In honour of Earth Day 2022, new research suggests that although UK climate technology is playing a crucial role in tackling global climate change, challenges in accessing funding and a lack of support from the government is impeding the development of the industry.In 2022, with the many challenges facing the world we live in, the focus on ClimateTech has never been more important. This is according to fresh data from over 300 ClimateTech leaders, obtained by聽London Tech Week, which takes place 13-17 June 2022.Anchor events include聽ClimateTech Summit, a dynamic global community of innovators, venture capital, corporate partners, academia, and government that are defining the way towards net-zero.Over half (60%) of global respondents believe the UK is ahead in comparison with the rest of the world when it comes to climate technology advancements.
Covid-19 and the Acceleration of Climate Technology
Covid-19 accelerated the adoption of technology in many industries. In terms of the ClimateTech, this is no different. The pandemic has;鈼� 聽 聽 聽Accelerated investment in climate technology (25%)鈼� 聽 聽 聽Increased the likelihood of reaching sustainability goals (38%)鈼� 聽 聽 聽Brought more awareness to the industry (43%)Almost half (44%) of ClimateTech leaders say it鈥檚 put increased pressure on the government to act, although it鈥檚 believed the pandemic has reduced the government鈥檚 ability to provide funding (33%).ClimateTech leaders are calling on the government for:鈼� 聽 聽 聽Support for tech companies that combat short-lived pollutants, such as Co2 (71%)鈼� 聽 聽 聽Funding for green innovation (61%)鈼� 聽 聽 聽More investment in renewable energy (58%)鈼� 聽 聽 聽Investment in sustainable transport (48%)鈼� 聽 聽 聽Investment in green housing and green urban development (56%)
Investing in our Future
Receiving funding has also been a challenge, with 36% of ClimateTech leaders raising less than 拢1 million. This suggests an increase in competition and a spread of smaller investments in the industry. Leaders struggled over the past year:鈼� 聽 聽 聽Unable to secure enough funding (39%)鈼� 聽 聽 聽Not being able to have face-to-face meetings due to covid (22%)鈼� 聽 聽 聽Competition with other startups (28%)鈼� 聽 聽 聽Finding the right talent (23%)When seeking investment, 80% of startups had to approach five Venture Capital funds to raise the required funding, whilst 10% had to approach over 10 funds.
Support From the Community
When seeking advice, over a third (35%) of respondents said they look to other founders for support. Others turn to:鈼� 聽 聽 聽Events, such as London Tech Week (25%)鈼� 聽 聽 聽Startup programmes like Elevating Founders (28%)鈼� 聽 聽 聽Communities, such as ClimateTech (28%)鈼� 聽 聽 聽Accelerator programmes (20%)Stephen Murphy, Lead for聽ClimateTech Summit, a聽London Tech Week聽conference, said: 鈥淔rom agri-tech to energy and urban development, technology is fueling the way in negating the effects of climate change. We have seen an increase in competition as the pandemic accelerated the investment in climate technology and brought more attention to the industry. The UK tech industry is leading the way in terms of addressing this global issue.鈥淐limateTech has a huge part to play in the reversal of the climate crisis and the race to Net Zero. We must invest in our planet, and support the technology leaders that will enable us to change the course of our future. Businesses, governments and citizens are all accountable and must come together to rewrite our future footsteps on this planet.鈥�
