EARTHSCALE

We are proud to be a founding partner in EarthScale - a major national initiative to accelerate the scale-up of climate tech startups and spinouts across the UK. Backed by £5 million from the Research England Development Fund, EarthScale will support 60 high-potential climate ventures as they grow from big ideas to market-ready solutions.

Driving sustainable impact

Led by Imperial College London, and in collaboration with universities around England, this programme will create a powerful network of regional hubs focused on innovation, technical development, and climate impact.

We’re establishing our own regional innovation hub, rooted in the strengths of the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE). This will serve as a launchpad for climate innovators from students and researchers to local businesses and start-ups to access:

• Technical and manufacturing support: access to expertise and facilities across the UK, including from participating universities.
• Enterprise development: scaling advice, including introduction to investors and potential commercial partners through regional networks and events.
• Talent and peer engagement: developing a company culture, attracting the right talent and learning from peers with a focus on executive roles.
• Navigating policy and regulation: engaging with policy makers, support with certifications.

Collaborating for climate solutions

EarthScale isn’t just funding - it’s a connected support ecosystem. Start-ups will benefit from regional and national expertise to help them grow from early-stage innovation through to commercial deployment.

Support includes:

• Access to technical infrastructure and lab space
• Expertise in sustainable engineering and manufacturing
• Regulatory, IP, and legal support
• Network-building with investors, clients, and collaborators
• Tailored coaching for commercial readiness

To access support, you must fit the following criteria:

• Registered and operating in the UK
• Classified as in the LCEGS (Low Carbon and Environmental Goods and Services) sector i.e. developing a product or service that significantly reduces or removes greenhouse gas emissions, or operates in a sector that plays a vital role in climate change mitigation or adaptation
• Technology Readiness Levels or Software Readiness Levels 5 or 6, i.e. technology validated or demonstrated in a relevant environment/ software has early customer usage with repeat engagement
• Seed investment or equivalent raised
• Demonstrated market and commercial readiness (Level 6), including a commercial model showing economic viability (data from test sales), and first commercial sales and implemented sales process (evidence of initial traction)
• Ready to scale up your solution and dedicate a minimum of 2 days/month to the programme

Partnering for impact

EarthScale builds on Derby’s civic mission and innovation-driven growth agenda. Our involvement ensures the East Midlands plays a key role in tackling climate and environmental challenges, while creating green jobs and skills in our region.

“Scaling today’s innovative climate startups is going to be vital in the adaptation and mitigation of climate change. Place-based climate tech clusters are critical to support and nurture these innovations.”
— Chelsea Boothroyd, Deputy Director for Innovation, Priestley Centre for Climate Future

To drive EarthScale, we have collaborated with climate tech leaders:

• Imperial College London: Innovation leadership via the Enterprise Lab and Undaunted
• Cranfield University: World-class pilot-scale facilities
• University of Exeter: Green Futures Solutions initiative
• University of Leeds: Nexus Innovation Hub
• University of Nottingham: Nottingham Energy Institute

We also welcome new universities and partners to join us and extend this national legacy beyond the programme’s initial 3-year phase (to March 2028).

Get involved

Applications for Earthscale support are currently open and will remain open until 13 April 2026.

In late April, a selection process will take place, followed by interviews. Applicants will then be notified of the outcome.
This is a three-year project, with three cohorts participating over its duration.

Timeline: 

If you are unsuccessful at either the application or interview stage, please note that this is one of three cohorts taking place throughout the duration of the EarthScale project, and you will be welcome to apply again. Further information about the upcoming cohort dates will be shared in due course. In the meantime, you will still have the opportunity to attend upcoming events and workshops as part of the EarthScale project.

Workshops

We'll be delivering workshops soon. Stay tuned for more updates.

Contact us

Email: earthscale@derby.ac.uk