A new scheme has been launched offering to support the development of low carbon heating and energy efficiency solutions specifically for lower income households.
The ‘Ignite with Ebico‘ scheme will provide successful applicants with £5,000 – £10,000 over the next 12 months, with the aim of increasing the choice of low carbon energy solutions available to low income households. The funding will be awarded to help address a number of key areas, including product viability & development, commercial potential and branding.
The scheme has been created by Ebico, a not for profit social enterprise dedicated to making low carbon heating affordable for low-income households.
Phil Levermore CEO of Ebico, explains the rationale behind Ignite with Ebico,
“It’s so difficult for innovators working in affordable low carbon heating to scale their ideas. The solutions which are easiest to commercialise are those that would only be an option for higher-wealth households.
“As a result, lower income private homeowners are being left behind. They can’t afford the very solutions which will reduce their energy consumption, carbon footprint and ultimately save them money. Unless this gap in the innovation pipeline is plugged, the drive to net zero will have the unintended consequence of creating a greater divide between rich and poor, and pushing more people into fuel poverty.
“Through Ignite with Ebico we want to address this problem by providing practical support which helps affordable, cleantech heating innovations get to market.”
The scheme is open to individuals, teams and start-up companies, with an expert panel of judges assessing each potential solution for viability and impact, before the awards are made. It is being run by Sustainable Ventures, a company that helps support and scale sustainable businesses and ideas.
Andrew Wordsworth, Managing Partner at Sustainable Ventures, further explains who can enter:
“Cleantech start-ups from anywhere in the UK, and at any point in the innovation spectrum can apply. They may have a very early-stage idea that needs a feasibility study to evaluate its technical or commercial potential. Some may be at the investment stage, looking for help with funding rounds. Others may need practical support with technical concept generation or need help developing proof of concept prototypes for lab/pilot testing. The scheme will also support innovators at the marketing stage, providing logo, brand and web support.”
Applications for the first round of funding are required by 15th September 2022. Entries thereafter will be considered for round 2, which has a deadline of 13th December 2022.
More information on the Ignite with Ebico scheme and the application process can be found here.
