University of Liverpool and Sustainable Ventures Launch Climate Tech Accelerator to Scale Innovative Spinouts

University of Liverpool and Sustainable Ventures Launch Climate Tech Accelerator to Scale Innovative Spinouts

(IN BRIEF) The University of Liverpool and Sustainable Ventures have teamed up to launch the Sustainable Futures Accelerator, a two-month programme supporting four innovative climate tech spinouts. Designed to refine business models and connect founders with investors and industry leaders, the initiative is co-developed by the University’s Enterprise Team and backed by the Sir Peter Rigby Centre for Enterprise. With solutions ranging from sustainable materials to AI-powered road maintenance, the accelerator aims to position Liverpool as a rising hub for climate innovation and sustainable technologies.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 16-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Liverpool, in partnership with Sustainable Ventures, has unveiled the Sustainable Futures Accelerator—a dynamic two-month programme designed to help early-stage climate tech spinouts scale their impact. Combining the University’s deep scientific expertise with Sustainable Ventures’ proven record of helping over 850 climate tech companies raise £1.1 billion and generate more than 6,000 green jobs, the accelerator is set to turbocharge innovation for a low-carbon future.

Sponsored by the Sir Peter Rigby Centre for Enterprise and co-developed by the University’s Enterprise Team, the programme delivers tailored business and investment support to four standout University of Liverpool spinouts. Participants will refine business models, access industry networks, and connect with leading investors through Sustainable Ventures’ expansive ecosystem of corporates, founders, and funders.

The inaugural accelerator cohort includes:

• Plasma Fresh – Tackling food waste with breakthrough preservation technology that extends freshness.
• Atomik AM – Advancing sustainable manufacturing through next-generation materials.
• Robotiz3d – Reinventing road repair using AI-powered robotics to cut costs and emissions.
• Apoello – Creating digital tools to accelerate discovery in organic electronic materials.

This collaborative effort positions Liverpool as a fast-rising hub for climate technology and sustainable materials, offering a platform where academic discovery meets commercial opportunity.

Dr Thomas Pugh, Head of Science and Engineering in the University’s Enterprise Team, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “We’re building on our world-leading research base and matching it with deep industry expertise. This accelerator strengthens our commitment to translating research into real-world impact and furthers Liverpool’s role as a centre for sustainability and future materials innovation.”

Andrew Wordsworth, Co-Founder of Sustainable Ventures, echoed this vision: “Liverpool is uniquely positioned to become a world-class climate tech hub. We’re excited to partner with the University and support these founders in scaling solutions that tackle the climate crisis head-on.”

The Sustainable Futures Accelerator will be spotlighted during the Liverpool City Region’s Innovation Investment Fortnight, a key event showcasing £2 billion worth of opportunities and forward-thinking collaborations.

The programme highlights the University of Liverpool’s ongoing mission to drive real-world change through academic enterprise—supporting spinouts, licensing technology, and enabling innovation that benefits people and the planet.

Media Contacts:

Joanne Carr
Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs
T: +44 (0)7825 434900
E: jocarr@liverpool.ac.uk

Catrin Owen
Media Relations Manager – Humanities and Social Sciences
T: +44 (0)7721 834238
E: catrin.owen@liverpool.ac.uk

Sarah Stamper
Media Relations Manager – Science and Engineering
T: +44 (0)7970 247396
E: sarah.stamper@liverpool.ac.uk

Jennifer Morgan
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0)7775 547589
E: J.L.Morgan@liverpool.ac.uk

Alison Cornmell
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0) 7771 700680
E: Alison.Cornmell@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool