In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at combating climate change, the Royal Academy of Engineering has unveiled the Green Future Fellowships, a new program endowed with £150 million. Over the next five years, this funding will support at least 50 innovators, scientists, and engineers with transformative climate tech ideas. Each fellowship will provide up to £3 million to scale and commercialize these ambitious projects, aiming to address the urgent climate crisis effectively.

Program Overview

The Green Future Fellowships are designed to foster the development of scalable and commercially viable technologies that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and aid in adapting to climate change impacts. This initiative represents a substantial investment in the future of climate tech, offering both financial and non-financial support to successful candidates. Over the next decade, these fellows will receive funding to advance their projects, along with tailored support, including mentorship, training, and access to the Academy’s Awardee Excellence Community.

Survey Insights

A recent survey conducted by Opinium on behalf of the Royal Academy of Engineering highlights public sentiment regarding climate innovation. The survey, which sampled 2,000 UK adults, revealed that nearly two-thirds of respondents believe more needs to be done to scale existing climate solutions. The data shows that a significant majority view engineers as crucial to developing effective responses to climate challenges and suggest a need for more engineers to drive these solutions forward.

Strategic Focus Areas

The public has identified key areas where climate tech can make the most significant impact. These include generating a constant supply of electricity without relying on fossil fuels, improving the efficiency of recycling metals and plastics, and recovering and utilizing energy that would otherwise be wasted, such as waste heat from industrial processes. The Green Future Fellowships will address these areas and more, encouraging innovative solutions that align with these priorities.

Statements from Key Figures

Dr. Hayaatun Sillem CBE, CEO of the Royal Academy of Engineering, emphasized the urgency and scale required to tackle the climate crisis. She stated, “The Green Future Fellowships programme provides a new opportunity to develop and deploy era-defining solutions at scale. We are excited to engage with the innovative community and see the impactful proposals that emerge from this initiative.”

Baroness Brown of Cambridge DBE FREng FRS FRMedSci, Chair of the Green Future Fellowship Steering Group, highlighted the importance of long-term support for high-impact solutions. She remarked, “Many potential innovators may not see themselves as engineers but could be crucial in addressing the climate crisis. The Green Future Fellowships offer the space and time needed for these long-term solutions to be commercialized and scaled.”

Government Support

The UK government’s investment underscores its commitment to fostering innovation in climate tech. Science Minister Lord Vallance of Balham KCB HonFREng FRS FMedSci noted, “By investing in the Green Future Fellowships, we are backing our leading scientists and engineers to develop breakthrough technologies. This initiative will contribute to the UK’s goal of reaching net zero and enhancing our position as a clean energy superpower.”

The Green Future Fellowships signify a major step forward in supporting climate tech innovation in the UK. By providing substantial funding and comprehensive support to a diverse range of innovators, this initiative aims to accelerate the development of scalable solutions that can make a lasting impact on both the UK and global climate challenges. The program opens new avenues for tackling climate change and positions the UK as a leader in climate tech advancement. Applications for the first cohort close on 5 November 2024, inviting all eligible innovators to contribute to a sustainable future.