"We were very pleased to be accepted in such a prestigious programme."
Following previous successful years of supporting start-ups, the 2017 accelerator programme is looking for a new batch of talent, this year with an Energy focus. Innovation Birmingham’s accelerator will transform breakthrough ideas in energy with basic business models to investor and market-ready well positioned businesses.
Innovative clean energy technology companies can now apply to take part in the cleantech accelerator, the start-up programme run by Innovation Birmingham funded by Climate KIC.
Open to all UK start-ups that are less than two years old, the accelerator provides grants of up to €20,000 (£16,960) to its most successful participants. Non-financial support also includes coaching from business experts.
What does it offer?
Innovation Birmingham’s Cleantech Accelerator offers invaluable support to entrepreneurs. The programme consists of two stages. Stage one involves group and 1-1 mentoring with coaches enabling founders to build a business model canvas with validation plan, receive a bespoke needs analysis, solve skills issues and design a top quality pitch deck.
Stage Two offers financial support with grants of up to €20,000. This cash injection gives founders the opportunity and resource to resolve market entry and/or investment barriers identified in Stage 1 so that their clean energy businesses can reach their next stage of growth.
The programme also gives businesses access to many masterclasses, networking events and innovation fairs. These events can open new doors to potential collaborations and partnerships.
In addition, a 24-hour open working space is available for entrepreneurs to locate their businesses. Here they can connect with others and share experiences.
Leigh Ingram, Innovation Birmingham’s project manager for Climate-KIC, said:
“Every year, we continue to support a wide range of start-up business, with the aim of turning potential into successful products and services. Many of our start-ups go onto achieve great things and it’s a privilege to be part of their journey.”
Crop Intellect: Success Story
Crop Intellect is one example of a start-up that grew into a successful business through the Climate KIC Accelerator programme. After applying, owner Dr Apostolos Papadopoulos entered into the programme and made great use of the opportunities given. With the grant offered to him he developed his technology, which enables the capture of air pollutants and turns them into plant feed.
He was “impressed with the support and mentoring offered and were very pleased to be accepted in such a prestigious programme”. He also commented on how beneficial the use of the open working space was, where he could meet other start-ups and share experiences. Therefore, providing entrepreneurs the opportunity to network and build up their connections, which can prove vital further along the line.
Through the business support and grant offered by the Accelerator programme, Crop Intellect have been able to develop patent-protected products to further tackle climate change:
“The aim of my business has always been to reduce the negative effects of farming to the environment, combined with increasing yield.”
Crop Intellect has reaped the benefits after Climate KIC Accelerator. Therefore, it stands as proof that climate changing businesses can succeed.
The Ideal Entrepreneur
#Accelerator is back at @innobham – get your green business to market faster, email LeighI@innovationbham.com to express interest: pic.twitter.com/J2Tg5aGUTY
— Climate-KIC UK & I (@ClimateKIC_UKI) February 2, 2017
Innovation Birmingham’s Cleantech Accelerator is looking for sustainable clean energy technology and systems start-ups for the 2017 programme. To apply, start-ups should have an incorporation date under 2 years old (or none at all) and a motivated team of at least 2 founders/leaders. This is a fantastic opportunity for start-ups that are innovative and have a strong belief in their business plan.
The deadline is fast approaching. Start-ups need to apply by 10th March 2017. To apply, contact Leigh Ingram on 0121 250 3533 or email her on Leighi@innovationbham.com.
Join the Climate KIC Accelerator programme and watch your start-up flourish!
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