Aston University Biochar Project Secures £700k Boost to Expand Green Waste Innovation

Aston University’s innovative Biochar Project has just secured a fantastic £700,000 boost from the UK government, allowing it to expand its efforts in transforming factory waste into eco-friendly products.

This funding is part of the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator, a regional initiative that kicked off in 2022 and is overseen by the West Midlands Combined Authority, with support from Innovate UK and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

The university employs pyrolysis, a clean technology that uses heat to turn leftover materials like sawdust and agricultural waste into low-carbon oils, gases, and bioproducts. These efforts are already contributing to regional export goals exceeding £200 million while promoting sustainable industrial innovation.

Bridging Research and Industry for Clean Growth

The Biochar CleanTech Accelerator operates out of Aston’s Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI). It offers UK companies access to market-ready sustainable technologies, facilitating the practical application of academic research in various sectors, including construction, automotive, and office supplies.

Tim Miller project lead of the Biochar CleanTech Accelerator said: “Last year we heard the project was being extended and now we are delighted to find out this month we will receive £700,000 in new funding. The Biochar Accelerator helps us collaborate with UK business to use knowledge, facilities and research to win contracts that benefit the region both economically and environmentally “.

A great example of this collaboration is a project with Birmingham law firm Mills & Reeve in 2024, where the team developed durable office supplies made from sustainable charcoal-based biochar, including plant pots and pen holders, all produced using pyrolysis at Aston’s demonstration plant.

“The next step is to explore use in the aircraft, car and construction industries,” added Miller.

Here’s the text we’re diving into: National Investment in Local Innovation

The £700,000 investment is part of a larger £30 million national expansion of the Innovation Accelerator programme, which supports locally driven innovation in regions like the West Midlands, Greater Manchester, and Glasgow City Region. The goal is to spark regional economic growth by commercializing low carbon and future-ready technologies.

Richard Parker, the Mayor of the West Midlands, shared: “The West Midlands has always been a region driven by innovation, and today we’re building on that proud legacy as a leader of the UK’s green tech revolution.

“The latest Innovation Accelerator funding means we’ve now invested £2.5 million in the pioneering Biochar CleanTech Accelerator. It’s helping businesses take sustainable, low carbon solutions to the world. They are turning waste products like, sawdust and agricultural by-products into clean energy and better soil for food production.

“In the West Midlands, we’re investing in top talent and the cutting-edge research that’s turning climate action into economic opportunity, as well as securing the future of our region.”

Supported by UKRI and Innovate UK

The initial pilot of the Innovation Accelerators kicked off in 2022, channeling £100 million into 26 transformative R&D projects across the UK. The aim was to equip regional clusters with the resources and autonomy they need to harness their own technological and industrial strengths.

Dean Cook, Executive Director for Place and Global at Innovate UK, remarked: “The Innovation Accelerator pilot stands as a testament to the power of uniting national strategies with locally empowered decision-making. At the heart of our approach lies the principle of co-creation, recognising the wisdom of local people with a deep understanding of local strengths and knowing best their needs.

“This local knowledge is complemented by our reach at Innovate UK as the national innovation agency, linking these regional clusters with opportunities provided by national and international networks both within Government and beyond. It is fantastic to secure additional funding for this programme which is making a meaningful impact on the lives of local communities whether that be improved access to healthcare, more efficient infrastructure or a cleaner and greener environment. I can’t wait to see what can be achieved in this next iteration of the programme.”

Cook also noted that Innovate UK will keep connecting these regional hubs with national and global initiatives.

Companies interested in working with Aston University can get further information at https://www.aston.ac.uk/biochar-cleantech-accelerator or by emailing biochar@aston.ac.uk