Clean Futures Accelerator – Introducing: The Winners in Rail

CLEAN FUTURES ACCELERATOR INTRODUCING: THE WINNERS IN RAIL

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Locally-led Innovation Accelerators delivered in partnership with DSIT, Innovate UK and City Regions

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Showcasing the UK’s clean transport solutions of the future

W

elcome to this Clean Futures Accelerator promotional supplement, which places the

spotlight on the competition’s winning rail SMEs and their clean tech solutions, which will help drive the UK’s future lowcarbon transport economy.

As we reach the halfway point in the Accelerator programme, it is an ideal time to reflect on the journey so far and look ahead to the work that will be taking place over the next six months, as the winners look to develop and trial their innovations ahead of demonstrating them to a live audience.

This exciting programme will see the rail industry in the West Midlands lead the way in transforming transport towards

Light Rail National Innovation Centre

a greener future, in a collaboration

(VLRNIC) and its Rail Development and

sets the stage for a dynamic and

between Connected Places Catapult,

Test Site. Those involved in the automotive

prosperous future in clean technology for

the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities,

sector will receive support from Coventry

both the West Midlands and the wider UK

transport, and place leadership, the

University, which offers bespoke support

and I’m very excited to be leading the SME

Black Country Innovative Manufacturing

and commercialisation services and

engagement at BCIMO’s Very Light Rail

Organisation (BCIMO), Coventry University

automotive testing at the university’s

National Innovation Centre.

and CU Services Ltd

Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and

With grants of up to £50K and expert support on offer, this initiative is a game-

The Clean Futures Accelerator initiative

Engineering and the Centre for Advanced

What is the Clean Futures Accelerator?

Low Carbon Propulsion Systems.

The Clean Futures Accelerator is being led by Connected Places Catapult in

changer for small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region, presenting

The programme

collaboration with the Black Country

a unique opportunity for organisations to

During the 6-month programme, the

Innovative Manufacturing Organisation

make a lasting impact on the environment

winners will receive bespoke coaching and

(BCIMO), Coventry University and CU

while tapping into the area’s renowned

mentoring from a variety of trusted experts,

Services Ltd. The programme forms part

transport manufacturing heritage.

based on an initial assessment of their

of the wider West Midlands Innovation

unique business development needs. They

Accelerator delivered in partnership with

Supporting SMEs with funding and

will also be enrolled into the wider Clean

the West Midlands Combined Authority,

world-class facilities

Futures Catalyst. This will bring together

Innovate UK, UK Research and Innovation,

A total of £1 million has been made

the wider West Midlands transport

and the Department for Science,

available to support 20 companies

community, encouraging networking and

Innovation and Technology.

selected to take part in the first year of

knowledge sharing between innovators,

the Clean Futures Accelerator, with each

local businesses, industry partners, service

promotional supplement and learning

receiving up to £50K of funding which

providers, and local government bodies.

more about the exciting innovations that

In this supplement, BCIMO’s winning

will drive the UK’s low-carbon transport

must be matched in-kind (for example,

I hope you enjoy reading this

with labour) by the SME. The winners are

SMEs will be profiled and you will learn more

also being supported throughout their

about the ground-breaking innovations

solutions of the future.

commercialisation journeys, with those

and the strategic partnerships that

Naomi Arblaster, Head of SME

involved in the rail sector being granted

will be formed during this collaborative

Development, Black Country Innovative

access to BCIMO’s purpose-built Very

accelerator programme.

Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO)

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AceOn Group: Battery and energy storage innovations to replace diesel generators

F

ounded by Group CEO Mark

£4.6 million project to develop battery and

electric batteries into container energy

Thompson, who has over 30 years

hydrogen technology to power marine

storage for 2nd life usage.

of experience in Battery Energy

vessels used for servicing offshore wind

Storage and the design, manufacture and supply of batteries and battery

turbines in the North Sea. The Group’s aim on the Clean Futures

With the global Clean Energy market expected to grow from $110B (2021) to $330B by 2027, AceOn is seeking

packs, AceOn Group (trading as AceOn

Accelerator Programme is to help

investment to grow its offering and help

Battery Solar Technology) is one of the

customers transition to clean energy

the construction industry replace diesel

UK’s leading battery manufacturers.

solutions by replacing their petrol and

generators with its portable battery

diesel generators with portable swappable

solutions and provide circular economy

battery generators.

solutions to other automotive OEMs

The company specialises in batteries and renewable technologies and has a key focus with off-grid solutions. Products ranging in

Ace-On is developing 2nd Life Energy

size from consumer AceOn AAAs up to multi-

Storage and has repurposed 2nd Life

megawatts battery energy storage systems.

EV Modules to create a portable energy

With entrepreneurism and innovation

storage product from leading automotive

at its core, AceOn is the lead partner in a

OEMs. The company is also re-purposing

to design into an AceOn range of PES (portable energy storage) products.

Find out more about AceOn Group at www.aceongroup.com

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Adelan: Pioneering the global hydrogen economy

A

delan is the longest running British

others. Adelan’s science is global and this

proprietary know-how relating to the

fuel cell company which develops

knowledge, network and expertise offer the

development and manufacturing processes

low carbon products for the clean

firm’s key values.

of fuel cell technology has been amassed by

energy market and offers unique fuel cell

Adelan’s Fuel Cell is fuel agnostic and is

system sales and strategic partnership to

a ‘Green Bridge’ between fossil fuels and

customers looking to decarbonise their

clean H2. It consumes a small amount of

firsts: one powering a cherry picker with

products and businesses. Their product

gas with low maintenance costs thus easily

a fuel cell through a UK Innovate-funded

portfolio includes mobile generator fuel

used remotely or as a back-up. A 100W cell,

project and most recently installing a fuel

cells and reporting software for electric

bottled propane is circa 10% of the cost of

cell on an auxiliary power unit on a train for

cars, plant machinery, camper vans,

an H2 equivalent fuel and runs for nearly

Colas Rail.

homes and construction sites.” to make

three times longer.

the business sound more personable..

The Adelan patents cover several

Adelan, over more than 25 years.

In the last year, Adelan has had two world

Adelan is seeking funding to upscale its manufacturing capabilities in the Midlands,

Adelan offers many years of experience

applications and prototype products that

develop its product offering and grow its

in fuel cells and advanced manufacturing,

have been built to establish Technology

team to execute its business plan.

and it has built a network of key strategic

Readiness Level (TRL) 7 by the UK

partners including Rolls Royce, Airbus,

Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).

To learn more about Adelan

Engie, Johnson Matthey and many

In addition to patents, well-protected

visit: www.adelan.co.uk

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Boxtube: A transformative loading system to help the logistics sector deliver its net zero goals

B

oxTube’s Rapid Vehicle Loading

BoxTube offers rapid loading and unloading

increasing its TRL. The firm will also improve

System uses standardisation

– an HGV can be loaded or unloaded with

its MRL by fostering supplier relationships,

to dramatically improve the

660 totes in under a minute – which allows

designing for production and possibly

efficiency of handling smaller items.

much better use of driver and vehicle

setting up production methods for some of

Standardisation is a proven efficiency

assets. The system is ideally suited to rail,

the bespoke parts. It also aims to undertake

strategy in logistics. The shipping

with 16,000 totes being loaded onto a

a market validation project with a potential

container has improved handling

10-car train in under a minute. This means

future customer, using real-world logistics

efficiency with larger ships, specialised

the most efficient transport mode can be

data to model the implementation of the

cranes and direct road and rail loading.

used for each leg of a journey. The system

BoxTube system for them.

Similarly, pallets have enabled forklift

is compatible with all rail gauges and so

BoxTube is seeking funding to prepare

trucks and other equipment to be

can use electric rail which has 95% lower

for its first customer live trial – and have

developed to transform their handling.

emissions compared to road freight.

the flexibility to stage the investment over

The BoxTube systems can do the same

BoxTube aims to utilise the Clean Futures

the development period if necessary. The

with the humble tote box – a reusable

Accelerator Programme to advance to the

company has growth plans far into the

container perfect for depalletised freight,

point of investment readiness so that it can

future, with a system that benefits from

post and parcel and other small item

proceed to market entry in around two years.

network effects and synergistic growth the

distribution.

