Companies, startups and entrepreneurs are invited to pitch their innovative projects or ideas to a panel of experts at events in Newcastle and Chester, followed by a Grand Finale in London.
The winning submissions will have the opportunity to compete for investment from ENGIE’s New Ventures Investment Fund, which has €100 million to invest in innovative businesses.
The way the world generates and consumes power is going through an unprecedented transformation. ENGIE refers to this as the energy transition – a global trend characterised by decarbonisation and the development of renewable energy sources, and by reduced consumption due to energy efficiency and the digital revolution. To succeed in this transition, we need to discover and develop new and innovative energy solutions.
This is why ENGIE has launched Big Pitch UK – a nationwide competition to find the UK’s most innovative ideas that will play their part in securing the world’s cleaner future. Big Pitch UK is part of ENGIE’s Innovation Week, a global initiative from 15th to 19th June 2015.
We are inviting companies, startups and entrepreneurs from across the UK to come and pitch their most innovative ideas to our panels of experts (made up of ENGIE executives, local decision makers, potential clients and other entrepreneurs) at events being held in Newcastle and Chester. The scope of projects that will be considered is broad, but it must relate to one of the four themes: Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Smart Technologies or Smart Cities.
The best pitches from around the country will travel to ENGIE’s UK headquarters in London for a Grand Finale on 19th June, competing for the chance to meet ENGIE’s €100 million New Ventures Investment Fund team, which invests in clean energy businesses. The best innovations will also be provided with coaching and assistance to help them develop and market their innovations.
Caroline Hopkins, UK Development Director at ENGIE, said:
“Innovation is at the heart of ENGIE and the Group has committed €100 million to invest in innovative businesses around the world. ENGIE is a long-term partner for the UK and a major investor in the country’s energy infrastructure. We employ 20,000 people across the UK and it is clear that there is a wealth of entrepreneurial and innovative talent. Big Pitch UK is about uncovering the very best of the UK’s innovations in energy and services to ensure they get the support they need to succeed and make a real difference. I hope the winning innovations will play, with our support, a big part in the world’s clean energy future.”
Do you have an innovative idea and are you interested in taking part? The deadline for submissions is Monday 1 June 2015. Find more information about the call for participation and register your interest.
If you would like to discuss your idea before applying, please contact Paul Hughes, Business Advisor Cleantech at Allia Future Business Centre Cambridge on telephone 01223 781209 or email paul@futurebusiness.co.uk