Wanted - SMEs with Big Ideas on Climate Change
Shell Springboard is now open for the sixth round of applications, for small businesses who have an innovative product or service that will help address climate change.
Since the launch of Shell Springboard in 2005, £1.6million has been awarded to 43 businesses across the UK. Applications are now being accepted for eight £40,000 awards which will be awarded in 2011.
In addition to the eight cash awards, there is an overall UK winner and UK runner up. The UK winner gets 5 days consultancy and help from our award winning PR agency.
To be eligible you must:
- be based in the UK
- be an SME by the European definition
- have been in business for at least three months
To win your product or service must be:
- innovative
- commercially viable and;
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
UK WINNER 2010
HiMag Solutions Ltd
Last year's UK winner was HiMag. Their Planar Transformer does everything a conventional transformer does, but with three key advantages: it is more efficient, smaller and lighter. It is up to a fifth of the size and ten times lighter than a conventional transformer. It operates at 99% efficiency compared with 85% for a conventional transformer making them ideal for use in many carbon saving technologies.
Managing Director Dean Curran believes the Shell Springboard award had a positive effect on his business "Firstly the £40k prize money impacted our growth plans - it will allow us to invest in the future of our technology," he says. "Secondly, the publicity is of huge benefit, both in terms of attracting future customers and partners internationally, as well as employees locally. Finally the credibility of winning such an award improves our standing with customers, investors and suppliers alike. It's a great honour to have won".
Still not convinced?
Below are some other success stories from Shell Springboard winners.
- Aeristech, winner 2010, have just secured £500,000 in further investment. They have a novel, turbocharger technology that enhances fuel efficiency in whilst reducing emissions
- Shiply (ebay for shipping goods), won in 2009 and just reached a milestone of helping save more than 10 million un-necessary road miles
- Scotrenewables won in 2006 with their tidal turbine and have since secured £6.2 million in investment
- Scottish Bioenergy won in 2009 and used their award to build their successful algae demonstrator project at Glenturret
- Oxy-gen Combustion won in 2008 with their Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) motor engine. They since formed a partnership with Michelin and the Scottish Government.
Could you benefit from these awards or do you know of someone that could? Help us spread the word about this opportunity.
Apply online www.shellspringboard.org by 5pm on the 5th November 2010
