Get involved
What is EarthScale?
Launched in April 2025, EarthScale is a national programme supporting IP-rich climate tech startups and spinouts across the UK to scale.
A unique powerhouse network of university-led regional hubs for climate innovation, EarthScale will bring together local corporations, investors, innovators, public sector actors, and agencies to catalyse collaboration and unlock new opportunities.
Over the next three years, EarthScale will support 60+ ventures, helping them bridge the gap from prototype to scalable production, and develop from initial funding to commercial deployment.
What’s in it for you?
Tailored support to scale your climate tech startup.
We know one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why every venture accepted into the programme receives a bespoke venture diagnostic, so we can understand your specific needs and deliver the right support to help you scale successfully.
World-class technical support and manufacturing
Gain access to cutting-edge facilities, labs, and technical expertise across the UK, including from participating universities. Support includes:
- Technical expertise and manufacturing facilities.
- Innovation vouchers for prototyping and research access.
- Events and introductions to UK manufacturers.
- Legal assistance with IP and manufacturing compliance.
Expert enterprise development
Scaling support from long-term vision to scaling roadmap, and fundraising. Support includes:
- 1:1 investment readiness coaching and tailored introductions to investors.
- Networking with investors and corporates via events, speed meetings, and dinners.
- Workshops on financial modelling and non-dilutive funding.
- Storytelling training to effectively market.
- Support in developing a long-term scaling roadmap and commercial partnerships.
Talent and peer engagement
Support to build strong teams, foster company culture, and learn from a community of experienced peers. Support includes:
- Peer coaching and advice from founders, NEDs, and operators within the EarthScale and partner university climate innovation ecosystem.
- Workshops on recruitment, company culture, and building diverse teams.
- Leadership and wellbeing support, including mindset coaching and resilience resources.
- Focus on executive talent and shared learning from fellow founders.
Policy and regulation navigation
Engage with high-level policymakers, as well as expert guidance on certifications, procurement, and regulatory hurdles. Support includes:
- Roundtables with policymakers and policy consultation support.
- Regular updates on policy insights.
- Guidance on certifications and regulatory compliance.
- Help navigating public and private procurement systems.
The tailored support will include the addition of workshops, roundtables, and events, delivered in a mixture of online, in-person, and hybrid formats to ensure broad participation and meaningful connections across the UK.
EarthScale does not provide any grants or cash awards. The estimated value of the in-kind support is around £20,000 per venture, though the exact value may vary depending on the bespoke support you receive. The programme is co-funded by the Research England fund, part of UKRI. The support provided under the programme counts as subsidy under the Minimal Financial Assistance (MFA) category. You will therefore receive a clear value breakdown of the support you’ve received.
By the end of the 12-month journey, our goal is for each venture to have advanced significantly in their technical, manufacturing, and commercial readiness – putting you in a strong position to raise Series A investment.
Who can apply?
Geography:
Registered and operating in the UK.
Climate impact:
Classified as in the LCEGS (Low Carbon Environmental Goods and Services) sector. 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.
Deep tech:
Solutions that are deep tech hardware or hybrid. Software solutions will be considered when linked to manufacturing hardware.
TRL:
Solution being at Technology Readiness Levels 5 or 6 i.e. Technology validated or demonstrated in a relevant environment.
Market readiness:
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).
Stage of investment:
Seed investment or equivalent raised (at least £500,000).
Commitment:
Ready to implement and scale up your solutions, with time to fully commit to the programme (minimum 2 days per month for cohort activities).
We recognise the positive value of diversity in innovation and society. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who are traditionally underrepresented in climate tech, including women, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQI+ community.
Applications can come from any university (or none at all) and have any educational or professional background.
Programme timeline
| Applications open | 26 June 2025 |
| Q&A sessions: Application support and general programme information | 29 July and 7 August 2025 |
| Applications close | 7 September 2025 at 23.59 (BST) |
| Interviews for shortlisted applicants | Between 22 – 30 September 2025 |
| Application outcome | 3 October 2025 |
| Programme start | October 2025 |
| Programme end | October 2026 |
Applying
How can I apply?
Before you get started, visit our Guidance and FAQs to make your application as strong as possible. We encourage you to join one of our online Q&A sessions happening in July and August (sign up below) for a chance to ask questions about the application process and to learn more about EarthScale.
Join our informal Q&A webinars to learn more about the programme and application process. It’s a great opportunity to meet the team and ask any questions you may have. Q&A sessions will take place on the following dates:
Tuesday 29 July 2025, 12:00 – 13:00.
Thursday 7 August 2025, 14:00 – 15:00
Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee with expertise in climate innovation, research, manufacturing, and investment. The selection process will consist of an application form and a shortlist for interview.
Deadline: 7 September 2025 at 23.59 (BST)
The application form needs to be completed in one go, so we recommend drafting your responses in advance and then pasting them into the form when you’re ready.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at [email protected] – we’re here to help.
A national network
You’re in good company
EarthScale is powered by a national network of regional hubs at partner universities: Imperial College London, Cranfield University, the University of Derby, the University of Exeter, the University of Leeds and the University of Nottingham – each of which are embedded in a thriving local innovation ecosystem.
These hubs will work collaboratively to cultivate deep sector knowledge, whilst supporting local partnerships with potential clients, partners and collaborators.
EarthScale is a 3-year project co-funded by the Research England fund, part of UK Research and Innovation.
Join the ecosystem
Expression of interest
Are you a manufacturer, collaborator, investor, or facilitator looking to collaborate?
EarthScale is launching this October and we’re building a programme that brings together all the moving parts needed to support ventures to scale. That includes people like you. Whether you’re looking to collaborate or want to see how you can get involved, please fill in this short form so that we can keep you informed with opportunities.
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Whether you're ready to apply or curious about what’s next, let’s stay in touch.
Contact the team directly at [email protected]
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