The BoxTube system can improve fill by

During the program, the company will

more widely it is used.

look to produce a second-generation

up to 50% compared to current methods

prototype to demonstrate BoxTube working

such as roller cages or dollies. In addition,

on rail with improved component parts,

Learn more about BoxTube at: www.boxtube.co.uk

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ChangeMaker3D: Saving the planet, one layer at a time

W

hat if you could have a library

together with the end-to-end supply

The firm has been working with HS2

of assets, ready to print at

capability that supports production.

to help the project become cleaner,

By 2030, ChangeMaker3D aims for

greener and faster and became the

the touch of a button?

Printfrastructure to capture a 2%

first to do onsite 3D concrete printing.

ChangeMaker3D in 2017, energised

Natalie and Luke founded

share of the market, removing 5%

Also been the first to deploy a water

by the potential to use emerging

of all carbon from the sector. It is a

retaining chamber for United Utilities.

technologies as a force for good.

sustainable building company, aiming to

Having witnessed stark inequality at a

save the planet, one 3D layer at a time.

and construct the first 3D-printed

community level, they were determined

Changemaker 3D aims to play its part in

toilet pod, which has been funded by

to combine their passions for print

looking at CO2 emissions generally and

Transport for Wales in the first phase,

innovation, skills and partnerships to

wider global impact. The company is well

at BCIMO’s Very Light Rail National

create a lasting legacy.

placed to capitalise on a commercial

Innovation Centre (VLRNIC).

3D concrete printing combines state-

basis and a sustainable footprint.

ChangeMaker3D is looking to deploy

ChangeMaker3D is seeking

of-the-art robotics with print innovation. A

ChangeMaker3D’s model is based on

component such as a wall is designed and

designing complex products and printing

first Printfrastructure™ hub set up in the

digitally modelled. The robot then prints

faster and greener, disrupting the

Midlands, including a printing facility

the component layer by layer, piping low-

construction industry by offering printing

and team to bring opportunities to

carbon mortar to an exact specification.

both onsite and offsite. Aspiration to

clients as the company scales up.

Printfrastructure™ is ChangeMaker3D’s

investment for 2024 that will see the

have hubs in every county in the UK by

trademarked identity for 3D concrete

2030 and longer-term, a printer on every

printed infrastructure components,

major scheme nationwide.

Find out more about ChangeMaker3D at: www.changemaker3d.co.uk

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Powerup Offgrid Services: Replacing generators with PowerStations Furthermore, PowerUp’s EaaS solution contributes to local economies by creating long-term, semi-skilled jobs for technicians responsible for the efficient transport of power. Our commitment to sustainability places the rail industry as an integral part of the local energy eco-system, demonstrating a comprehensive approach across various industries. As we advance our network and partnerships, including collaborations like the Clean Futures Accelerator, we aim to

P

accelerate progress towards achieving

owerUp is a forward-thinking

enabled swappable batteries and flexible

net zero targets across industries such as

energy solutions provider,

battery energy storage. A distinctive

construction, utilities, mobility, and rail,

specialising in innovative

aspect of our operations is the “just-in-

demonstrating a commitment to advancing

technologies that usher in a new era of

time” battery replacement strategy,

sustainable practices and technology.

sustainability. Our primary focus is on

guaranteeing a continuous and reliable

revolutionising traditional energy systems

green energy supply at the point of use. We

we will work closely with BCIMO to create a

across diverse industries by moving to a

excel in providing tailor-made Energy as a

baseline for a more accurate understanding

proactive, prediction-based approach

Service (EaaS) models, leveraging in-house

of actual emissions. The off-road machinery

instead of being reactive or scheduled.

hardware and software capabilities.

sector faces a challenge due to the

PowerUp’s core activities revolve around

Crucially, our proactive approach

lack of comprehensive policy, strategy,

the replacement of fossil fuel generators

achieves more with less, strategically

and regulation, making it unfeasible for

with our cutting-edge PowerStations. Our

deploying swappable batteries to move

operational companies to accurately report

approach goes beyond traditional average

power precisely to and from the point of

on actual emissions and energy efficiency.

discharge rate methods; we employ a

use through the existing transport networks.

