What is the Green Innovation Fund?
The Green Innovation Fund is a competitive grant scheme run by Devon County Council which has invested £800,000 into innovative projects and technologies, driving green growth in Devon’s economy and supporting local enterprises.
The grants are supporting Devon’s transition to a Net Zero economy by creating economic growth alongside environmental benefits. By generating new jobs and training opportunities within the low carbon sector and supporting small businesses to implement sustainable change, the Green Innovation Fund bolsters our commitments to both economic prosperity and tackling the climate emergency. The projects are forecast to save around 100,000 tonnes of carbon over the next ten years.
The Green Innovation Fund is funded through our £6 million Recovery Programme which aims to support four key areas: small and medium enterprises, employment and skills, the green recovery, and the hardest hit towns and communities.
What projects have been supported?
Bideford Bay Seaweed Farm by Algapelago Marine Ltd – with the support of the grant, Algapelago are deploying the first crop of their pilot farm in North Devon. Working with the University of Plymouth, the project will measure the positive environmental impact of seaweed, including as a carbon store. The harvested seaweed can be used across multiple industries such as packaging, agriculture, and food as a sustainable and healthy alternative.
Circular Carbon Project by Bird Eyewear – Bird Eyewear is working with the Green Innovation Fund to develop new, 100% circular products created using waste produced within Devon. The Exeter based company has also embarked on a consumer education project detailing the environmental impact of each product they sell and how this was calculated. Through sharing their sustainability journey via an outreach programme with other B Corp leaders and local entrepreneurs they are promoting greater understanding of best practice within the business community.
Cylo® by Remit Zero Ltd – Cylo® is a smart electrical appliance that heats buildings using renewable energy from the grid when it’s cheapest; reducing carbon emissions and energy bills. It is easy to install, durable, and recyclable at the end of its life. The grant is supporting Remit Zero to scale up rapidly, including the domestic trials to support the development and refinement of the system.
Decarbonise Devon by EPConnect – EPConnect has partnered with established Community Energy Companies across Devon to create a service that provides businesses with the resources and information required to reduce their energy usage and costs. This has now launched as ‘Decarbonise Devon’, which uses an innovative financing model to allow SMEs to improve their energy efficiency and transition to renewable energy sources affordably.
Marine Zero Emission Propulsion by EVParts Ltd – EVParts, based in Ilfracombe, has a track record in delivering nationally recognised low-carbon marine projects, designing and building electric batteries for marine vehicles. The Green Innovation Funding will support the development of electric batteries for larger boats, creating high quality jobs and testing equipment to make their innovative designs commercially viable. Additionally, this project will improve air and water quality and lower noise pollution, making the marine environment better for both wildlife and tourists.
Recycling Used EV Batteries by Altilitech Ltd – Tavistock-based Altilitech is using its wealth of global experience in the mining industry to extract value from waste EV batteries. The grant will enable the business to pilot its patented technology to recycle spent EV batteries, allowing them to recover more raw materials than any previous method. The creation of a circular economy model for critical metals supports the transition to electrification required for Net Zero, while reducing the need for further mining.
Wilder Farming for Wider Gains by Farm Wilder CIC – Farm Wilder is a CIC which works with farmers to assist them in the transition to regenerative and wildlife-friendly agricultural models. It works across the supply chain to support both producers and the food industry in creating sustainable meals at a fair price for both farmers and consumers. This grant is supporting the delivery of training and creation networks among farmers across Devon to enable them to meet Farm Wilder’s certification standards to allow access to this growing market.
Can I apply?
The Green Innovation Fund is closed and no longer accepting applications. Visit Devon Funding News and subscribe to their newsletter to find out about open calls and funding opportunities.