About the accelerator

The linear model of ‘take, make, and waste’ when it comes to manufacturing and consuming goods needs to change.  With the need and demand for socially and environmentally sound consumption soaring, innovative businesses are transforming manufacturing processes and putting sustainability at the core of their business model. Progressive companies are moving away from traditional concepts of supply chains, towards a value chain approach, collaborating with stakeholders to take into account the full impact of a product or process, including workers wellbeing, material sourcing, production, consumption and recycling.

From circular materials and sustainable processing to transparency and traceability, the CISL Manufacturing for good Accelerator is looking for early stage startups with tech-driven innovations that have the potential to advance sustainability through innovative manufacturing.

This free Accelerator programme will bring together a select cohort of innovators to help fast track sustainability solutions. Delivered over six weeks of interactive online sessions, with contributors from the University of Cambridge, the European Remanufacturing Council, Cambridge Innovation Capital, IBM, Sustainable Ventures, Startupbootcamp and Stanford Angels.

Programme overview

Week one: Meet the cohort and strength test your sustainability proposition.

Week two: What does good look like? Explore sustainable manufacturing from different angles, (re)visit your market and product fit, and refine your value proposition.

Weeks three: Innovation showroom - share experiences with successful innovators breaking new ground in the industry and explore how to use the Lean Startup approach to mitigate your start-up risks.

Weeks four: Discover how corporates are addressing sustainability within their value chain, and learn how to apply systems thinking to ensure a resilient business model.

Week five: Finance, and sustainability storytelling.

Week six: Pitching – do’s and don’ts and practice, with expert panel feedback. 

Follow up: opportunity to participate in CISL’s innovation showroom event.  

Join this programme, and you will:

• Explore cross sector social and environmental challenges
• Learn from leading innovators driving change
• Test your commercialisation plans and learn how to mitigate risks in your startup journey
• Gain storytelling skills and insights
• Hear from investors on the do’s and don’ts for accessing startup funding
• Meet corporate buyers who are interested in sustainable solutions

Contributors

Who should apply

We’re looking for early stage startups with tech-driven innovations in the following categories: sustainable materials; sustainable processing; transparency and traceability; waste management; supply chain logistics; innovative, low-consumption business models.

This programme is part funded by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund, and is available for free to SMEs based in England, with priority given to those in parts of the East of England. 

Applications for this programme are now closed. If you are interested in discussing future opportunities on this topic please get in touch.