CLEAN FUTURES ACCELERATOR INTRODUCING: THE WINNERS IN RAIL
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Locally-led Innovation Accelerators delivered in partnership with DSIT, Innovate UK and City Regions
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Showcasing the UK’s clean transport solutions of the future
W
elcome to this Clean Futures Accelerator promotional supplement, which places the
spotlight on the competition’s winning rail SMEs and their clean tech solutions, which will help drive the UK’s future lowcarbon transport economy. As we reach the halfway point in the Accelerator programme, it is an ideal time to reflect on the journey so far and look ahead to the work that will be taking place over the next six months, as the winners look to develop and trial their innovations ahead of demonstrating them to a live audience. This exciting programme will see the rail industry in the West Midlands lead the way in transforming transport towards
Light Rail National Innovation Centre
a greener future, in a collaboration
(VLRNIC) and its Rail Development and
sets the stage for a dynamic and
between Connected Places Catapult,
Test Site. Those involved in the automotive
prosperous future in clean technology for
the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities,
sector will receive support from Coventry
both the West Midlands and the wider UK
transport, and place leadership, the
University, which offers bespoke support
and I’m very excited to be leading the SME
Black Country Innovative Manufacturing
and commercialisation services and
engagement at BCIMO’s Very Light Rail
Organisation (BCIMO), Coventry University
automotive testing at the university’s
National Innovation Centre.
and CU Services Ltd
Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and
With grants of up to £50K and expert support on offer, this initiative is a game-
The Clean Futures Accelerator initiative
Engineering and the Centre for Advanced
What is the Clean Futures Accelerator?
Low Carbon Propulsion Systems.
The Clean Futures Accelerator is being led by Connected Places Catapult in
changer for small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region, presenting
The programme
collaboration with the Black Country
a unique opportunity for organisations to
During the 6-month programme, the
Innovative Manufacturing Organisation
make a lasting impact on the environment
winners will receive bespoke coaching and
(BCIMO), Coventry University and CU
while tapping into the area’s renowned
mentoring from a variety of trusted experts,
Services Ltd. The programme forms part
transport manufacturing heritage.
based on an initial assessment of their
of the wider West Midlands Innovation
unique business development needs. They
Accelerator delivered in partnership with
Supporting SMEs with funding and
will also be enrolled into the wider Clean
the West Midlands Combined Authority,
world-class facilities
Futures Catalyst. This will bring together
Innovate UK, UK Research and Innovation,
A total of £1 million has been made
the wider West Midlands transport
and the Department for Science,
available to support 20 companies
community, encouraging networking and
Innovation and Technology.
selected to take part in the first year of
knowledge sharing between innovators,
the Clean Futures Accelerator, with each
local businesses, industry partners, service
promotional supplement and learning
receiving up to £50K of funding which
providers, and local government bodies.
more about the exciting innovations that
In this supplement, BCIMO’s winning
will drive the UK’s low-carbon transport
must be matched in-kind (for example,
I hope you enjoy reading this
with labour) by the SME. The winners are
SMEs will be profiled and you will learn more
also being supported throughout their
about the ground-breaking innovations
solutions of the future.
commercialisation journeys, with those
and the strategic partnerships that
Naomi Arblaster, Head of SME
involved in the rail sector being granted
will be formed during this collaborative
Development, Black Country Innovative
access to BCIMO’s purpose-built Very
accelerator programme.
Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO)
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AceOn Group: Battery and energy storage innovations to replace diesel generators
F
ounded by Group CEO Mark
£4.6 million project to develop battery and
electric batteries into container energy
Thompson, who has over 30 years
hydrogen technology to power marine
storage for 2nd life usage.
of experience in Battery Energy
vessels used for servicing offshore wind
Storage and the design, manufacture and supply of batteries and battery
turbines in the North Sea. The Group’s aim on the Clean Futures
With the global Clean Energy market expected to grow from $110B (2021) to $330B by 2027, AceOn is seeking
packs, AceOn Group (trading as AceOn
Accelerator Programme is to help
investment to grow its offering and help
Battery Solar Technology) is one of the
customers transition to clean energy
the construction industry replace diesel
UK’s leading battery manufacturers.
solutions by replacing their petrol and
generators with its portable battery
diesel generators with portable swappable
solutions and provide circular economy
battery generators.
solutions to other automotive OEMs
The company specialises in batteries and renewable technologies and has a key focus with off-grid solutions. Products ranging in
Ace-On is developing 2nd Life Energy
size from consumer AceOn AAAs up to multi-
Storage and has repurposed 2nd Life
megawatts battery energy storage systems.
