A Pioneering Initiative to Scale Climate Tech Solutions Across Europe

Cambridge, 29 January 2025 – A groundbreaking initiative is set to drive the rapid development of industrial decarbonization startups across Europe. Cambridge Cleantech, Cambridge Consultants—part of Capgemini—and EIT Climate-KIC have launched the first-ever SuperCluster ClimAccelerator, a transformative 16-week hybrid program designed to propel early-stage startups working on high-impact industrial decarbonization technologies.

With a focus on the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, this initiative aims to leverage the power of the Climate Tech SuperCluster, the world’s third-largest tech ecosystem valued at over $1 trillion. By providing deep technical and commercialization support, the accelerator seeks to equip startups with the expertise, funding opportunities, and industry access necessary to scale their innovations and tackle one of the most pressing climate challenges of our time.

A Unique Approach to Industrial Decarbonization

Unlike traditional startup accelerators, the SuperCluster ClimAccelerator is distinguished by its emphasis on deep technical expertise and commercialization. Cambridge Consultants, renowned for translating scientific breakthroughs into market-ready solutions, will provide tailored support, guiding startups through business planning, technology roadmapping, and investor readiness.

Sam Goodall, CEO of Cambridge Cleantech and Co-founder of the Climate Tech SuperCluster, emphasized the urgency of this initiative:

“The Climate Tech SuperCluster mission is to support climate tech to speed and scale, and we are delighted to launch this new accelerator focused on deep tech, which is much needed to address the challenge of decarbonising industry.”

Program Benefits: Expertise, Investment, and Ecosystem Integration

Startups accepted into the program will receive an array of specialized resources designed to accelerate their market impact:

• World-class technical and commercial support: One-on-one mentoring and deep-tech expertise from Cambridge Consultants, a leader in advanced materials, electronics, software, and systems engineering.
• Investment and credibility-building tools: Access to EIT Climate-KIC’s Climate-SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity), providing financial sustainability mechanisms that reduce investor risk.
• Rigorous validation and investor confidence: Startups will undergo third-party technology and investment readiness evaluations, ensuring they are well-positioned for growth.
• Intensive training and exposure: The program features fortnightly masterclasses, tailored technical clinics, an online Demo Day, and the SuperCluster Cleantech Venture Day in London, offering startups a high-profile platform to showcase their progress.
• Access to the Climate Tech SuperCluster ecosystem: Startups will integrate into a vibrant network of investors, policymakers, and industry leaders, further amplifying their reach and growth potential.

Driving Systemic Change in Industrial Sectors

The industrial sector remains one of the hardest to decarbonize, requiring innovative solutions to transition to a low-carbon future. The ClimAccelerator aims to bridge this gap by catalyzing next-generation technologies that can reshape industries.

Kieran Reynolds, Head of Energy and Industrial at Cambridge Consultants, underscored the program’s transformative potential:

“We’re really excited to be chosen as the technology transformation partner for the ClimAccelerator alongside Cambridge Cleantech and EIT Climate-KIC, to deliver a unique programme focused on advancing new-to-the-world industrial decarbonisation technologies. By combining our deep technical expertise, with a focus on commercialisation, we aim to empower cutting-edge start-ups to achieve transformative impact in the fight against climate change.”

A Call to the Most Promising Climate Startups

With only 8-10 startups set to be selected for this prestigious program, the application process will be highly competitive. The call for applications opens in January 2025, inviting startups that are developing breakthrough solutions for industrial decarbonization to apply.

Alexandros Nikopoulos, Entrepreneurship Programmes Manager at EIT Climate-KIC, highlighted the accelerator’s strategic impact:

“The SuperCluster ClimAccelerator exemplifies our mission to catalyse systemic change through innovation. This unique 16-week programme targets high-impact industrial decarbonisation, offering startups access to unparalleled resources and expertise. Cambridge Cleantech brings a proven track record in ecosystem engagement, while Cambridge Consultants’ deep-tech and commercialisation capabilities add exceptional value. Together, we are creating a transformative pathway for pioneering technologies to scale and drive the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors. This collaboration strengthens our collective fight against climate change and sets a new benchmark for climate innovation.”

Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for Climate Tech Innovation

The launch of the SuperCluster ClimAccelerator signals a new era for climate tech startups, offering an unprecedented opportunity to scale solutions that can drive real-world impact. As industries worldwide seek viable pathways to net zero, the program is poised to accelerate the next wave of breakthrough industrial decarbonization technologies.