Start-ups pioneer low-carbon innovation with commercial 5G accelerator 5pring

Ten exciting start-ups are pioneering new green technologies with support from 5PRING, the UK’s first commercial 5G Accelerator, and its Green Innovation Challenge programme, set-up in partnership with Suez, a large utilities company, and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) last year.

Innovations include transforming home deliveries, reducing pollution through better traffic management and high-tech recycling. These green innovations could help the West Midlands become net zero for carbon emissions by 2041.

Developing, proving and scaling major new green innovations utilising 5G technology could prove crucial in helping the WMCA deliver on its plans for reaching net-zero carbon by 2041.

Driven by the WMCA’s WM2041 programme, the West Midlands region is committed to leading England’s low carbon transformation and sees 5PRING’s Green Innovation Challenge as a major part of this.

5PRING’s cohort of successful applicants now have access to cutting-edge technology and a private 5G network. This is supplemented by coaching, mentoring and expertise from a range of experts at the multi-national organisations which comprise the 5PRING consortium.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said:

The Green Innovation Challenge is a key component of the region’s carbon neutrality ambitions and the WM2041 Five Year Plan. As part of our journey to carbon neutrality, it is absolutely critical we bring the region’s businesses with us, as they have a key role to play in both helping to reduce emissions and creating high-skilled, well-paid, jobs. The 5PRING programme – supported by West Midlands 5G – does exactly that and I am excited to see what our ten start-ups produce.

Robert Franks, Managing Director at WM5G, added:

We’re pleased that the Green Innovation Challenge response was oversubscribed, and we are working with eleven of the brightest start-ups to drive forward 5G innovation. We’re fully aligned to the WMCA’s vision for a greener future and look forward to seeing these businesses continue to develop, prove and scale their respective applications and services. It’s an incredible time to be investing in 5G and we’re proud that the West Midlands is leading the way in terms of 5G innovation.

The successful applicants included in the first cohort are:

• • Osmium
  • KG Technology
  • Curveblock
  • Omniflow
  • Electric Zoo
  • Arrive.by
  • Everyware
  • Aistetic
  • Westfield Technology
  • Grey Parrot

A series of engagement events for businesses outside of the Green Innovation Challenge are running throughout the 5PRING programme, known as Engage, Explore and Exploit. For more information or to get involved, visit the 5pring website.

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