In November 2022, Advanced Infrastructure, alongside 20 UK start-ups were invited to join the prestigious University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) Accelerator to Net Zero Programme.

The Accelerator to net zero programme, which is now in its second year, supports SMEs with novel technology-based products that have high impact potential for enabling the net zero transition. 

Taking place both virtually and at the CISL Canopy in which Advanced Infrastructure now has a dedicated workspace, the emphasis of the programme was on product development and maximising the opportunities arising from the net zero transition, with a view to launching these new products in increasingly sustainability-driven markets.

Throughout the six week programme, Advanced Infrastructure were provided with bespoke one-to-one mentoring, peer-to-peer networking, and access to CISL's sustainability ecosystem, as well as a dedicated networking session with the programme sponsor, The British Standards Institution.

Led by experts from industry, academic, investment, and entrepreneurial communities, the key areas of the programme included creating social and economic value from net zero transition opportunities, challenges in product development and marketing for the net zero economy and funding. 

Concluding the final week of the programme in December 2022, participants were invited to join an in-person product demonstration day at the CISL’s Canopy workspace which showcased participating start-up products, receiving expert feedback as well as a networking opportunity for net zero businesses. 

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Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership:

“It is essential the world economy reduces CO2 emissions in order to help fulfil net zero targets, and the opportunities that it presents for new businesses are vast. Zero carbon solutions are now becoming competitive across all sectors representing 25% of emissions. This accelerator aims to help start-ups transform their skillsets, challenge preconceptions and prepare enterprise for the next steps on its journey.”

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Dr Noah Miller of Advanced Infrastructure commented:

“As Advanced Infrastructure’s representative throughout the duration of the programme, I found CISL’s Accelerator to net zero to be highly beneficial from both a commercial and development perspective. With so many innovative start-ups participating on the programme this opportunity enabled us to build some exciting connections with other organisations we hope to work with in future to further the sustainability agenda.

"We were extremely impressed with the calibre of sustainability leaders and contributors of the programme, such as The Energy Institute, Gresham House and Innovate UK Edge who provided solid industry insights and learning outcomes from product development through to investment opportunities." 

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The Accelerator to Net Zero is co-funded by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund and the British Standards Institution.

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