Programme details

Ready to take your venture to the next level? EarthScale is a 12-month high-impact programme supporting IP-rich startups to scale from prototype to production and tackle the pre-Series A stage with confidence. Here’s a breakdown of the programme.

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Programme details

What makes EarthScale different?

No cookie-cutter support

Every venture starts with a bespoke venture diagnostic – one of EarthScale’s flagship tools – designed to pinpoint challenges, set measurable goals, and map out a tailored support plan rather than generic programming.

A network bigger than any one postcode

By design, EarthScale connects university-led hubs across the UK, enabling founders to remain rooted in their local region while tapping into the best expertise, facilities and contacts available nationwide.

Technology and manufacturing navigation

A dedicated Technology Scale-Up Manager helps founders access specialist labs, facilities, and manufacturing expertise across the UK, supported by innovation vouchers to secure the right technical help at the right time.

Supporting the missing middle

We focus on IP-rich, deep tech climate ventures entering the toughest stage, scaling from prototype to commercial deployment, where support is scarce but the opportunity for UK leadership is immense.

Four pillars of founder-driven support

Our programme has been developed with input from founders and investors on what matters most at this stage, with themes across technical & manufacturing support, enterprise development, talent engagement and policy navigation. 

Four pillars of support

What’s in it for you?

Tailored support to scale your climate tech venture.

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 across four pillars and deliver the right support to help you scale successfully. Examples of support in each pillar include:

World-class manufacturing and technical support

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 and receive 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.

 

Beyond tailored support, you’ll gain access to workshops, roundtables and events designed to tackle shared challenges, explore key scaling topics and connect with fellow founders.

While EarthScale does not provide any grants or cash awards, the estimated value of the in-kind support is £20,000 per venture, depending on the bespoke support you receive. 

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.

Developed with input from founders and investors

The leap from Seed to Series A is challenging, with so much to prove, from technical feasibility to traction. It is exciting to see this incredible network forming, utilising deep expertise from across the UK to support startups as they prepare to scale, which is so important for genuinely addressing the climate crisis. The pain points EarthScale plans to address are all ones which [co-founder] Rodrigo and I encountered on our journey to our $25m Series A for Notpla.

Pierre Paslier, Co-Founder of Notpla

 

Image: Notpla

Who is it for?

This programme is open to ventures who are:

Developing solutions that contribute to net zero and/or support climate change mitigation or adaptation; demonstrable impact
Registered and operating in the UK
At Technology Readiness Levels 5 or 6
Looking to raise Series A in the next 12 months. Have raised seed investment.
EarthScale staff member smiling at Leeds kick off event

Applying for EarthScale

 

Access the full eligibility criteria and information on how to apply