Thirteen SMEs from the clean technology industry join the fifth cohort of the Climate Innovation Platform Innovator Challenge at University of Birmingham.
As momentum builds towards the 2050 Net Zero target, businesses need the right support to scale clean energy innovation. Led by University of Birmingham, the Climate Innovation Platform (CIP) is delivered in partnership with the Energy Systems Catapult, and with support from HSBC UK, provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a platform that enables them to launch and engage in commercial challenges. This aids the drive towards innovative energy products and services to help achieve a low-carbon environment. HSBC UK’s vital support is a significant factor in the transition towards a more sustainable future for both the West Midlands region and beyond.
CIP’s Cohort Five is formed of 13 climate-focussed innovators, operating within the clean energy sector. The CIP offers support through essential resources like funding, mentorship, workspace and specialist expertise. They also provide a high level of coordinated collaborative connections between businesses, researchers, funding sources and investment, all with the foresight of policy makers and experience. These combined efforts mean the promotion of unique energy and environmental solutions that can be widely adopted within communities.
The CIP initiative is addressing this gap, and I am delighted to see how impactful the programme is in delivering benefit to the recipients. By supporting entrepreneurship, CIP is directly contributing to the development of technologies and services which address the energy transition and climate change.
The CIP supports clean energy innovations through the development of new technologies, driving their transition from novel ideas into commercially viable, green solutions. There’s real impact in a varied range of sectors, including the film industry (Checklist Films), local manufacturers (First Editions) and ground-breaking University of Birmingham Spin-Outs focussing on efficient waste water treatments (Salinity Solutions and Daphne Water Solutions). Checklist Films aim to bring diversity to the fore in film and television, ensuring the representation of minorities in entertainment services. First Editions look to promote recyclable branded drinking bottles, making advertising a greener experience. Salinity Solutions has enhanced water filtering membrane technology using HyBatch, transforming the efficiency to provide increased recovery for half the energy. Whilst Daphne Water Solutions (DWS) have developed a sustainable technology which removes chemical contaminants in waste water, allowing for reuse. DWS have been shortlisted for the Rose Sidgwick Founder's Awards 2025 for External Engagement and Impact at University of Birmingham.
The recent CIP Impact Report features case studies from Voltempo (EV charging technologist), Demand Logic (building energy efficiency), Faraday Battery (EV battery lifespan technology), and Connected Response (optimising storage heating systems). There are also significant, measurable impacts and benefits across environmental, economic and community sectors.
Michael Boxwell, CEO of Voltempo said "Having space to work on my product development in those early stages and having access to funds that allowed me to enhance the space, so that I could effectively work on creating the, now patented, fastest EV charger in the world, was incredibly important. I’m excited to see what we can bring to the area and feel passionately about what Voltempo can do to support uplifting the locality and the green economy.
As CIP is hosted through the University of Birmingham it allowed us to stand on the shoulders of giants; in particular the BEIC building and TEP overall with its incredible Net Zero infrastructure allowed me to attract not only large corporate household brands such as Marks & Spencer, Eddie Stobart, Renault and others, but also key individuals like Sir Vince Cable to join our Board, which has been integral to our success to date."
Professor Walker reinforced this by adding "We are delighted that Voltempo has chosen to continue its business operations and expansion at Tyseley Energy Park, reinforcing the site's position as a leading cleantech hub. Their valuable contributions, knowledge and presence are instrumental in establishing the Green Innovation Quarter as a central point for developing technologies that drive carbon reduction. Voltempo's work will have a far-reaching impact, and we are excited to witness their continued growth and wish them every success in their next funding round."
The CIP has been part of over 30 collaborative partnerships enabling more than 300 pilot demonstrations, over 15 finalised patents with more pending, and in excess of 100 B2B collaborations. This has resulted in the creation of over 80 new jobs across sectors with enormous public (£19m and private (£17m) sector investment. Investment in Voltempo’s HGV EV project alone reached £49m.
One of the CIP’s foci is to accelerate research and innovation in clean energy technologies across many domestic and international sectors. This can only be achieved through ongoing national and international cooperation and collaboration, providing financial resources, infrastructure, support, mentorship and practical facilities. Global warming and climate change requires a global effort in creating and maintaining sustainable technologies. On a more local scale, supporting these technologies and businesses means that we are a step closer to achieving those goals.
Professor of Energy
Profile of Professor Sara Walker, Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham
