Better Futures Innovation Challenge Partnerships Revealed!
We’re excited to announce the 8 partnerships that have now been formed as part of the Mayor of London’s Better Futures Innovation Challenge. This programme connects innovative startups with major corporations to tackle pressing net zero challenges. As London aims to reach net zero by 2030, the Innovation Challenge is essential in providing major businesses like Tottenham Hotspur, and E.ON with the sustainable solutions they need to overcome complex challenges—challenges that range from improving energy and material efficiency to making supply chains and building materials more sustainable.
Led by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and powered by Sustainable Ventures, the programme is now in its fourth year and backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The latest stage of the programme, this innovation challenge has been designed to pair forward-thinking startups with Established Businesses facing significant hurdles in their net zero journey. Together, they will tackle issues like waste management, sustainable construction, and smarter energy use. From an initial pool of 2,000 startups, 18 of the most promising climate tech innovators pitched their ideas on October 16th, hoping to secure partnerships that would not only help the Established Businesses achieve sustainability but would also unlock new commercial potential.
After an intense Pitch Day, the results are in—8 new collaborations are set to move forward:
With 80% of Established Businesses matched with their top-choice Innovator and half of the innovators securing their preferred partnership, we’re excited to see the impact that these partnerships will have. And while each business could only select one partner, the unmatched startups will continue to benefit from Sustainable Ventures’ network, gaining access to additional opportunities to bring their innovations to market.
“The Sustainable Ventures Innovation Challenge Kick Off Event was enlightening and inspiring. I left wanting to work with several innovators in different capacities and having made contacts in the wider industry that are of direct relevance to our clients. Excited to undertake the next stage of the challenge process.”
“The Better Futures Innovation pitch day was a fantastic opportunity to speak directly with stakeholders that ordinarily may be difficult to get in the room with. An invaluable experience for a start up, and an opportunity to meet more incredible sustainable ventures!”
Looking ahead, these partnerships will participate in engagement workshops in November to develop plans and prepare for trials of these solutions in early 2025. The journey will culminate in February at the Better Futures Innovation Challenge Showcase, where the programme will celebrate the impact of these collaborations.
The expected impact of these partnerships goes far beyond individual business goals. Each partnership has the potential to drive real-world climate solutions, cut emissions, and create green jobs that bring London closer to its net zero goals. Together, these innovators and industry leaders are setting a new standard for climate action in cities worldwide. The road to net zero is challenging, but with bold partnerships like these, a sustainable future is within reach.