Shell launches latest green innovation competition
Green innovation news – by Ann Elise Taylor
26th July 2011
Innovative small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) making the battle against climate change a top priority have been invited to enter a competition that could earn them as much as £40,000 from Shell UK, the company announced today.
The
Shell Springboard programme, which started in 2005, hands out £320,000 annually to UK
SMEs that have come up with inventive, commercially viable ideas to tackle
climate change.
Having given out £2 million to 53 businesses so far, the programme prides itself on rewarding
SMEs that have taken advantage of commercial opportunities presented by climate change.
"Small businesses are currently developing an abundance of low carbon technologies," Graham van’t Hoff, chairman of Shell UK, said. "Shell Springboard offers no-strings attached financial awards to these businesses to progress their ideas and help these technologies come to fruition."
Winning projectsPast recipients of the programme’s awards are varied in their endeavours – one designed a product that regulates and lengthens the lifespan of electric car batteries. Another developed a solar panel that generates both electricity and hot water in cool climates. One of last year’s winners,
Cella Energy, received £40,000 for its
innovative hydrogen storage technology.
According to a release from Shell, Cella Energy has seen more investor interest since being recognised by the programme and has increased its valuation almost 10-fold.
"Winning the Shell Springboard award was a huge boost to our business," Stephen Voller, ceo of Cella Energy, said. "It was an excellent platform to showcase our technology and helped us secure global investment. I encourage anyone with a good idea for tackling the climate challenge to enter the awards."
This year’s application deadline is November 4. Prizes range from £20,000 to £40,000. More details about the programme and applications are available on Shell’s website.
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