EarthScale launches new €5.8 million push to boost UK ClimateTech startups

EarthScale, a new UK-wide initiative is opening doors for ClimateTech startups and spinouts looking to move from prototype to commercial success – the 12-month programme backed by €5.8 million from the Research England Development Fund, is now accepting applications from ventures across the UK.

Over the next three years, EarthScale aims to support at least 60 climate-focused startups by helping them bridge the critical gap from early-stage innovation to scalable production. With a clear emphasis on fundraising readiness and commercial deployment, the Imperial College London-led initiative is built to guide these ventures toward securing Series A investment.

The programme brings together a national network of top-tier universities, including Imperial College London, Cranfield University, the University of Derby, the University of Exeter, the University of Leeds, and the University of Nottingham.

Participating startups will gain access to cutting-edge technical expertise and facilities across the UK, including specialised resources like the University of Exeter’s marine facilities and Cranfield’s pilot-scale infrastructure.

EarthScale claims to offer more than technical support – it includes strategic scaling advice, executive talent recruitment, policy engagement opportunities, and expert guidance through regulatory landscapes. The programme’s delivery format combines online, in-person, and hybrid sessions to enable broad participation and strong connections across regions.

The approach is grounded in the innovation legacies of each partner institution. Imperial’s contributions include its White City Innovation District, the Imperial Enterprise Lab, and the Undaunted accelerator. Other university contributions include Derby’s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering, Leeds’ Nexus Innovation Hub, Exeter’s Green Futures Solutions, and Nottingham’s Energy Institute.

EarthScale builds on the proven track record of these ecosystems. For instance, Imperial has been crucial in the development of notable startups such as Notpla, Nium, and Multus Biotechnology.

• Notpla is tackling plastic pollution through biodegradable packaging solutions and was awarded the Earthshot Prize in 2022. The company has eliminated over 10 million single-use plastic items and secured a €23.4 million Series A extension during Imperial’s 2024 Venture Trek to New York.
• Nium is pioneering low-energy, decentralised ammonia production via its modular “Green Ammonia on Demand” reactors. These reactors operate using renewable hydrogen and bypass the carbon-heavy Haber-Bosch process. Nium raised €2.5 million in Seed funding in 2023, and is now piloting the technology for UK-based manufacturing.
• Multus Biotechnology, a startup creating cost-effective, animal-free growth media for cultivated meat, closed a €8.1 million Series A round in 2023. With a Series B round now targeting €25.6 million, the company continues to refine its feedstock solutions. It first gained exposure through Imperial’s 2020 Demo Day and the 2024 Venture Trek in New York.

The goal of EarthScale is that, by the end of the 12-month programme, participating ventures will have significantly progressed in their technical development, manufacturing readiness, and commercial potential – placing them in a strong position to scale climate impact.

EarthScale was first announced in November 2024 by Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Executive Chair of Research England. Today, marks the official launch of the programme with the timeline set for when the first startups will receive support (October 2025).

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