The Biochar Clean Tech Accelerator - Empowering Regional Clusters - Extension

The project is based on the national and internationally recognised centre of expertise in thermal processes and business engagement at the Aston University Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI). The centre will provide access to the results of research and academic knowledge to an established network of manufacturing and services companies. The companies will provide their expertise in practical implementation of technologies, capabilities to produce products and access markets. Together they will work collaboratively to develop new clean tech low carbon opportunities and accelerate green business growth in the region. The project will build on the previous Innovation Accelerator project, a technology demonstrator funded by the Birmingham and Solihull LEP and Birmingham City Council and the support of The Centre for the Circular Economy and Advanced Sustainability at Aston Business School. . The technology can produce a range of other products such as low carbon weed killer, material that can be used to clean up contaminated land, surface coatings and even an additive that can reduce the environmental impact of concrete. The project will support development of the technologies behind these new products, create business propositions and work with regional companies to bring them to market. The project will accelerate the level and speed of innovations resulting from previous projects which developed applied use of thermal process technologies and cluster development at the University. Strong partnerships have been created with high quality engineering and manufacturing companies in the region and aligned with the low carbon strategies of local councils. The projects and the partnerships have created a basic set of technologies which have stimulated strong market interest and demand for the technologies to be developed into products. The Biochar Innovation Accelerator project will strength the supply chains and also expand participation in the cluster of companies investigating market opportunities for applications of the technology. These include productive use of waste and residues to replace the need for fossil fuel based resources in applications such as renewable heat and power, planting materials for green roofs, green walls, urban trees, plant growth enhancers. New, lower TRL products could include use as advanced building materials and protective coatings. The project will engage with regionally strategic clusters to develop collaborative opportunities to bring the new technologies to market.