Innovate UK

Innovate UK is a non-departmental public body established in 2007 and based in Swindon, United Kingdom. Funded by a government grant, it supports innovation in science and technology by providing funding services to businesses across various sectors and regions. The organization aims to drive productivity and economic growth by facilitating advancements that contribute to the UK’s economic landscape. In addition to funding, Innovate UK offers a range of services and information related to business and economic development, thereby fostering a supportive environment for innovation.

Mike Biddle

Programme Director of Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund

Will Drury

Executive Director, Digital and Technologies

Paul Gadd

Deputy Director

Dr. Tom Jenkins

Deputy Director

Tim Murley

Interim Chief Investment Officer

Scott James O'Brien

Director, Innovation Finance

Dave Wilkes

Director of Innovation Ecosystem

Past deals in Biofuel

Kelpi

Grant in 2023
Operator of a material innovation company intended to develop a thin bio-plastic coating for paper and card that replaces fossil fuel plastics in packaging for food, drink, cosmetics, and personal care. The company's coating is made from renewable feedstocks, particularly compostable seaweed, and marine-safe, paper and card packaging coated with biomaterial has been certified recyclable, enabling users to eliminate the need for single-use plastics.

Unitrove

Grant in 2022
Unitrove has incredible power that involves in cleaner, greener and cheaper energy for a sustainable future.

Recycl8

Grant in 2021
Recycl8 works in collaboration with the waste-to-energy and construction industries to transform incinerator bottom ash (IBA) - often destined for landfills - into a low-carbon concrete solution.

ZeroAvia

Grant in 2020
ZeroAvia, Inc. designs zero-emission aircraft specifically for commercial short-haul trips. Founded in 2017 by Val Miftakhov, the company is headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom. ZeroAvia develops a hydrogen fuel cell system that powers electric propulsion, enabling practical zero-emission aviation. The company initially targets a travel range of 500 miles for regional aircraft accommodating 10 to 20 passengers. This innovative approach significantly reduces operational costs, offering four times lower fuel and engine maintenance expenses compared to traditional aviation solutions.

FuelActive

Grant in 2020
FuelActive Ltd manufactures fuel delivery system. The company’s system helps in eliminating fuel related breakdowns, reduce component replacements, machine downtime and maintenance, harmful emissions, and improves fuel efficiency. It serves construction, mining, transport, military, power generation, marine, and agriculture sector. FuelActive Ltd was formerly known as Fairwater Fuel Systems Limited and changed its name to FuelActive Ltd in June 2007. The company was founded in 1998 and is based in Cardiff, United Kingdom.

SolarisKit

Grant in 2020
SolarisKit is a cleantech startup that specializes in innovative solar heating solutions. The company has developed the world's first flat-packable solar thermal collector, designed to efficiently collect and harness solar energy. This product aims to meet global heating demands by providing an affordable option for heating water for various applications. SolarisKit's technology not only promotes the use of renewable energy but also addresses the need for accessible and efficient heating solutions in both residential and commercial settings.

Entocycle

Grant in 2019
Entocycle Ltd is a London-based company that specializes in producing insect-based protein for animal feed. Founded in 2014, it raises black soldier flies in an automated system designed to monitor their development and environmental conditions. By utilizing food waste from farms, factories, and the catering industry, Entocycle effectively converts organic waste into sustainable protein biomass. This approach not only provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional feed sources like soymeal and fishmeal but also addresses environmental concerns associated with conventional agriculture. The company's technology enables efficient vertical farming, allowing for large-scale production of protein with significantly reduced land and water usage. Entocycle serves various sectors, including feed suppliers, retailers, and the agricultural industry, promoting a more sustainable and resource-efficient method of livestock feeding.

Piclo

Grant in 2019
Piclo is a company focused on facilitating the direct purchase of renewable electricity from local suppliers. By developing a platform that connects consumers with nearby renewable energy producers, Piclo aims to enhance the accessibility and transparency of green energy sources. This initiative supports the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions, enabling individuals and businesses to make informed choices about their electricity consumption while contributing to a more sustainable future. Through its innovative approach, Piclo is helping to transform the energy market by promoting local renewable power generation.

Brilliant Planet

Grant in 2019
Brilliant Planet is unlocking the power of algae as an affordable method of permanently and quantifiably sequestering carbon at the gigaton scale. The company's innovative process enables vast quantities of microalgae to grow in open-air pond-based systems on coastal desert land.