This absence of a standardised framework

sophisticated system that learns and adapts

This reduces waste and environmental

creates a hurdle in establishing a precise

to the unique behaviours of operators.

impact compared to conventional battery

baseline to showcase the substantial

Through AI-powered predictive analytics and

technologies that often rely on oversized

improvements our solutions can offer.

continuous machine learning, our technology

batteries to mitigate “range anxiety.”

As well as expanding our network of

dynamically adjusts based on real-time

Our EaaS swappable batteries not

operational and manufacturing partners,

data. This not only ensures the efficient use

only replace fossil fuel generators but

PowerUp is actively seeking investment to

of energy but also accurately predicts future

also effectively extend the grid, offering

accelerate our progress towards achieving

energy needs by continuously refining its

flexibility in drawing and delivering power.

net-zero targets. Simultaneously, we are

understanding of operator behaviours. This

Each battery serves as both a packet

committed to raising general awareness of

personalised approach optimises energy

of data as well as packet of energy,

the significant potential that Energy as a

consumption in a highly tailored manner,

ensuring precise energy management

Service brings.

contributing to the overall efficiency and

and reporting. In envisioning the future, we

sustainability of our solutions.

anticipate a landscape where kilowatt-

Additionally, our expertise extends to the development and integration of IoT-

During the Clean Futures Accelerator,

To find out more please visit

hours (kWh) and energy efficiency are as

www.linkedin.com/company/power-

crucial as costs in winning bids.

up-off-grid-services/

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Harry Needle Railroad Company and Advanced Hydrogen Technologies: Engine carbon clean and capture

A

dvanced Hydrogen

burned, the sole by-product is harmless

Needle Railroad Company (HNRC),

Technologies (AHT) was created

water.

fitting a carbon clean device to one of its

in 2008, with its founder and

In addition to its Generator, AHT has

class’ 08 Locomotives. The programme

Chief Technical Officer, Den Karmal,

created a unique “Capture” device,

will allow HNRC and AHT to prove that

working in the motorsport industry.

substantially reducing harmful emissions

the combined system of R4 and carbon

Recognising a need to reduce the

and particulates to complete the

capture can reduce the emissions of a

carbon build-up in petrol and diesel

cleaning process.

class’ 08 Shunter or other locomotives.

engines, particularly in endurance

As a cleantech business, AHT is now

AHT is currently looking for customers

racing, he developed a ground-

focusing on energy, central heating,

to engage with. The firm’s Carbon Clean

breaking Hydrogen Generator.

and, in the last six months, electricity

& Capture system is modular, so can

This revolutionary system takes

production. It has developed a localised

be fitted to any sized locomotive and

ordinary tap water and turns it into

hydrogen central heating system that will

will give impressive, tangible results. It is

pure medical-grade hydrogen and

be installed into its first test home in Q1

seeking further investment in Q2 of 2024.

oxygen, which can be used in multiple

2024 for full “real world” testing.

disciplines and industries. The water to

On the electricity side, AHT has a

be processed does not require cleaning

Proof of Concept that uses hydrogen to

as the AHT Generator has a unique

produce 4Kwh, which it will look to upscale

military-grade filter which prepares

to 250kwh in 2024.

even unclean water for use. When

The AHT team has engaged with Harry

For more information on HNRC please visit: www.harry-needle.co.uk For more information on AHT please visit: www.ahtgroup.co.uk

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Universal Signalling: Signalling. Simplified.

U

niversal Signalling is a micro-SME start-up, with a team

This Clean Futures project represents the first deployment

of industry experts passionate about improving the

of Universal Signalling’s innovative signalling product in a real

railway by simplifying the signalling system.

railway environment.

