses develop technologies that will lead industry supply chains towards Net Zero.

Councillor 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.”

Linda Smith, founder and CEO of Worcestershire technology accelerator BetaDen, added: “Alongside grant support, BetaDen North Cleantech bootcamp participants will have access to experienced mentors, skills-based masterclasses, guest speakers, networking and business introductions, as well as free office space at Wyre Forest House, to help them commercialise their ideas.

“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.”

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.

At the time of the project launch, 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.”

Applications to join BetaDen North Cleantech Bootcamp close on 25 March 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. The programme will culminate in a live pitch event to potential customers, partners and investors in June.

For further information and to register your interest, visit www.betaden-north.co.uk/bootcamp/ or call 01905 932532.