Female researcher looking through microscope
Sustainable InnovATION

Cohort 20/21

LSBU LogoERDF logo
Our cohort structure provides sustainable businesses the access to the expertise, facilities and support they require to succeed. Participants get the appropriate support for their stage of development.

The fixed timeline enables SMEs to understand what they will receive, what is required of them, and what progress they will have made upon completion.

Please register your interest for our next cohort to be first to receive the Academic Collaboration application form when it goes live in April.

10
Academic Collaborations
30
Places available
20+
Experts on hand
20+
Hours of dedicated support

Range of Support

Support & Guidance

A range of support is available at regular intervals throughout the programme, allowing members to access what they require at the right time.

Tailored Support

Regular one-to-one sessions with mentors, consultants and subject matter experts focused on your priorities.

Project Team Support

Monthly meetings with a member of the Sustainable Innovation delivery team to discuss progress.

Peer Support

Members will be able to join the cohort Slack Channel, providing them the opportunity to connect with each other and seek out collaboration and feedback where appropriate.
One woman advising another woman

Research & Development

Our Innovation Support is provided via Research & Development collaborations with our academic staff. For Cohort 1 we have expertise in the below areas.
Energy
Electronics
Materials
Built Environment

Energy

Hydrogen & Solar Technologies
Fuel Cells
Pollution Abatement
Supercapacitors
Nanomaterials
Electrolysis
2D Materials
Functional Ceramics
Electrocatalysis
Materials Characterisation
Batteries
Apply now

Electronics

Internet of Things
Smart Sensors
Artificial Intelligence
Communications – 5G networks
Embedded Systems
Grid Technology
Apply now

Sustainable Materials

Bioplastics
Nanostructured Materials
Biofuel/Biogas/Biochar
Biochemicals
Carbon Nanomaterials
Valorisation of Waste
Gas Storage (H2, CO2, CH4)
Porous Materials
Biomass Utilisation
Biomaterials
Apply now

Technology & Built Environment

Digital Architecture
Heating & Cooling
Water Systems
Energy & Resource Efficiency
Lifecycle Assessment
3D Modelling
Robotic Construction
Building Information Modelling
Adapting Existing Buildings
Construction  Material
Apply now

Graduation & Beyond

Showcase Event

The cohort culminates in a showcase event in which members will have the opportunity to present their business, as if to a panel of investors.

It enables participants to expand their network as they graduate from the programme and generate momentum towards their business goals.

Alumni Network

Once the cohort has ended all members will have the opportunity to join our Alumni Slack channel, enabling them to hear about events, funding opportunities and any similar support they may be eligible for.
Businessman talking to a group of people
Man speaking to group of people

Meet Our Team

Barbara Ioannou
ERDF Programme Manager
Daisy Chatterton
Head of Strategic Projects
Jemima Heard
Project Marketing Officer
Richard Howarth
Senior Marketing Manager
Ellen South
Senior Project Manager
Bethan Wynton
Project Coordinator
Issa Chaer
Director of Research and Enterprise - Built Environment
Perry Xiao
Associate Professor
Sandra Dudley-McEvoy
Director of Research and Enterprise – Engineering
Steven Dunn
Head of Chemical & Energy Engineering

Cohort Timeline

Dec
18
Application Deadline
Jan
18
Application Status Confirmed
Jan
25
Begin Project Scoping
Feb
8
Research & Development Projects Begin

Apply now

The application process is made up of one essential form, and another optional questionnaire. They are:

Understanding Your Business/Product & Support Needs (essential);

Understanding Scope for Academic Collaboration (optional)

As our forms must be completed in one go, we have included links to the questions below so you can prepare your answers ahead of time. Once you’re ready, please click apply

Understanding Your Business/Product & Support Needs
Understanding Scope for Academic Collaboration
Apply

I would like to learn more

Complete our short expression of interest form to check your eligibility.

A member of our team will be in touch to discuss your support options.

Express Interest

Frequently Asked Questions

At what stage of product development do companies have to be to apply?

Companies can be at a variety of stages in product development and benefit from the wide range of expertise and support available through the programme.

Companies that have a product or solution that is well-defined, i.e. MVP, and are ready to start user testing or building their evidence base are likely to benefit the most from collaborative research and development with LSBU academics as part of the programme.

What happens if I dont get accepted?

If you apply and are unsuccessful in joining the cohort we will provide feedback to support you in future application, as well as signposting to potential areas of support to help you develop.

What is expected of me?

We expect you to actively engage with all of the support available through the cohort. This will typically equate to around 6 hours per month and applicants will need to dedicate additional time to work on any actions set to them via one-to-one support.

How is this free?

A2i and LCLDN are part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and London South Bank University (LSBU). All support is provided under Article 28 Innovation Aid to SMEs, and does not affect your de minimis allowance.