Climate Innovation Platform Cohort 5 Open for Application

A fifth cohort of the Climate Innovation Platform is due to begin in January – apply by 11am, Monday 1 December

This programme is delivered by the University of Birmingham and Energy Systems Catapult, and offers a bespoke business support package for those looking to commercialise low carbon focused solutions.

With grant funding, dedicated business development support, and expertise; CIP will invite 13 climate-focused businesses to join us on our fifth cohort. This bespoke business support programme commences in January 2026 for six months, at which point five businesses will then be selected for Phase Two to receive an additional six months of support.

Businesses joining CIP will form part of a dynamic cohort of SMEs participating in a hybrid programme. We expect members to attend both virtual workshops and a minimum of 2–3 in-person sessions held in Birmingham.

So far we’ve supported over 80 SMEs through our Climate Innovation Platform; helping innovators to create new products and services leading to a direct impact towards reducing carbon emissions by 2030. The range of businesses supported have specialised in: transport, energy, water treatment, waste, solar, decarbonisation of homes, data measurement and management, to name a few. It is very exciting time at CIP as we support businesses in bringing their decarbonising innovations to market, whilst supporting Net Zero ambitions.

Here is just some of the support available:

ESC’s Energy Launchpad Incubation Programme
Cash grants: Phase 1 – up to £5,000 (13 businesses); Phase 2 – Opportunities for further funding.
Tailored mentoring
Free/Subsidised Hotdesk/Office/Workspace* at our Innovative Cleantech hub based at Tyseley Energy Park, Birmingham and other UoB sites (*Application process).
Business engagement support through University of Birmingham’s teams
Access to supply chain partner networks
Market research and IP strategy
Collaboration and invitation to events
Grant writing and bid development
Investor readiness and introductions