He adds: “What is different from previous projects is that we are able to offer capital grants on projects of up to £25,000. These match-funded business demonstrator grants, will enable businesses to move up the technology readiness level and speed up commercialisation.
Additionally we are developing an online platform which will facilitate business-business engagement and networking, whilst giving resources and research updates from a government, academic and business perspective.
We are keen to hear from businesses that have an R&D idea they wish to pursue or seek to work together with other businesses to find innovative new solutions which are good for the environment.”
A government-commissioned Science Innovation Audit led by Lancaster University showed how the region can be world leading in the development of low carbon and eco-innovative products, services and technologies.
Dr Pickard says: “Lancashire is at the heart of that, and the whole North West has the opportunity to grow significantly in this space.
The audit demonstrates the knowledge, place and skills are all available in the North West to make us world leaders in clean growth and we believe there are fantastic business opportunities for companies in all sectors.
We are keen to hear from businesses that have an R&D idea, or who wish
to find innovative new solutions which are good for the environment
Getting supply chains involved will be critical. It is about companies working together, building trust and collaboration between themselves and the universities.”
Professor Karl Williams, director of the Centre for Waste Management at the University of Central Lancashire, says “The aim is to help businesses move their products and environmental technologies forward.
“Academic staff will be available to work on very specific projects that need that higher level of involvement.”
Those projects could develop into longer term projects with universities.
Rachel Lowthian is projects, partnerships and stakeholders’ manager at the University of Cumbria. The university has campuses in Lancaster, Carlisle and Ambleside and is another of the initiative’s partner institutions.
She says: “Knowledge exchange is increasingly important. Collaboration on a regional scale gives the chance to bring in different expertise that other institutions may have so businesses can benefit. There is an acknowledgement that more of this has to happen.
“A lot of organisations are getting involved and are keen to bring in their supply chains. The work being done to reduce the impact a company has on the environment is becoming increasingly important when it comes to bidding for tenders.
“Consumers also want to see what work is being done in this area. It can help the bottom line as well as the world we all live in, it is not just a paper exercise, and there is a greater understanding of the economic benefits of pursuing a low carbon strategy.”
WASTE RESEARCH IS A WINNER
Clitheroe-based organic waste management specialist Silverwoods has developed a close working relationship with the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation and is keen for that collaboration to continue.
A three-year PhD project has seen valuable research into the benefits of using lime waste from the cement industry on farmland to boost crop growth.
The waste has historically been disposed in landfill, though it is increasingly being recognised for its potential to replace conventional fertilisers.
Julian Silverwood, managing director of the Red Rose Award winning business, says: “The study and its findings have had great benefits for us, giving us credibility both with the environment regulator and with our clients.
“The study has shown the results of using lime waste to be as good, if not better than some purchased products. It has allowed farmers to see the true benefits of this method of recycling.”
Formed in 2010 the business employs 11 staff and has an annual turnover of £7m. Its clients include Nestle, Cemex, Hanson Cement, United Utilities and Morrisons.
The business has invested more than £1.1m on a two-acre waste transfer station to process 60,000 tons of lime waste.
Julian is keen to explore more collaborative work with the university and is now looking at another study to see if precious metals such as platinum, shed from catalytic convertors, can be ‘mined’ from road sweepings.
He says: “It’s an exciting project that could be something quite lucrative and it ticks all the boxes environmentally as well.”
Access to the equipment, expertise &
research of six North West Universities Supporting low carbon innovations through:
Long term, technical & business-led R&D Business grants Workshops, events & forums Internships & student projects
Get in touch! 07970744235
Call to action... Phone Email Etc.
business@cgeinnovation.org www.globalecoinnovation.org
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ECO-INNOVATION
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