Budding start-ups and energy innovators are being sought for the next round of the Net Zero Technology Centre’s (NZTC) innovation funding programme, with up to £500,000 per project up for grabs.
Monday 9 January saw the launch of the NZTC’s 2023 Open Innovation Programme, the latest in a multi-year funding competition aimed at developing new data and digital technologies to help reduce offshore emissions and support the UK’s net zero ambitions.
Businesses from across the world can each apply for up to £500,000 NZTC funding, with the potential of additional match funding from industry to support the development and deployment of new tech projects.
The projects must support the transition towards net zero with an obligation of trialling and deploying technology within the UK North Sea.
As well as funding, successful applicants will gain access to data, facilities, and industry expertise to help develop their business.
Six technology focus areas have been identified for the funding competition, spanning: integrated data platforms; visual simulations; predictive automation; remote operations; trials and demonstrations for today’s robots; and robotic manipulation capability.
NZTC solution centre director Myrtle Dawes explained: “The 2023 funding competition will focus on digitally based solutions to create an integrated energy system recognising the pivotal role they play on our journey to net zero.
“We are asking for key use cases that demonstrate delivery of emissions reduction and clean energy innovations that will deliver our overall net zero ambition.”
This year’s round follows a highly successful 2022 programme, which saw 154 firms apply for an initial £8m in funding, later match-funded with a further £12m from industry.
More than twenty firms were successful, the majority of which are based in north-east Scotland, with work now ongoing to develop innovations in energy storage, smart paint, carbon capture monitoring and more.
Scottish Government Business Minister Ivan McKee said the latest programme was welcome news “not just for the region but for Scotland as a whole.”
“Through the Aberdeen City Region Deal, the Scottish Government is investing £90 million in the Net Zero Technology Centre.
“The Scottish Government is fully committed to reach net-zero by 2045, and programmes like this play an important role in reaching these targets. The Open Innovation Programme will aid our transition to net-zero and attract new jobs to the region, helping us boost economic growth.”
UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said: “It’s fantastic to see the launch of the Open Innovation Programme. This funding will help to develop new and affordable technology solutions taking us closer to delivering a net-zero economy.”
Applications open today, and interested firms have six weeks to submit their entries. For more information visit netzerotc.com/funding
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