EV Modules to create a portable energy
With entrepreneurism and innovation
storage product from leading automotive
at its core, AceOn is the lead partner in a
OEMs. The company is also re-purposing
to design into an AceOn range of PES (portable energy storage) products. Find out more about AceOn Group at www.aceongroup.com
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Adelan: Pioneering the global hydrogen economy
A
delan is the longest running British
others. Adelan’s science is global and this
proprietary know-how relating to the
fuel cell company which develops
knowledge, network and expertise offer the
development and manufacturing processes
low carbon products for the clean
firm’s key values.
of fuel cell technology has been amassed by
energy market and offers unique fuel cell
Adelan’s Fuel Cell is fuel agnostic and is
system sales and strategic partnership to
a ‘Green Bridge’ between fossil fuels and
customers looking to decarbonise their
clean H2. It consumes a small amount of
firsts: one powering a cherry picker with
products and businesses. Their product
gas with low maintenance costs thus easily
a fuel cell through a UK Innovate-funded
portfolio includes mobile generator fuel
used remotely or as a back-up. A 100W cell,
project and most recently installing a fuel
cells and reporting software for electric
bottled propane is circa 10% of the cost of
cell on an auxiliary power unit on a train for
cars, plant machinery, camper vans,
an H2 equivalent fuel and runs for nearly
Colas Rail.
homes and construction sites.” to make
three times longer.
the business sound more personable..
The Adelan patents cover several
Adelan, over more than 25 years. In the last year, Adelan has had two world
Adelan is seeking funding to upscale its manufacturing capabilities in the Midlands,
Adelan offers many years of experience
applications and prototype products that
develop its product offering and grow its
in fuel cells and advanced manufacturing,
have been built to establish Technology
team to execute its business plan.
and it has built a network of key strategic
Readiness Level (TRL) 7 by the UK
partners including Rolls Royce, Airbus,
Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).
To learn more about Adelan
Engie, Johnson Matthey and many
In addition to patents, well-protected
visit: www.adelan.co.uk
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Boxtube: A transformative loading system to help the logistics sector deliver its net zero goals
B
oxTube’s Rapid Vehicle Loading
BoxTube offers rapid loading and unloading
increasing its TRL. The firm will also improve
System uses standardisation
– an HGV can be loaded or unloaded with
its MRL by fostering supplier relationships,
to dramatically improve the
660 totes in under a minute – which allows
designing for production and possibly
efficiency of handling smaller items.
much better use of driver and vehicle
setting up production methods for some of
Standardisation is a proven efficiency
assets. The system is ideally suited to rail,
the bespoke parts. It also aims to undertake
strategy in logistics. The shipping
with 16,000 totes being loaded onto a
a market validation project with a potential
container has improved handling
10-car train in under a minute. This means
future customer, using real-world logistics
efficiency with larger ships, specialised
the most efficient transport mode can be
data to model the implementation of the
cranes and direct road and rail loading.
used for each leg of a journey. The system
BoxTube system for them.
