West Midlands Innovation Accelerator
The Biochar Clean Tech Accelerator builds on research facilities at Aston University to develop low carbon products produced by the regional industrial cluster.
The projects aim is to commercialise knowledge, facilities and the results of long-term university research for the benefit of our environment and the regional economy.
This short film highlights FuturEnergy’s role as lead of the Industrial Cluster for the Biochar Clean Tech Accelerator program.
Aston University has been awarded funding for this Biochar CleanTech Accelerator project as part of the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator to bolster the region’s innovation and R&D capability and capacity to spark commercial growth and investment.
Led by Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation, the pilot Innovation Accelerators programme invested £100m in 26 transformative R&D projects between 2022-25 to accelerate the growth of three high-potential innovation ecosystems – Glasgow City Region, Greater Manchester and West Midlands. The programme was boosted by an additional £30m of public funding for 2025/26 spread equally across the regions. Innovation Accelerators is piloting a new model of R&D decision making that empowers local partnerships to harness innovation to drive regional economic growth, attract private investment, and develop future technologies.
Regional Industrial Cluster led by FuturEnergy
FuturEnergy established and managed the industrial cluster supply chain which unites West Midlands companies in the development and commercialisation of low-carbon products derived from organic materials.
This collaborative network transforms resources like sawdust, agricultural residues, and dried chicken litter into valuable bioproducts such as biochar, gases, and liquids.
By fostering partnerships among businesses, researchers, and industry leaders, the cluster seeks to secure over £200 million in export contracts, revitalise the region's engineering and manufacturing sectors, and open new domestic and international markets.
Additionally, it provides members with access to technological advancements, skill development, strategic networking opportunities, and diverse funding sources, all contributing to the West Midlands' position as a leader in sustainable innovation.
