• Innovation Challenge: Better Futures

Can your solution help established businesses to meet their net zero goals?

Selected innovators will have the chance to pitch to major established businesses like Tottenham Hotspur and E.ON, form strategic partnerships and explore opportunities to pilot their innovations.

As experts in collaboration, we facilitate open innovation, locally.

Large established businesses in London are facing tough challenges to reach Net Zero. Innovative SMEs can help address these challenges. 

The Innovation Challenge is one of our signature programmes. This is its fourth run, and our most recent challenge concluded with over 70% of partnerships going into long term collaboration.

Led by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the Better Futures Innovation Challenge is an opportunity for SMEs and Established Businesses to create partnerships that explore the application of cutting edge solutions.

Pitch to established businesses including

Programme timeline

  • 01

    Apply to be an innovator for the Innovation Challenge

    Complete a short questionnaire by 29th September.

  • 02

    Pitch to established businesses


    If selected, pitch your offering on 16 Oct 2024 to key decision makers in each established business.

  • 03

    Partner


    Following a matchmaking process, you will be partnered with an established business. Please note that not every innovator will be selected.

  • 04

    Collaborate


    We will facilitate c. 12 hours of constructive engagement between the partnerships (including pitch and showcase days), with the aim of identifying ways to integrate the innovation, for example, a potential trial or commercial contract.

  • 05

    Attend the showcase day


    An event at County Hall to showcase outcomes, learnings and successes of your partnerships.

To take part in the challenge, you will be:

  • Able to apply your solution within Greater London

  • Be excited to pitch to established businesses in London at an in-person pitch day on 16th October 2024

  • Be willing to invest time (~12 hours) into understanding the needs of a partner organisation (and potential customer)

  • Be interested in finding opportunities to collaborate through trials, shared learning and commercial relationships

Your climate technology might tackle a net zero challenge like:

  • Low Carbon Buildings

    Addressing challenges such as Energy Efficiency, Embodied Carbon and Retrofitting.

  • Waste & Circular Economy

    Addressing challenges such as Packaging Material, Water Conservation, Food Waste, and Energy Storage.

  • Low Carbon Mobility

    Addressing challenges such as Visitor Transportation and Low Carbon Freight.

  • Engagement and Equity

    Addressing challenges such as Scope 3 Emissions, Training, and a Just and Inclusive Transition.

  • Biodiversity

    Addressing challenges such as Biodiversity Risks and Resilience.

FAQs

  • The established businesses are all committed to delivering Net Zero. They are pro-actively seeking new innovations and opportunities to help with this. When pitching, you will have a captive audience of decision makers able to influence change if and where there is an opportunity to apply your innovation to their business.

  • If selected, you will be matched with one established business, but can explore partnerships with multiple ones.

  • There is no fee to participate. We only ask for your commitment and great ideas!

  • Please ensure that you are able to attend the following in-person events. Your attendance is mandatory for the pitch day on 16 Oct 2024, as well as the workshop sessions on 6 Nov 2024 and 28 Nov 2024.

  • Feel free to contact stuart.duncan@sustainableventures.co.uk with any questions.