Similarly, pallets have enabled forklift
is compatible with all rail gauges and so
BoxTube is seeking funding to prepare
trucks and other equipment to be
can use electric rail which has 95% lower
for its first customer live trial – and have
developed to transform their handling.
emissions compared to road freight.
the flexibility to stage the investment over
The BoxTube systems can do the same
BoxTube aims to utilise the Clean Futures
the development period if necessary. The
with the humble tote box – a reusable
Accelerator Programme to advance to the
company has growth plans far into the
container perfect for depalletised freight,
point of investment readiness so that it can
future, with a system that benefits from
post and parcel and other small item
proceed to market entry in around two years.
network effects and synergistic growth the
distribution. The BoxTube system can improve fill by
During the program, the company will
more widely it is used.
look to produce a second-generation
up to 50% compared to current methods
prototype to demonstrate BoxTube working
such as roller cages or dollies. In addition,
on rail with improved component parts,
Learn more about BoxTube at: www.boxtube.co.uk
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ChangeMaker3D: Saving the planet, one layer at a time
W
hat if you could have a library
together with the end-to-end supply
The firm has been working with HS2
of assets, ready to print at
capability that supports production.
to help the project become cleaner,
By 2030, ChangeMaker3D aims for
greener and faster and became the
the touch of a button?
Printfrastructure to capture a 2%
first to do onsite 3D concrete printing.
ChangeMaker3D in 2017, energised
Natalie and Luke founded
share of the market, removing 5%
Also been the first to deploy a water
by the potential to use emerging
of all carbon from the sector. It is a
retaining chamber for United Utilities.
technologies as a force for good.
sustainable building company, aiming to
Having witnessed stark inequality at a
save the planet, one 3D layer at a time.
and construct the first 3D-printed
community level, they were determined
Changemaker 3D aims to play its part in
toilet pod, which has been funded by
to combine their passions for print
looking at CO2 emissions generally and
Transport for Wales in the first phase,
innovation, skills and partnerships to
wider global impact. The company is well
at BCIMO’s Very Light Rail National
create a lasting legacy.
placed to capitalise on a commercial
Innovation Centre (VLRNIC).
3D concrete printing combines state-
basis and a sustainable footprint.
ChangeMaker3D is looking to deploy
ChangeMaker3D is seeking
of-the-art robotics with print innovation. A
ChangeMaker3D’s model is based on
component such as a wall is designed and
designing complex products and printing
first Printfrastructure™ hub set up in the
digitally modelled. The robot then prints
faster and greener, disrupting the
Midlands, including a printing facility
the component layer by layer, piping low-
construction industry by offering printing
and team to bring opportunities to
carbon mortar to an exact specification.
both onsite and offsite. Aspiration to
clients as the company scales up.
Printfrastructure™ is ChangeMaker3D’s
investment for 2024 that will see the
have hubs in every county in the UK by
trademarked identity for 3D concrete
2030 and longer-term, a printer on every
printed infrastructure components,
major scheme nationwide.
Find out more about ChangeMaker3D at: www.changemaker3d.co.uk
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Powerup Offgrid Services: Replacing generators with PowerStations Furthermore, PowerUp’s EaaS solution contributes to local economies by creating long-term, semi-skilled jobs for technicians responsible for the efficient transport of power. Our commitment to sustainability places the rail industry as an integral part of the local energy eco-system, demonstrating a comprehensive approach across various industries. As we advance our network and partnerships, including collaborations like the Clean Futures Accelerator, we aim to
P
accelerate progress towards achieving
owerUp is a forward-thinking
enabled swappable batteries and flexible
net zero targets across industries such as
energy solutions provider,
battery energy storage. A distinctive
construction, utilities, mobility, and rail,
specialising in innovative
aspect of our operations is the “just-in-
demonstrating a commitment to advancing
technologies that usher in a new era of
time” battery replacement strategy,
sustainable practices and technology.
sustainability. Our primary focus is on
guaranteeing a continuous and reliable
revolutionising traditional energy systems
green energy supply at the point of use. We
we will work closely with BCIMO to create a
across diverse industries by moving to a
excel in providing tailor-made Energy as a
baseline for a more accurate understanding
proactive, prediction-based approach
Service (EaaS) models, leveraging in-house
of actual emissions. The off-road machinery
instead of being reactive or scheduled.
hardware and software capabilities.
sector faces a challenge due to the
PowerUp’s core activities revolve around
Crucially, our proactive approach
lack of comprehensive policy, strategy,
the replacement of fossil fuel generators
achieves more with less, strategically
and regulation, making it unfeasible for
with our cutting-edge PowerStations. Our
deploying swappable batteries to move
operational companies to accurately report
approach goes beyond traditional average
power precisely to and from the point of
on actual emissions and energy efficiency.
discharge rate methods; we employ a
use through the existing transport networks.
