A Bath-based seaweed packaging firm and a Devon organic food delivery platform have been selected to take part in a government-backed net zero programme.
Tech Nation’s Net Zero 3.0 scheme is designed to support the most promising climate tech companies and help accelerate Britain’s path to decarbonising the economy.
Some 34 companies from around the UK have been chosen to take part this year, including South West firms Kelpi and Ooooby (Out Of Our Own Backyards).
Biotech firm Kelpi, which is based in Bath, is developing compostable food packaging made from seaweed in a bid to reduce the use of single-use plastics. The company - a spinout of the University of Bath - has received private and public investment to scale its work which it says is both marine-safe and carbon neutral.
Ooooby, founded by Dartington-based Pete Russell, is an online platform that facilitates real food sales and logistics from gate-to-plate. It is already operating across the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
Neil Morris, founder and chief executive of Kelpi, said: “Addressing climate change has to be an overriding imperative for business. Kelpi’s low-carbon bioplastics are a vital part of eliminating fossil fuel-plastic packaging and ensuring the oil stays where it belongs - in the ground. Kelpi is thrilled to join Net Zero 3.0 to work with other brilliant innovators in delivering the UK’s goal of driving down emissions.”
This year’s successful companies were assessed by more than 50 judges across key industries, including climate specialists, investors and senior representatives from companies such as Google for Startups, Sage and BNP Paribas.
Businesses were judged based on their scalability and potential to help the UK reach its high-priority net zero goal. The chosen companies are actively decarbonising key sectors, from energy and transport to construction and agriculture.
Mr Russell, who is also Ooooby's chief executive, added: “Thrilled to be part of the Net Zero programme! Looking forward to meeting great people and learning how to build a world-changing enterprise.”
New data from Tech Nation and Net Zero Insights has revealed there are over 4,400 climate tech startups and scaleups in the UK - 60% more than the number in France (2,793) and 43% more than in Germany (3,100).
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