Driving Low-Carbon Innovation: The Impact of the Biochar CleanTech Accelerator

Through cutting-edge pyrolysis technology and cross-sector collaboration, the Biochar CleanTech Accelerator is transforming organic waste into high-value bioproducts and new materials, driving decarbonisation, boosting regional innovation and opening new markets for sustainable low-carbon technologies.

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The Biochar CleanTech Accelerator, led by Aston University’s Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI), is a flagship initiative of the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator. It pioneers clean technology solutions that transform organic materials such as sawdust, agricultural straw, dried chicken manure and diseased or fallen trees into commercially valuable bioproducts including biochar, heat, power, electricity, cooling, gas, organics and aqueous liquids.

With a mission to create a sustainable low-carbon economy, the accelerator focuses on commercialising innovative pyrolysis technologies to unlock new value streams from biomass and support environmental regeneration and green growth.

Inspiration

The Biochar CleanTech Accelerator was established to address major environmental and industrial challenges:

• Develop low-carbon products such as fuels, soil conditioners, water and odour treatment solutions, building materials, and plant-based bioliquids;
• Reduce dependency on fossil fuels by turning sustainable organic waste into useful, low-carbon alternatives;
• Support circular economy models through carbon capture, emissions reduction and by generating new bio-based products and materials from waste.

Innovation and Impact

The Biochar CleanTech Accelerator is delivering environmental and economic benefits across the West Midlands and beyond:

• £1.21 million in co-investment secured to date;
• 34 companies supported with tailored business assistance, commercialisation guidance and access to R&D facilities;
• Targeting over £200 million in commercial orders for low-carbon products.

The project is a catalyst for the development of a high-capacity low-carbon engineering cluster, generating job creation opportunities and offering a launchpad for future technology-based innovation.

An external impact assessment indicates that if the commercial opportunities develop as planned there will be a GVA increase of £32 for every £1 of public money spent, with the creation of 500 jobs.

See full Innovate UK case study here including films and links to other Innovation Accelerator news and case studies.