Universal Signalling offers new low-cost signalling architecture,

Over the course of the accelerator programme, the team

which is simpler, and deployed using off the shelf components. The

and supporting partners will take the novel architecture,

architecture facilitates a step change reduction in time to deploy,

under laboratory development since 2018, and install, test,

capital investment and ongoing operating costs.

integrate and demonstrate key components and interactions

Universal Signalling’s solution can be applied in three levels:

at the BCIMO test site.

The fitment will culminate in a live demonstration of train

•

Universal Interlocking, providing full moving block signalling

control, with the end goal to reach a Minimum Viable Product

functionality.

status.

Universal speed supervision, providing connected and

universal interlocking anywhere in the world – the holy grail of

continuous speed supervision; and

railway signalling systems.

Local speed supervision, providing discrete speed

To find out more visit:

This project represents the first trial application of a

-

supervision.

www.universalsignalling.com

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Varamis Rail: Introducing the UK’s newest rail freight operator

train operator and the first high-

V

by the environmental benefits of light rail

trains or infrastructure to facilitate

speed, fully electric logistics

and the need for the logistics industry

journeys.

operation on the UK rail network. The

to reach net zero and the complexities

There is a perception that rail is slow,

service is fully electric and supports the

around decarbonising long-distance

unreliable and costly. Varamis Rail aims

targets of the government’s net zero

road haulage.

to educate people and change that

aramis Rail is the UK’s newest

policy, as an environmentally friendly alternative to road haulage.

Varamis Rail aims to deliver a fully

The company’s vision was heavily driven

Earlier this year Varamis Rail launched

because it doesn’t need to build new

perception. Its high-speed logistics

its first ‘proof of concept’ route between

service is quicker, cheaper and greener

Scotland and Birmingham International.

than any road travel.

electric high-speed rail logistics service

Taking just under five hours each way,

The Varamis team is seeking funding to

moving parcels and light goods around

the new service operates overnight and

support the creation of a circular network

the UK’s electrified rail network, whether

is ideal for express parcel companies

of high-speed, fully electrified rail services

this is linking purpose-built rail hubs or

or third-party delivery companies with

where same-day and next day deliveries

directly into towns/cities. It promotes

fast-moving consumer goods looking to

become natural, with a timetable that

the ‘trunk’ mileage of parcels and goods

transport volumes for next-day delivery

runs like a regular passenger one.

distribution with a fully electric train

between Scotland and the Midlands.

supported by a network of regionalised

The firm’s solution is completely

sustainable transportation solutions.

emission-free and very sustainable

Learn more at: www.varamis.co.uk

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Coexlion: Smart Utility Case A tailored EV delivery solution

C

oexlion is working with its client

e-scooters needing downtime for charging

Verdemoto to reduce carbon

and degradation of range.

emissions of last mile delivery,

Coexlion aims to right size the battery, saving cost, weight and carbon,

Coexlion’s solution involves upgrading to

increasing the usable life of the battery

by encouraging the industry to adopt EV

an imported EV motorcycle with a SMART

and creating a better user experience.

delivery vehicles tailored to the task.

battery, integrated with the delivery box, in the

Coexlion is seeking funding for the CAPEX

Smart Utility Case (SUC), linking the charging

for developing the product, to take the

the delivery operative’s vehicle. These are not

strategy with the delivery plan.The SUC

company through to the production-

purpose-built for the job and bring the various

addresses existing e-scooter pain points- the

ready stage for the SUC.

issues to the user, including e-bicycles being

battery is sized per trip rather than per shift

uncomfortable and low range, passenger

and uses a Small Integrated Battery that is low

cars being expensive to buy and run and

cost, allowing two batteries in play.

