Tech Nation has launched a Net Zero growth programme aimed at accelerating the growth of startups focused on reducing carbon emissions.

It is designed to support tech companies that are building a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future, helping the UK reach its goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The six month programme will be open to 30 tech scale-ups, with support, advice and a peer-to-peer network led by some of the UK’s most successful tech entrepreneurs.

Participants will be selected by a panel of judges comprising sustainable tech founders, investors and academics, including representatives from Bulb, Cervest, Zero Carbon Capital, the Oxford Sustainable Finance Programme, and The Climate Group.

The Net Zero programme is open to any companies who help to reduce emissions directly or indirectly, with one of the key sub-sectors contributing to net zero being CleanTech.

Companies operating in this high-growth sector range from converting footfall into off-grid power and data, delivering advanced solutions to reduce tailpipe emissions, and using nanotechnology to harness visible light into electrical energy.

Tech Nation has identified 251 venture capital-backed CleanTech companies in the UK.

Worldwide, CleanTech companies completed a record breaking 777 deals raising a total of £8.5 billion in 2019. Last year in the UK, CleanTech companies completed 76 deals, raising £264 million; a 26 per cent rise on 2018.

The deployment of green technologies must be accelerated in order to achieve the 2050 net zero target, while COVID-19 has highlighted the role played by technology in aiding a green recovery in both the short and long term.

Digital minister Caroline Dinenage said: "The UK is at the forefront of the CleanTech revolution and we are committed to making sure the sector has the right conditions to grow and help us achieve our climate change goals.

"I know how dynamic and effective our tech firms can be at tackling global challenges - so I encourage any entrepreneur with a vision for a greener world to apply and help to build a cleaner and more sustainable future."

Share Story: