£1m to fuel development of green transport

Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator, is seeking applications for the Clean Futures Accelerator’s second round.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with innovative ideas can seek support and funding to address one of four challenges in the green transport sector.

A £1m fund is allocated to assist 20 selected companies in this second year of the program, with each eligible for up to £50,000 in funding.

Led by Connected Places Catapult, the initiative collaborates with the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO), Coventry University, and Coventry University Services.

It’s part of the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator, aimed at boosting the region’s innovation and R&D capabilities.

Companies applying must address challenges in four areas, including clean and efficient vehicle manufacturing and assembly, cost-effective solutions for a clean transportation infrastructure, future fuels and open challenges.

Connected Places Catapult’s chief executive officer, Erika Lewis said: “The Clean Futures Accelerator aims to identify companies and solutions which promise to transform transport provision in the West Midlands, which is a region renowned for delivering innovation over the years. We look forward to hearing from businesses with novel ideas that could provide greener and more sustainable outcomes for both the rail and automotive manufacturing sectors.”