This absence of a standardised framework
sophisticated system that learns and adapts
This reduces waste and environmental
creates a hurdle in establishing a precise
to the unique behaviours of operators.
impact compared to conventional battery
baseline to showcase the substantial
Through AI-powered predictive analytics and
technologies that often rely on oversized
improvements our solutions can offer.
continuous machine learning, our technology
batteries to mitigate “range anxiety.”
As well as expanding our network of
dynamically adjusts based on real-time
Our EaaS swappable batteries not
operational and manufacturing partners,
data. This not only ensures the efficient use
only replace fossil fuel generators but
PowerUp is actively seeking investment to
of energy but also accurately predicts future
also effectively extend the grid, offering
accelerate our progress towards achieving
energy needs by continuously refining its
flexibility in drawing and delivering power.
net-zero targets. Simultaneously, we are
understanding of operator behaviours. This
Each battery serves as both a packet
committed to raising general awareness of
personalised approach optimises energy
of data as well as packet of energy,
the significant potential that Energy as a
consumption in a highly tailored manner,
ensuring precise energy management
Service brings.
contributing to the overall efficiency and
and reporting. In envisioning the future, we
sustainability of our solutions.
anticipate a landscape where kilowatt-
Additionally, our expertise extends to the development and integration of IoT-
During the Clean Futures Accelerator,
To find out more please visit
hours (kWh) and energy efficiency are as
www.linkedin.com/company/power-
crucial as costs in winning bids.
up-off-grid-services/
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Harry Needle Railroad Company and Advanced Hydrogen Technologies: Engine carbon clean and capture
A
dvanced Hydrogen
burned, the sole by-product is harmless
Needle Railroad Company (HNRC),
Technologies (AHT) was created
water.
fitting a carbon clean device to one of its
in 2008, with its founder and
In addition to its Generator, AHT has
class’ 08 Locomotives. The programme
Chief Technical Officer, Den Karmal,
created a unique “Capture” device,
will allow HNRC and AHT to prove that
working in the motorsport industry.
substantially reducing harmful emissions
the combined system of R4 and carbon
Recognising a need to reduce the
and particulates to complete the
capture can reduce the emissions of a
carbon build-up in petrol and diesel
cleaning process.
class’ 08 Shunter or other locomotives.
engines, particularly in endurance
As a cleantech business, AHT is now
AHT is currently looking for customers
racing, he developed a ground-
focusing on energy, central heating,
to engage with. The firm’s Carbon Clean
breaking Hydrogen Generator.
and, in the last six months, electricity
& Capture system is modular, so can
This revolutionary system takes
production. It has developed a localised
be fitted to any sized locomotive and
ordinary tap water and turns it into
hydrogen central heating system that will
will give impressive, tangible results. It is
pure medical-grade hydrogen and
be installed into its first test home in Q1
seeking further investment in Q2 of 2024.
oxygen, which can be used in multiple
2024 for full “real world” testing.
disciplines and industries. The water to
On the electricity side, AHT has a
be processed does not require cleaning
Proof of Concept that uses hydrogen to
as the AHT Generator has a unique
produce 4Kwh, which it will look to upscale
military-grade filter which prepares
to 250kwh in 2024.
even unclean water for use. When
The AHT team has engaged with Harry
For more information on HNRC please visit: www.harry-needle.co.uk For more information on AHT please visit: www.ahtgroup.co.uk
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Universal Signalling: Signalling. Simplified.
U
niversal Signalling is a micro-SME start-up, with a team
This Clean Futures project represents the first deployment
of industry experts passionate about improving the
of Universal Signalling’s innovative signalling product in a real
railway by simplifying the signalling system.
railway environment.
