East Midlands launches £1.5m fund for clean tech and innovation

A £1.5m Innovation Accelerator Fund has been launched to support 32 businesses in the East Midlands. Managed through the East Midlands Investment Zone, the fund focuses on clean technology, advanced manufacturing, and low-carbon innovation.

The program facilitates collaborations between businesses and researchers from the University of Nottingham, University of Derby, and Nottingham Trent University. Key project areas include artificial intelligence, robotics, sustainable manufacturing, nuclear technology, and zero-emission propulsion. One specific project involves testing hydrogen fuel-cell and storage technologies for aerospace applications in partnership with Intelligent Energy, Luxfer Gas Cylinders, and GeoPura.

The fund is part of a 10-year, £160m government-backed program managed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority, aimed at driving business growth and attracting investment into emerging technology markets.