Specifically, the Carbon Trust Entrepreneurs Fast Track scheme will provide a customised package of research and development funding, expert advice and enhanced networking opportunities, to UK clean-tech ventures with the highest growth potential.
The launch of the scheme was developed after consultation with more than 400 early-stage clean-tech companies from across the UK, who ranked ’proof of concept’ and prototype building/testing as the two most valuable types of support needed to move towards technology commercialisation.
This was followed by the need for assistance in protecting knowledge by navigating the complex issue of intellectual property and access to seed or venture-capital finance.
Tom Delay, chief executive of the Carbon Trust, said: ’The UK has great entrepreneurial talent and many promising low-carbon ideas. But early-stage companies struggle to make the transition from concept to commercialisation owing to the high-risk nature of such ventures, and the associated difficulty in attracting financing and managerial talent. The Entrepreneurs Fast Track scheme aims to de-risk these ventures by advancing technology development and building a solid commercial foundation for growth.’
A number of emerging clean-tech firms across the UK have already benefited from Carbon Trust support, including Bath-based G-volution, which has developed a lower-cost, lower-emission dual-fuel system for the commercial transport sector.
Any entrepreneur, start-up or spin-out company with a genuinely innovative low-carbon idea or technology should visit www.carbontrust.co.uk/fast-track to find out more about the application process.
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