HyDIME

Grant in 2018
HyDIME is an Innovate UK funded project that uses an environmentally friendly form of hydrogen as a fuel for a commercial ferry operating between Shapinsay and Kirkwall in Orkney. The project aims to make waves in the marine industry by proving the safe integration and use of hydrogen on vessels. One of HyDIME’s goals is the design and physical integration of a hydrogen injection system on a commercial passenger and vehicle ferry which will be the first of its kind worldwide. The project uses cleanly produced hydrogen from renewable energy. Excess energy generated from Orkney’s abundance of wind and tidal power is being used to produce hydrogen via electrolysis, resulting in carbon-free, ’green’ hydrogen. The HyDIME project provides a stepping stone to accelerate and de-risk future hydrogen marine projects and will contribute towards growing the hydrogen economy in the UK.

Beta Bugs

Grant in 2018
Beta Bugs is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of enhanced insect strains for the insect farming industry. By focusing on the genetic foundations of insects, particularly the black soldier fly, the company aims to create high-performance breeds that serve as a sustainable protein source for animal feed. These optimized strains convert food waste into high-quality protein, offering a viable alternative to traditional feed sources like soymeal and fishmeal. This innovation not only supports the profitability of the insect farming sector but also promotes environmentally sustainable practices by reducing reliance on conventional protein sources in livestock, aquaculture, and pet feed.

BuffaloGrid

Grant in 2017
BuffaloGrid is a multi award-winning company with a mission to bring power and connect the next billion, helping frontier market smartphone users to use their phones more often and for more. We serve the billions of overlooked customers who with access to mobile digital services could improve their quality of life and business activities.

Better Origin

Grant in 2017
Better Origin, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, focuses on sustainable food systems through innovative insect biomass conversion technology. The company has developed two main processes for feeding insects: Metamorphosis, which can generate thousands of tons of insect meals annually, and Genesis, a data-driven engineering solution. By utilizing a network of AI-powered mini-farms, Better Origin effectively transforms excess nutrients into essential nutrients, addressing inefficiencies in the food supply chain. This approach aims to create a more sustainable and resource-efficient future, farm by farm.

BuffaloGrid

Grant in 2017
BuffaloGrid is a multi award-winning company with a mission to bring power and connect the next billion, helping frontier market smartphone users to use their phones more often and for more. We serve the billions of overlooked customers who with access to mobile digital services could improve their quality of life and business activities.

BuffaloGrid

Grant in 2017
BuffaloGrid is a multi award-winning company with a mission to bring power and connect the next billion, helping frontier market smartphone users to use their phones more often and for more. We serve the billions of overlooked customers who with access to mobile digital services could improve their quality of life and business activities.

Cella Energy

Grant in 2013
Cella Energy Limited is an advanced materials and technologies company based in Didcot, United Kingdom, with additional facilities in Florida. Founded in 2011, the company specializes in developing and producing hydrogen storage materials that can store up to one liter of hydrogen per gram and facilitate transportation at room temperature. Cella Energy's product offerings include various production systems such as smaller scale tray type and industrial scale freeze drying facilities, flowable pellets, static and cartridge systems, and flowing pellet systems. The company caters to a diverse range of applications, including portable power, military power solutions for unmanned systems, and radiation shielding materials designed to protect space satellites from harmful radiation.

Cella Energy

Grant in 2013
Cella Energy Limited is an advanced materials and technologies company based in Didcot, United Kingdom, with additional facilities in Florida. Founded in 2011, the company specializes in developing and producing hydrogen storage materials that can store up to one liter of hydrogen per gram and facilitate transportation at room temperature. Cella Energy's product offerings include various production systems such as smaller scale tray type and industrial scale freeze drying facilities, flowable pellets, static and cartridge systems, and flowing pellet systems. The company caters to a diverse range of applications, including portable power, military power solutions for unmanned systems, and radiation shielding materials designed to protect space satellites from harmful radiation.

BuffaloGrid

Grant in 2013
BuffaloGrid is a multi award-winning company with a mission to bring power and connect the next billion, helping frontier market smartphone users to use their phones more often and for more. We serve the billions of overlooked customers who with access to mobile digital services could improve their quality of life and business activities.
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