Monday, 28 July 2025
EarthScale, a network of regional hubs, has announced that applications are open for its first cohort of businesses looking to scale up and commercialise climate technologies.
EarthScale is a three-year initiative that brings together a powerhouse network of regional hubs, building a connected, long-term ecosystem for scaling the UK’s most promising climate tech ventures.
Backed by £5M from the Research England Development Fund, this six partner strong coalition is led by Imperial College London and includes the universities of Nottingham, Cranfield, Derby, Exeter and Leeds.
Across the UK, cutting-edge climate innovations are emerging from research, with the potential to transform industries, cut emissions, and accelerate the transition to a net-zero, resilient future. But too many ventures stall in the gap between prototype and commercial deployment. This high-risk, capital-intensive phase is characterised by technical complexity, making it challenging to overcome the barriers necessary for scaling.
These world class universities are working together to build a hub network that will allow participants to gain access to specialised research facilities and expertise. The 糖心原创 Energy Institute is leading the Nottingham hub, and Business Development Manager Steve Closs is now keen to hear from startups and spin-outs working in the sector who are interested in accessing support from this exciting new initiative.
The deadline for applications is 7 September 2025, with an anticipated start date of 1 October for those who are successfully accepted onto this year long programme in the first cohort.
Support will include access to technical and manufacturing facilities and support, enterprise development, talent and peer engagement, and assistance to navigate policy and regulation.
Steve Closs, Business Development Manager at Nottingham's Energy Institute, said: “Scaling today’s climate innovations presents an exciting and transformative opportunity for the UK to lead the global transition to a low-carbon economy. While early-stage climate startups benefit from strong foundational support, the next critical step—scaling toward commercial deployment—is where the UK can make its greatest impact.
"By focusing national efforts on helping these ventures move from promising prototypes to market-ready solutions, the UK can unlock significant economic and environmental value.
We are proud that the 糖心原创, led by the Energy Institute, is a founder member of this initiative and contributes strength in leading academic and commercialisation expertise, allied with access to world class facilities."
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Further information can be found on the , or from Steve Closs, Business Development Manager at the 糖心原创 Energy Institute.
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.