About Innovation NetZero:
Innovation NetZero, an SPF project run in Carmarthenshire and the Vale of Glamorgan by Innovation Strategy, aims to support local businesses in developing sustainable solutions to achieve net-zero emissions and promote a circular economy. The initiative addresses climate change challenges while fostering economic growth through innovation.
At its core, Innovation NetZero focuses on reducing carbon emissions across sectors and supporting green technologies that align with the Welsh Government’s NetZero Strategic Plan and the UK Government’s Climate Change Act. By fostering solutions like carbon capture, it contributes to national climate goals.
Beyond environmental goals, the project drives economic development by helping businesses create commercially viable, sustainable products and services. This approach encourages job creation, upskilling, and economic growth while aligning financial success with environmental responsibility.
Innovation NetZero offers tailored advisory and financial support, guiding businesses from idea development to marketable solutions. It spans various sectors, including renewable energy, sustainable manufacturing, and green infrastructure. Through its collaborative model, the project connects local businesses with academic institutions, government bodies, and large corporations, promoting knowledge exchange and access to cutting-edge research.
Key to its success is R&D funding support, with Innovation Strategy securing over £20 million for business innovation. This financial backing enables companies to explore and refine green technologies. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and funding, Innovation NetZero plays a crucial role in helping Wales achieve its climate targets while stimulating sustainable economic growth.
So far Innovation NetZero has supported over thirty Welsh businesses to grow and expand while also improving their sustainability. Find below case studies of four of our best success stories:
Enviro365:
Enviro365, based in Newcastle Emlyn, provides environmental solutions to prevent pollution. Through the Innovation NetZero program, they developed low-cost sensors that use spectro analysis to monitor water conditions in agriculture, alerting farmers to high phosphate and nitrate levels from runoff, which can harm biodiversity. With only 14% of UK rivers in good health, and agriculture responsible for 64% of River Wye pollution, these sensors help farmers meet Welsh Government guidelines. Innovation NetZero supported product development, enabling Enviro365 to raise £15,000 for further refinement, aiding in the protection of UK waterways and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Circular Resource Specialists (CRS):
Circular Resource Specialists (CRS) is an environmental consultancy focused on improving waste and resource management. Through the Innovation Net Zero programme, CRS developed an app enabling small businesses to collectively procure waste collection services via "huddle buying." This model promotes circularity, reduces emissions, and turns waste into resources. Innovation Net Zero supported CRS by aiding concept development, offering IP advice, securing partnerships, and refining the app. The platform aims to streamline waste management, lower costs, and encourage collaboration among businesses. CRS also received help with business development and pitching, bringing their solution closer to market and contributing to a sustainable economy.
Grounds for Good:
Grounds for Good, a social enterprise founded in 2020, repurposes used coffee grounds into sustainable products to benefit people, communities, and the planet. Innovation Net Zero provided business mentoring, helping with funding strategies, financial forecasts, and product commercialisation. This support was key to scaling their operations and launching innovative products. The partnership also fostered new ideas, expanding their product range and exploring new markets. Through this collaboration, Grounds for Good has strengthened its sustainability efforts and community impact, turning waste into valuable resources while promoting social responsibility.
Pinnaderm:
Pinnaderm, a biotechnology company, focuses on enhancing environmental sustainability and animal health. Innovation Net Zero supported their project to use brewery waste for microalgae cultivation, which captures carbon more efficiently than traditional crops. The program helped create an action plan, assessing local breweries, waste disposal costs, and necessary installations to optimize by-product use. Innovation Net Zero also secured funding to further develop Pinnaderm’s solution, facilitated collaborations, and matched them with a student to bring new skills into the business. This guidance highlighted cost-saving opportunities, advancing sustainable practices for both the brewing industry and environmental health.
SlowlyCo Mushrooms:
SlowlyCo Mushrooms produces high-quality medicinal teas and mushroom products with a focus on sustainability. Innovation NetZero played a key role in aligning their eco-friendly practices, such as using recyclable packaging and reusable cultivation containers, with business goals. The support included mentoring on business planning, growth strategies, and financial forecasting, helping SlowlyCo secure funding for sustainable growth. By integrating wellness and environmental responsibility, SlowlyCo meets the demands of health-conscious consumers while reducing its environmental footprint. Innovation NetZero's guidance ensured the company’s long-term financial viability and operational efficiency in pursuing its mission.
Going Forward:
Looking ahead, Innovation NetZero is eager to work with more businesses to foster the development of new green technologies and stimulate sustainable growth across a wide range of industries. Having already seen significant benefits from the programme, including the successful growth of over 30 Welsh businesses, we are confident that Innovation NetZero will continue to play a pivotal role in helping companies decarbonise, innovate, and thrive. By nurturing businesses that prioritize sustainability, we hope to support many more companies in achieving their goals while contributing to the broader mission of creating a more sustainable, net-zero future. To learn more about Innovation NetZero, you can visit our website here.