In a world where sustainability is paramount, the UK government has set a clear target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This ambitious commitment underscores the need for transformative change across industries, especially in manufacturing.
The Made Smarter Innovation Sustainability Accelerator is a national programme, designed to enable UK manufacturers to fast forward their adoption of digital solutions that deliver resource efficiency and energy efficiency (REEE).
Funded by the Made Smarter Innovation Challenge and Innovate UK, the programme is led and delivered by Digital Catapult, designed to accelerate sustainable manufacturing and leverage cutting-edge technologies to drive environmental impact.
By joining this programme, participants will get the opportunity to be at the forefront of driving digital innovation and helping to transform the UK manufacturing industry into a sustainable powerhouse.
The programme operates in two phases:
Phase one – Prototype development
From February 2024, tech innovators will have the opportunity to apply for the open call. Following judging and contracting, eight selected companies will receive £75,000 funding and the support to develop a challenge focused proof-of-concept addressing some of the most pressing sustainability challenges in manufacturing. Successful applicants will work directly with the industrial sponsors and Digital Catapult to develop prototypes and leading solutions. During this phase, the companies will gain access to business expertise, sustainability masterclasses and access to facilities. The companies will have the opportunity to pitch, demonstrate product development progress and share lessons learned at the Midpoint Development Review online event in the week commencing 14 October 2024.
Phase two – Further prototype development within a pilot environment
Up to four companies will be down-selected from the original teams and will receive additional £100,000 to further develop their prototypes within a pilot environment. During this phase, the cohort will gain access to investment readiness modules and networks, mentorship, workshop and support from key manufacturing and industry leaders. These solutions will be presented to an audience of ICOs, investors, partners and industry stakeholders currently scheduled for February 2025.
The Made Smarter Innovation Sustainability Accelerator is a match-funded programme for small and medium companies that will be part of a select group at the forefront of digital innovation. This group of leading manufacturers will help to define the scope of challenges and be directly involved in the programme, the outputs of which will generate a direct impact on achieving a competitive edge for business.
The program offers several benefits to potential participants, targeting those who are interested in advancing their ideas or projects. These benefits include:
Selected companies will be provided with £75,000 funding to develop challenge-focused solutions. Up to four companies will get access to additional £100,000 funding for continued development of their prototype within a pilot environment.
Support network of industry and technology experts to help develop impactful proof of concepts and build new technology prototypes.
Group sessions with the other companies on the programme, sharing learnings and insights gained from the programme as well as previous expertise.
A focused session to help companies develop and build technology solutions for sustainability-focused manufacturers.
Engineering expertise to increase confidence in the product development and push the boundaries of the technology – this monitoring also includes inputs from Digital Catapult technologists.
The programme will increase a company’s investment readiness level through tailored support.
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If you have any additional questions about the Made Smarter Innovation Sustainability Programme, please email madesmartersustainability@digicatapult.org.uk
Register to find out how Made Smarter can support you on your digital journey.