Wyre Forest District Council and Worcestershire technology accelerator BetaDen have launched an industry-first Cleantech bootcamp to help businesses develop and commercialise solutions to some of the biggest environmental challenges facing industries around the world.

BetaDen North Cleantech Bootcamp is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund and will see leading figures from the Cleantech world sharing their expertise with Cleantech entrepreneurs and established businesses alike, helping organisations develop the technologies required to lead industry supply chains to a net zero future.

The programme, which is delivered by Carbon Limiting Technologies (CLT), brings to life the real issues and opportunities for businesses arising out of the push towards Net Zero, which will impact businesses and organisations of all sizes across all sectors. The significance was brought sharply into focus at COP26, where over 40 governments signed up to ‘the Glasgow Breakthroughs’ – a series of commitments to speed up the development of clean technologies to help achieve key climate targets by 2030.

Ostap Paparega, head of North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “BetaDen North Cleantech Bootcamp is a fantastic opportunity for start-up, scale-up and established businesses to access specialist support to develop their Cleantech ideas.

“Promoting low- and zero-carbon technologies is a key part of the county’s industrial strategy and we have a wealth of innovative companies here that have the potential to make a real difference.”

The pilot programme begins with a series of four workshops delivered by some of the industry’s leading lights. These will illustrate the issues and challenges facing business but also highlight significant opportunities for Cleantech innovators. Eight companies will then be chosen to take part in a specialist Cleantech bootcamp, with participants receiving professional mentoring, commercialisation support and access to marketing funds to develop their ideas, before taking part in Dragon’s Den-style pitch to potential customers, partners and investors.

Linda Smith, founder and CEO of technology accelerator BetaDen, said: “The BetaDen North Cleantech Bootcamp is a pioneering programme that paves the way for a nationally significant centre of excellence for carbon reducing technologies to develop in the region.

“Participants will have access to advice and support from innovators who have truly been there and done it in this emerging field. Crucially, they will also be part of an invaluable network of peers, partners, potential customers and investors who can help them turn their Cleantech ideas into commercial success.

“The programme is suitable for start-ups, early-stage and established businesses alike, helping businesses meet their own environmental objectives, as well as providing guidance and contacts to make the most of commercial opportunities across a range of sectors.”

Companies and individuals interesting in joining the programme should register their interest at www.betaden-north.co.uk Workshops will take place at Wyre Forest House on Thursday 24 February and throughout March, with applications for the bootcamp programme closing on 25 March. The bootcamp runs for eight weeks from Tuesday 25 April, culminating in a live pitch event in June.

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