Devon Net Zero Innovation Fund
Innovation through collaboration
Academics from the University of Plymouth are bringing their passion for creating a net zero carbon future together with their expertise – from fields as varied as behaviour change to mechanical engineering, environmental science to robotics – to enable Devon enterprises to address low carbon challenges.
The Devon Net Zero Innovation Fund (DNZIF) is a research and innovation opportunity funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), delivered through the Low Carbon Devon project at the University of Plymouth. The fund brings Devon enterprises together with academics to accelerate the development of new commercially viable products or services in the low carbon sector, or other sectors, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions.
The DNZIF will encourage new industries to emerge, boost investment in the development of low carbon products and services and support diversification of technology from one industrial sector to another, to support low carbon ambitions. For example there are enterprises wanting to work with academics on behaviour change and app development to another looking for expertise in developing an alternative to concrete. Similarly, we have academics looking for companies who are developing products in their specialist areas.
These innovative collaborations will see academic research impacting upon industry and society, both locally and globally, and will provide opportunities to influence and change governmental policy.
"We're innovating, having new ideas that are leading to developments that are tangible – and making an active contribution to the research area."
The Devon Net Zero Innovation Fund aligns with the UK Government’s Build Back Better strategy as the UK shifts towards a net zero carbon future; recognising that working towards net zero is a major opportunity for economic growth and job creation across the UK and particularly in Devon with its rich natural capital and innovative technologies.
Low Carbon Devon’s Claire Pearce , Project Manager, says,
“This is a great opportunity, for both businesses and academics to work together, to their respective strengths to create something new and exciting for the low carbon economy – I can’t wait to see the ideas grow from these collaborations.”
How Devon organisations can be part of Low Carbon Devon?
The Sustainability Hub is an integral part of the Sustainability Hub: Low Carbon Devon project , which will provide an exciting new catalyst for low-carbon economic growth in Devon. Supported by an investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the £2.6m programme, finishing in 2023, will support Devon-based organisations to access research, business support, and engage with the University of Plymouth around the low-carbon agenda.
If you are interested in getting involved with the Sustainability Hub: Low Carbon Devon project, please fill out the expression of interest questionnaire.