Universal Signalling offers new low-cost signalling architecture,
Over the course of the accelerator programme, the team
which is simpler, and deployed using off the shelf components. The
and supporting partners will take the novel architecture,
architecture facilitates a step change reduction in time to deploy,
under laboratory development since 2018, and install, test,
capital investment and ongoing operating costs.
integrate and demonstrate key components and interactions
Universal Signalling’s solution can be applied in three levels:
at the BCIMO test site. The fitment will culminate in a live demonstration of train
•
Universal Interlocking, providing full moving block signalling
control, with the end goal to reach a Minimum Viable Product
functionality.
status.
Universal speed supervision, providing connected and
universal interlocking anywhere in the world – the holy grail of
continuous speed supervision; and
railway signalling systems.
Local speed supervision, providing discrete speed
To find out more visit:
This project represents the first trial application of a
-
supervision.
www.universalsignalling.com
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Varamis Rail: Introducing the UK’s newest rail freight operator
train operator and the first high-
V
by the environmental benefits of light rail
trains or infrastructure to facilitate
speed, fully electric logistics
and the need for the logistics industry
journeys.
operation on the UK rail network. The
to reach net zero and the complexities
There is a perception that rail is slow,
service is fully electric and supports the
around decarbonising long-distance
unreliable and costly. Varamis Rail aims
targets of the government’s net zero
road haulage.
to educate people and change that
aramis Rail is the UK’s newest
policy, as an environmentally friendly alternative to road haulage. Varamis Rail aims to deliver a fully
The company’s vision was heavily driven
Earlier this year Varamis Rail launched
because it doesn’t need to build new
perception. Its high-speed logistics
its first ‘proof of concept’ route between
service is quicker, cheaper and greener
Scotland and Birmingham International.
than any road travel.
electric high-speed rail logistics service
Taking just under five hours each way,
The Varamis team is seeking funding to
moving parcels and light goods around
the new service operates overnight and
support the creation of a circular network
the UK’s electrified rail network, whether
is ideal for express parcel companies
of high-speed, fully electrified rail services
this is linking purpose-built rail hubs or
or third-party delivery companies with
where same-day and next day deliveries
directly into towns/cities. It promotes
fast-moving consumer goods looking to
become natural, with a timetable that
the ‘trunk’ mileage of parcels and goods
transport volumes for next-day delivery
runs like a regular passenger one.
distribution with a fully electric train
between Scotland and the Midlands.
supported by a network of regionalised
The firm’s solution is completely
sustainable transportation solutions.
emission-free and very sustainable
Learn more at: www.varamis.co.uk
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Coexlion: Smart Utility Case A tailored EV delivery solution
C
oexlion is working with its client
e-scooters needing downtime for charging
Verdemoto to reduce carbon
and degradation of range.
emissions of last mile delivery,
Coexlion aims to right size the battery, saving cost, weight and carbon,
Coexlion’s solution involves upgrading to
increasing the usable life of the battery
by encouraging the industry to adopt EV
an imported EV motorcycle with a SMART
and creating a better user experience.
delivery vehicles tailored to the task.
battery, integrated with the delivery box, in the
Coexlion is seeking funding for the CAPEX
Smart Utility Case (SUC), linking the charging
for developing the product, to take the
the delivery operative’s vehicle. These are not
strategy with the delivery plan.The SUC
company through to the production-
purpose-built for the job and bring the various
addresses existing e-scooter pain points- the
ready stage for the SUC.
issues to the user, including e-bicycles being
battery is sized per trip rather than per shift
uncomfortable and low range, passenger
and uses a Small Integrated Battery that is low
cars being expensive to buy and run and
cost, allowing two batteries in play.
