Made Smarter Innovation Sustainability Accelerator

Work with leading UK manufacturers to answer unique industrial sustainability challenges

The Made Smarter Innovation Sustainability Accelerator is a national programme designed to:

• accelerate industrial sustainability
• leverage cutting-edge technologies to drive environmental impact

Funded by the Made Smarter Innovation Challenge and Innovate UK, the programme is led and delivered by Digital Catapult.

The programme operates in two phases.

Phase one – Prototype development

From February 2024, tech innovators will have the opportunity to apply for the open call. Following judging and contracting, eight selected companies will receive £75,000 funding and the support to develop a challenge focused proof-of-concept addressing some of the most pressing sustainability challenges in manufacturing.

Successful applicants will work directly with the industrial sponsors and Digital Catapult to develop prototypes and leading solutions.

During this phase, the companies will gain access to business expertise, sustainability masterclasses and access to facilities. The companies will have the opportunity to pitch, demonstrate product development progress and share lessons learned at an online event in October 2024.

Phase two – Further prototype development within a pilot environment

Up to four companies will be down-selected from the original teams and will receive additional £100,000 to further develop their prototypes within a pilot environment.

During this phase, the cohort will gain access to investment readiness modules and networks, mentorship, workshop and support from key manufacturing and industry leaders. These solutions will be presented to an audience of ICOs, investors, partners and industry stakeholders currently scheduled for February 2025.

You can read the challenge brief to find out more about the Made Smarter Innovation Sustainability Accelerator.

Briefing webinar

Registrations are also open for the Made Smarter Innovation Sustainability Accelerator briefing webinar, taking place on Tuesday 5 March 2024.

This webinar is for anyone interested in participating in the accelerator programme. Specifically, startups and scaleups at UK based companies who work on technology solutions including:

• future networks and advanced digital infrastructure (such as 5G and IoT)
• immersive technologies (virtual, augmented, mixed reality and haptics)
• artificial intelligence and machine learning
• distributed ledger technologies (blockchain)
• quantum technologies

Register now for a place at the webinar.

First published 15 February 2024