UK cleantech firms set their sights on Brazil

Innovative UK cleantech companies are gearing up for a trip to Brazil to explore business opportunities aimed at tackling climate change and improving resource efficiency. Called the ‘Clean and Cool […]

Innovative UK cleantech companies are gearing up for a trip to Brazil to explore business opportunities aimed at tackling climate change and improving resource efficiency.

Called the ‘Clean and Cool Mission Brazil’, the £150,000 initiative is backed by the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), the UK’s innovation agency, together with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and The Long Run Venture.

The programme will see entrepreneurs from 17 British firms – which were picked from over 100 entrants – make a week-long trip to Brazil to showcase their innovative technologies. They will also get the opportunity to meet potential customers, suppliers, investors, regulators and policymakers.

It is expected to open up the Brazilian market, boost Britain’s growing clean technology sector and drive inward investment to the UK.

David Bott, Director of Innovation Programmes and Communications at TSB said it is the third programme aimed at the cleantech industry.

He told ELN: “It’s a huge growth industry and we’re quite good at it in the UK so if you want to grow, one of the things to do is export. So we should go out and tackle the areas where there are huge opportunities.

“Brazil is amazingly sophisticated in the way it’s taking on sustainability issues. It’s not just about clean electricity, resource efficiency. They really are addressing the issue full-on and therefore it’s a great place to go – huge opportunities and lots to learn from the competition as well.”

One of the firms picked for the programme is PAPA Pump, which has developed a zero-energy water management system – “a technology that Britain has forgotten about”, according to its Commercial Director Hugh Swire. He claims the technology needs no fuel or maintenance as it uses energy from flowing sources of water and can be used to help prevent drought and reduce the risk of flooding while cutting energy costs.

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