Create next‑generation products, services and business models with the world’s most disruptive sustainability innovators.Facilitated by the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), we work with businesses and investors to identify, test and scale innovations that can succeed in real markets. Drawing on our experience supporting both corporates and startups, we help turn promising solutions into commercially viable, market‑ready propositions. |
What we do
Our approach to systems innovation starts from a simple insight: breakthrough solutions do not scale on technology alone. They succeed when incentives, capabilities, norms and rules evolve to support them.
We therefore focus not only on advancing technological innovation, but on strengthening the market context in which it operates, combining strategic insight into market evolution with practical interventions in the sectors where infrastructure is built and investment decisions are made. Our approach moves innovation from promise to practice at the scale today’s economic, environmental and social challenges demand.
Find our more in our latest report: From Innovation to Impact: Scaling Climate Solutions to Transform Markets.
How we work with partners:
CISL’s approach to scaling viable innovations and solutions is tried and tested through four main routes:
Bespoke accelerator programmes for corporate partners
We help corporates pilot and adopt new technologies and business models. Through our bespoke Accelerator programmes, we identify challenges in existing business approaches, scout relevant solutions from the innovation ecosystem, and highlight capabilities that build longterm resilience and address tomorrow’s problems.
Recent projects include partnering with L’Oréal to identify, pilot and scale solutions and working with global medical technology corporation, Boston Scientific, to address two priorities: building sustainability capability and accelerating sustainable transformation.
Enquire about our programmes I Check out our upcoming programmes and events.
For trade and investment departments
We partner with organisations interested in accessing international markets and emerging technologies to offer ‘soft landings’, market immersion and international programmes to scale solutions across boundaries.
Our immersion programmes include the JETRO X-Hub Tokyo Accelerator for early-stage Japanese startups building sustainability solutions with global potential, the Desafìa London Immersion Programme supporting Spanish companies in the clean and climate tech sectors, working the the UNICEF office of innovation on global programmes, and the hosting dynamic start-up companies participating in the Sedrah programme.
Evaluation and awards
We design and deliver innovation evaluation, awards and scouting programmes, supporting partners to identify high‑impact ventures and emerging solutions.
Our work includes supporting programmes with Unilever, UNICEF, TERA, and the Earthshot Prize, as well as alumni recognition such as the Forbes 30 Under 30.
Incubation, mentors and community
We host a central Cambridge incubation space, hold a 200+ stong mentor network, have a network of 500+ alumni startups, and convene a global community of impact investors.
We have a dedicated international development team who can help, speak to our team to learn more about our services and programme models.
Recent projects
A CISL & UNICEF programme - Climate X
This is a startup accelerator programme in partnership with UNICEF Office of Innovation, continuing our work on the impactful Innovation30 initiative.
DESAFÍA London
CISL's Canopy team were a key partner and collaborator for the Desafìa London Immersion Programme supports Spanish companies in the clean and climate tech sectors, helping them to scale faster by accelerating their internationalisation process. The programme will takes advantage of the clean and climate tech cluster of the ‘Golden Triangle’and will offers a gateway to key ecosystem players within London, Cambridge and Oxford.
Other Work
Sino-UK centre
The Sino-UK centre promotes productive engagement with China to support sustainability focused startups, preserving academic values and integrity. It draws on expertise from across CISL’s wider ecosystem to foster informed and positive collaboration with Chinese stakeholders.
Bespoke leadership and strategy programmes
We work with corporate partners to build the leadership and strategy capabilities that allow innovation to thrive. Delivered to Boards, executives and senior leaders, specific functions and high-potential individuals, our programmes offer an effective and inspiring learning journey that is engaging, action-oriented, and outcomes-focused, aligned to your organisation’s needs, strategy, and unique characteristics.
Partner Feedback
"We have valued our partnership with CISL's Canopy team. They have done a great job in the design and delivery of our Trust in Sustainability Programmes, working collaboratively to achieve our shared goal of accelerating the progress of innovation solutions for sustainability.
We have also benefited from their networks in the sustainability innovation ecosystem. Their approach has facilitated connections that have helped us to create impact for a fair society and sustainable world."
Wendy Niu, BSI (British Standards Institute)
"Investing in young climate innovators is investing in the future. UNICEF is committed to building a pipeline of scientifically vetted and investor-ready solutions addressing the impact of climate change on children's lives. Our partnership with CISL's Canopy will support ventures with transformative climate innovations and help unlock their potential for global impact."
Thomas Davin, UNICEF Office of Innovation, Director
"Canopy isn't just a workspace; it's an innovative, inclusive hub where like-minded individuals connect and collaborate. Amidst a beautiful, sustainable retrofit setting, I've received endless support from the team, relevant programmes and countless networking opportunities."
Frankie Fox, Founder, FoodSquared
"CISL Canopy has been instrumental in propelling SkenarioLabs forward on our journey. Through their Trust in Sustainability programme with the BSI, we've gained invaluable insights, mentorship, and access to resources that have accelerated our growth trajectory. The connections we've made within the CISL Canopy community have been invaluable, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations that we wouldn't have accessed otherwise."
Tom Somers, UK Director of SkenarioLabs
"CISL's programmes for startups were a game-changer. Having access to CISL's wide range of industry senior stakeholders who are committed to the net zero transition and all working to change the status quo. In short, CISL Canopy gave me the knowledge, the network, and the community to build a startup that's not just innovative, but truly sustainable."
Sushma Shankar, Co-Founder & CEO, Deep Planet
Want to know more about our experts? Check out: Our Team
