Contributor: Eleanor Precious, WMG SME group

As applications open again for the NatWest funded Clean Transport Accelerator, led by WMG’s James Black, we shine a light on four impressive participant companies, all pioneering products and systems to enable a greener transport future. They are benefiting from tailored support and coaching to get their ideas fully fledged and to market.

Baro 

With autonomous vehicles an ever-increasing reality on our roads, there is a gap to provide robust safety solutions. BARO founded in 2015 in Nuneaton, Warwickshire envisions a world without road accidents. The company develops devices for automated vehicles to enable companies to rapidly develop and test self-driving systems. They recently secured an Innovate UK grant to develop a modular safety system. With a growing client book including automotive OEMs, Tier 2 companies, and other start-ups they are solidifying this vital new supply chain.

Flux Aviation

Flux Aviation are building a future for aviation that is clean, quiet, and affordable. They develop high-performance electric motors and batteries that will electrify passenger and cargo aircraft. Their technologies will enable zero emission aviation from 2-seat trainer aircraft and up to 50-seat regional airliners. Their core innovations focus on electric motors and battery modules that have been designed from the ground up specifically for aviation applications.

Zenway

Zenway.app is on a mission to unlock sustainable mobility in real estate. Imagine you can choose from multiple high-end e-bikes, e-cargo bikes, e-scooters or EVs, in your building’s garage. Zenway helps property managers provide an electric mobility service as an amenity, exclusively for their residents. They leverage IoT technology so tenants can hire an e-bike with the push of a button. For potential tenants choosing properties, it’s a big plus and it also provides solutions to create Net Zero cities going forward.

The Structural Battery Company 

As a safer, lighter, and stronger alternative to conventional battery packs, The Structural Battery Company has patented an innovative sandwich panel design incorporating standard cylindrical cells that can absorb mechanical load whilst storing electrical energy. Working with a niche vehicle manufacturer, they integrated structural batteries into a carbon fibre monocoque chassis to create a supercar that is 200kg lighter with batteries that contributed 50% to the overall torsional stiffness of the car. Having proven the concept with the supercar car, there are other exciting applications ahead.

As part of the CTA programme, businesses get one-to-one coaching, access to mentors and co-working spaces and can join thought leadership and specialist events, like NatWest workshops and group acceleration sessions with other members of their cohort.

“Joining the CTA has allowed me to develop the business faster by understanding what the important next steps are and having an increased focus on executing them. Since joining the accelerator, we have been developing the commercial side of the business in addition to the technology development. This includes more resources towards marketing and business development activities, putting foundations in place for our upcoming fundraising as well as welcoming new team members to help us build this capability.”

Radovan Gallo, Co-founder & CEO, Flux Aviation Limited

"Joining the CTA at the University of Warwick has helped me to widen my network and connect with amazing talents in the transport and mobility industry. This industry is 'unsexy' for the large audience. As a founder, it's very difficult to find entrepreneurs pushing the boundaries of this industry. Coming to the CTA, increases your chances of these innovators, connecting with them and hearing their stories. From a programme perspective, I'm amazed by the quality of feedback and insights given by our coach James Black and the energy and structure provided by NatWest’s Adam Walters."

Mohamed Makni, Co-founder, Zenway.app

Applications are currently open for the next Clean Transport Accelerator via: https://customerforms.natwest.com/apps/secure/applicationforms_dda/asp/form.asp?appid=209

And for more information about how your business can work with WMG, visit: www.warwick.ac.uk/wmgsme