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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)
www.bcimo.co.uk BCIMOsupplement2023_F.indd 2
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