Aston University secures additional funding for eco waste project

A project led by Aston University that transforms organic waste into commercially valuable products has been awarded an additional £700,000 in government funding and extended for another year.

The Biochar CleanTech Accelerator, part of the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator programme, uses heat-based pyrolysis technology to convert materials like sawdust and factory waste into bio-oils, gases, and other low-carbon products.

These sustainable materials can then be used for heat, power, or turned into commercial goods.

The goal is to boost the region’s clean-tech industry and contribute to export contracts worth over £200m.

The West Midlands Combined Authority manages the initiative, and it is led by Innovate UK, operating on behalf of UK Research and Innovation.

It has helped Aston University’s Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) apply its advanced technical research directly with UK businesses, turning waste into opportunity.

Project lead Tim Miller said: “Last year we heard the project was being extended and now we are delighted to find out this month we will receive £700,000 in new funding. The Biochar Accelerator helps us collaborate with UK businesses to use knowledge, facilities and research to win contracts that benefit the region both economically and environmentally.”

“For example, last year our researchers used biochar, a sustainable form of charcoal, to make office items for the Birmingham law firm, Mills & Reeve. They were able to kit out their new city centre building with durable plant and pen pots made from material produced at our pyrolysis demonstrator. The next step is to explore use in the aircraft, car and construction industries.”

The Biochar Accelerator has already received £2.5m in total investment through the Innovation Accelerator scheme, which was launched in 2022 to support high-impact, locally driven innovation projects in the West Midlands, Glasgow City Region and Greater Manchester.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said: “The West Midlands has always been a region driven by innovation, and today we’re building on that proud legacy as a leader of the UK’s green tech revolution.

“The latest Innovation Accelerator funding means we’ve now invested £2.5 million in the pioneering Biochar CleanTech Accelerator. It’s helping businesses take sustainable, low carbon solutions to the world. They are turning waste products like sawdust and agricultural by-products into clean energy and better soil for food production. In the West Midlands, we’re investing in top talent and the cutting-edge research that’s turning climate action into economic opportunity, as well as securing the future of our region.”

The £700,000 is part of a new national £30m extension of the Innovation Accelerator programme, which backs local innovation efforts that can drive long-term economic growth and environmental impact.

Dean Cook, executive director for place and global at Innovate UK said: “The Innovation Accelerator pilot stands as a testament to the power of uniting national strategies with locally empowered decision-making. At the heart of our approach lies the principle of co-creation, recognising the wisdom of local people with a deep understanding of local strengths and knowing best their needs.”

“This local knowledge is complemented by our reach at Innovate UK as the national innovation agency, linking these regional clusters with opportunities provided by national and international networks both within Government and beyond. It is fantastic to secure additional funding for this programme which is making a meaningful impact on the lives of local communities whether that be improved access to healthcare, more efficient infrastructure or a cleaner and greener environment. I can’t wait to see what can be achieved in this next iteration of the programme.”