Currently, most deliveries are completed by

Learn more about Coexlion at: www.coexlion.com

Composite Braiding Ltd: The future of composite manufacturing

C

omposite Braiding Ltd uses

manufacturing challenges, including

benefits of its light weight products in

a highly automated process

weight, cost, volume and sustainability.

service, their components lead to significant

to produce thermoplastic

Composite Braiding Ltd designs and

decarbonisation throughout the product

composite components quickly and

makes components that are as strong

lifecycle. Composite Braiding Ltd is working

at scale, with costs equivalent to more

as steel but up to 70% lighter. Its process

on this programme to demonstrate high

traditional materials. Its global award-

involves braiding a thermoplastic matrix

volume joining of structural beams as part

winning technology automates the

with materials like carbon fibre, glass fibre

of a programme it is involved in related to

composite manufacturing process,

and basalt for superior performance. The

electric vehicles. This technology equally

enabling the company to reduce

company’s thermoplastic materials are

applies to other transport markets including

labour costs by up to 90%, reducing

inherently recyclable and have a number

rail for both vehicles and infrastructure.

manufacturing waste to less than 1%,

of end-of-life options. Its processes are

while also using up to 99% less energy.

highly energy efficient and when combined

Most industries have a range of universal

with its reduction in waste and the inherent

Find out more at: www.compositebraiding.com

Hixal: Zero-emission, Off-grid, EV charger modules

H

ixal’s vision is to unlock the true

powered module can charge between 1-4

projects, currently led by Norway, California,

potential of EV products by

vehicles. The module can charge a car in less

Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands. Sites are

removing barriers: grid connections,

than 3 minutes to provide a 100-mile range.

currently only served by awkward or time-

planning permissions and cost of ownership.

Hixapod can be installed in just 30 minutes,

consuming solutions. Hixal’s business model

with no planning permission or grid connection

is currently focused on grant funding to get

charger module. A major sustainability

Hixapod is a zero-emission, off-grid EV

required. The modules are hydrogen powered

its inaugural proof of concept for upcoming

challenge construction sites currently face

and provide zero emissions. Just one unit can

trials. Hixal is seeking funding to support cash

is the lack of high-capacity off-grid zero-

take 308 tonnes out of the atmosphere per

flow necessary to build its proof of concept by

emissions energy solutions. There is currently

year. Hixapod also has high usability: it can

July 2024 and complement the construction

less than 50% charging capacity for the

operate in environments from 50 degrees to

market. It is also seeking an assembly partner

targeted EV usage by 2050, with a shortfall

-30 degrees Celsius. By 2026 it is anticipated

to assemble and de-risk its ability to scale.

in power across the grid. It is expensive and

that Hixapods will be able to power vehicles

time-consuming to get grid connections for

more cheaply than with diesel. City legislations

ultra-fast charging of EVs. Hydrogen fuel cell

and incentives for zero-emission construction

To learn more about Hixal visit: www.linkedin.com/company/hixal/

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What happens next?

Next steps

audience of end-users and investors. There

Following the recent announcement of

will be a focus on celebrating the success

the cohort one winners, the BCIMO and

of the accelerator and building valuable

Coventry University delivery teams are

connections for the cohort.

now busily preparing for the arrival of the winning SMEs on site to help kickstart

Other Initiatives

their journey from concept to successful

BCIMO and partners are also working on

realisation of green products and services.

other initiatives to support the long-term

Each business will now receive a bespoke

sustainability of the programme. These

business needs assessment and action

include a Clean Futures Catalyst eco-

plan to help ensure the commercial viability

system, which aims to support the West

of their innovative solution and bring their

Midlands to move forward to a clean and

product to market. Winners involved in the

sustainable Future through Awareness

rail sector will be granted access to BCIMO’s

(Raising), Education (Opportunities)

unique Rail Development and Test Site,

and Networking, and a Commercial

offering an extensive range of facilities to

Investment Hub, which aims to de-risk

support the development and testing of

and accelerate the commercialisation

future rail technologies.

of innovation by matching supply with

At the end of the programme in April

demand and investment and providing

2024, the Clean Futures Accelerator will

packages of support together with live

host a ‘Demo Day’ where the winners will

demonstrating and showcasing facilities.

be able to showcase their solutions and

More information on both of these

results of their trials in front of a tailored

initiatives will follow in the new year.

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