Currently, most deliveries are completed by
Learn more about Coexlion at: www.coexlion.com
Composite Braiding Ltd: The future of composite manufacturing
C
omposite Braiding Ltd uses
manufacturing challenges, including
benefits of its light weight products in
a highly automated process
weight, cost, volume and sustainability.
service, their components lead to significant
to produce thermoplastic
Composite Braiding Ltd designs and
decarbonisation throughout the product
composite components quickly and
makes components that are as strong
lifecycle. Composite Braiding Ltd is working
at scale, with costs equivalent to more
as steel but up to 70% lighter. Its process
on this programme to demonstrate high
traditional materials. Its global award-
involves braiding a thermoplastic matrix
volume joining of structural beams as part
winning technology automates the
with materials like carbon fibre, glass fibre
of a programme it is involved in related to
composite manufacturing process,
and basalt for superior performance. The
electric vehicles. This technology equally
enabling the company to reduce
company’s thermoplastic materials are
applies to other transport markets including
labour costs by up to 90%, reducing
inherently recyclable and have a number
rail for both vehicles and infrastructure.
manufacturing waste to less than 1%,
of end-of-life options. Its processes are
while also using up to 99% less energy.
highly energy efficient and when combined
Most industries have a range of universal
with its reduction in waste and the inherent
Find out more at: www.compositebraiding.com
Hixal: Zero-emission, Off-grid, EV charger modules
H
ixal’s vision is to unlock the true
powered module can charge between 1-4
projects, currently led by Norway, California,
potential of EV products by
vehicles. The module can charge a car in less
Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands. Sites are
removing barriers: grid connections,
than 3 minutes to provide a 100-mile range.
currently only served by awkward or time-
planning permissions and cost of ownership.
Hixapod can be installed in just 30 minutes,
consuming solutions. Hixal’s business model
with no planning permission or grid connection
is currently focused on grant funding to get
charger module. A major sustainability
Hixapod is a zero-emission, off-grid EV
required. The modules are hydrogen powered
its inaugural proof of concept for upcoming
challenge construction sites currently face
and provide zero emissions. Just one unit can
trials. Hixal is seeking funding to support cash
is the lack of high-capacity off-grid zero-
take 308 tonnes out of the atmosphere per
flow necessary to build its proof of concept by
emissions energy solutions. There is currently
year. Hixapod also has high usability: it can
July 2024 and complement the construction
less than 50% charging capacity for the
operate in environments from 50 degrees to
market. It is also seeking an assembly partner
targeted EV usage by 2050, with a shortfall
-30 degrees Celsius. By 2026 it is anticipated
to assemble and de-risk its ability to scale.
in power across the grid. It is expensive and
that Hixapods will be able to power vehicles
time-consuming to get grid connections for
more cheaply than with diesel. City legislations
ultra-fast charging of EVs. Hydrogen fuel cell
and incentives for zero-emission construction
To learn more about Hixal visit: www.linkedin.com/company/hixal/
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What happens next?
Next steps
audience of end-users and investors. There
Following the recent announcement of
will be a focus on celebrating the success
the cohort one winners, the BCIMO and
of the accelerator and building valuable
Coventry University delivery teams are
connections for the cohort.
now busily preparing for the arrival of the winning SMEs on site to help kickstart
Other Initiatives
their journey from concept to successful
BCIMO and partners are also working on
realisation of green products and services.
other initiatives to support the long-term
Each business will now receive a bespoke
sustainability of the programme. These
business needs assessment and action
include a Clean Futures Catalyst eco-
plan to help ensure the commercial viability
system, which aims to support the West
of their innovative solution and bring their
Midlands to move forward to a clean and
product to market. Winners involved in the
sustainable Future through Awareness
rail sector will be granted access to BCIMO’s
(Raising), Education (Opportunities)
unique Rail Development and Test Site,
and Networking, and a Commercial
offering an extensive range of facilities to
Investment Hub, which aims to de-risk
support the development and testing of
and accelerate the commercialisation
future rail technologies.
of innovation by matching supply with
At the end of the programme in April
demand and investment and providing
2024, the Clean Futures Accelerator will
packages of support together with live
host a ‘Demo Day’ where the winners will
demonstrating and showcasing facilities.
be able to showcase their solutions and
More information on both of these
results of their trials in front of a tailored
initiatives will follow in the new year.
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