Our accelerator consortium brings together leading organisations from across the UK, Africa, Asia and Indo-Pacific with a unique combination of UK management capacity and experience at the cutting edge of energy access across Africa, Asia and Indo-Pacific regions. Building businesses, developing markets and unlocking capital is at the core of what we do.
Innovate UK has developed The Energy Catalyst Accelerator Programme (ECAP), to support the commercial development of Energy Catalyst projects, in order to achieve the primary objective of unlocking clean energy access. This consists of one-to-one support tailored to each project’s needs, and a range of programme activities and materials to facilitate learning, international engagement, investor readiness, and dissemination of impact.
The acceleration support is tailored to address the needs of each individual company at different stages of technology development and commercialisation and runs in parallel to the grant projects.
Energy Catalyst Accelerator Programme Support Areas
Accelerator Partners
Consortium Lead
The Carbon Trust is a global climate consultancy driven by the mission to accelerate the move to a decarbonised future. Climate pioneers for over 20 years, it partners with businesses, governments and financial institutions to drive positive climate action. From strategic planning and target setting to implementation and communication, the Carbon Trust turns ambition into impact. To date, its 400 experts have helped set over 200 science-based targets and guided more than 3,000 organisations and cities across five continents on their route to Net Zero.
sub-Saharan Africa and Knowledge Management Lead
Energy 4 Impact is a non-profit organisation working with local businesses to extend access to energy in Africa, impacting the quality of life for millions of people. Energy 4 Impact has offices in five African countries, and project experience in over 30, and has worked with over 5,500 African energy SMEs and microenterprises. In September 2021 Energy 4 Impact merged with Mercy Corps to expand its impact and scale by integrating its expertise across Mercy Corps’ operations in new contexts and geographies.
South Asia Lead
Intellecap, the advisory arm of The Aavishkaar Group, are pioneers in providing innovative business solutions that help build and scale profitable and sustainable enterprises dedicated to social and environmental change. Over the years, Intellecap have advised more than 300 clients, including development finance institution, bilateral and multilateral donors, foundations, investors, corporates, and other ecosystem enablers.
Capital Raising Lead
Open Capital is a management consulting and financial advisory firm that drives growth, enables investment, and builds markets across Africa. It helps businesses, investors, development partners, and the public sector identify opportunities and deliver unique, impactful solutions. The company’s mission is to advance African economies and build future generations of business leaders. Since 2010, OCA’s Energy Access Practice has completed over 150 engagements, backing the most innovative businesses, investors, and development partners, and completing capital raises of over $250m in the sector.
South East Asia Lead
New Energy Nexus is an international non-profit that supports clean energy entrepreneurs with funds, accelerators, and networks. It started in California and its 40 person team has operated programs in China, India, Southeast Asia, and East Africa.Its clean energy accelerators across South East Asia are in Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia. New Energy Nexus hosted three global clean energy accelerator summits bringing together over 50 accelerators from around the world. It has leveraged $1.5 billion in investments and invested in over 150 clean energy enterprises since 2004.
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Lead
UK based specialist advisory firm that helps a diverse range of organisations advance gender inclusion. A global, multi-disciplinary team of 15 advisors with deep experience in clean energy based in the UK, Africa and Asia and network of associates. Value for Women delivers gender inclusion support across the TEA programme.
For more information visit:
v4w.org
UK business coaching
Clean tech innovation and venture advisory business with 10 experts based in the UK. Co-designed and set up the Energy Systems Catapult’s Innovator Support Programme and co-set up and directed the Energy Entrepreneurs Fund Incubation Programme. The Team have worked with over 300 clean energy SMEs and ventures at all stages.
Legal Specialists
DWF is a global legal business with the aim of transforming legal services through its people for its clients. DWF is headquartered in Manchester with 31 offices across the world.
For more information visit:
dwfgroup.com
Developing local partner business and management skill
African Management Institute (AMI) enables ambitious businesses across Africa to thrive. It equips entrepreneurs with tools to build their business, help companies train their teams and run work readiness programmes for young people. AMI believes that skilled people build thriving businesses, thriving businesses create quality jobs, and quality jobs drive prosperity and dignity.
Video and multi-media production
Story x Design is a multimedia production company that tells immersive stories about our changing world. Story x Design has expertise in international development and climate change communication, is based in Nairobi, Kenya and has produced content in over 20 countries globally.
For more information visit:
storyby.design
