Global Business Innovation Funded Visit to USA: Focus on Energy Systems

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Sunday, 17 March, 2019 - 00:30 to Friday, 22 March, 2019 - 00:00

Global Business Innovation Funded Visit to USA: Focus on Energy Systems

Organiser

The Enterprise Europe Network is organising a fully funded visit to Boston, USA targeted at innovative and ambitious businesses in the Energy Sector. The visit is funded by UK Research and Innovation through the Innovation Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) and forms part of the Global Business Innovation Programme.
This visit and accompanying programme of support will help UK businesses to identify new opportunities in the US energy sector. The 4 day programme will include:

  • Registration to the AEE East Energy Conference and Expo
  • Visits to leading energy research organisations based in Massachusetts
  • Expert perspectives from key players involved in US energy systems
  • Networking opportunities with leading-edge US businesses and potential investors

Businesses supported through the Prospering from the Energy Revolution (PFER) Programme, funded by the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF)are invited to submit applications, in addition to other innovative businesses active in development and deployment of energy systems technologies.

Why Massachusetts?

The USA is the largest, most competitive and technologically advanced economy in the world. US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has consistently seen growth of 1.8% or more since 2011 (source: DIT).
In the energy sector, growing consumer demand and world class innovation make the USA an attractive market with total investment in the US energy sector at $276 billion in 2016 (the second-largest in the world) (source: US Department of Energy).
The UK and the US share many of the same challenges:

  • Widespread and rapid electrification especially with Electrical Vehicle uptake and resulting changes in load
  • Smart meter rollout across the UK and across many US states
  • Distributed generation growth (more renewables, consumers generating and exporting)
  • Energy storage more widely deployed, especially at distribution level
  • Similar challenges in managing and balancing demand
  • Aging grid infrastructure

Massachusetts is a leader in developing energy systems of the future, offering unique opportunities for innovation and collaboration:

  • Massachusetts has a growing and dynamic clean energy sector employing over 109,000 people in 2017. (source:MassCEC)
  • Massachusetts is home to leading research organisations in the sector: Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, Greentown Labs Incubator, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • Boston is host to AEE East Energy Conference and Expo, March 20th and 21st - an ideal opportunity to appreciate the latest developments and opportunities in the USA

FOCUS OF VISIT
The visit will focus on the following topics:

  • Energy systems (including system integration between electricity, heating, cooling and transport)
  • Smartgrids
  • Energy storage
  • Renewable heat
  • Demand-side response

FUNDING

Participating businesses will receive: Flights, five nights’ hotel accommodation, subsistence and conference registration (one representative per company).

Itinerary:

  • Sun 17th March: Depart UK. Arrive in Boston
  • Mon 18th March:Market and Technology Orientation
  • Tues 19th March:Technology Showcase Visits - Massachusetts
  • Weds 20th and Thurs 21st March: AEE East Energy Conference and Expo
  • Fri 22nd March: Technology Showcase Visits - Massachusetts Depart Boston. Arrive in UK (Saturday 23rd March)

Benefits of the Programme:

  • Fully funded visit to Boston (including flights, accommodation, subsistence and conference registration fee)
  • 2 day ticket to attend AAE East Energy Conference and Expo
  • Opportunity to exhibit on UK delegation stand at AAE East Energy Expo
  • Network with investors and top energy decision makers from business, industry and government
  • Visits to top research and academic centres of excellence and leading-edge companies based in Massachusetts
  • Pre-visit Workshop: expert advice on how to refine your proposition, improve your pitch and protect your IP
  • Access individual coaching sessions to ensure you are fully prepared for the visit
  • Access post-visit support to exploit the opportunities from the programme

Cost:

  • On acceptance to the visit, a commitment fee of £500 will be obtained from each successful applicant, which will be returned on completion of the programme and the agreed action plan. Non-attendance after formal acceptance will result in forfeiting some or all of the fee.

Travel Arragnements and Subsidies:

  • This visit is funded by UKRI, through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. All flights, accommodation, meals and conference registration will be organised on behalf of participating companies.

Eligibility:

  • To participate in this visit, your business must be an SME established in the UK.

How to Apply:

  • To express your interest in participating, please visit: https://bit.ly/2T5rcOg to complete the application form.
  • The closing date for submitting your application is Sunday 10th February 2019.
  • It is a competitive process and places are limited. Applications will be evaluated by a panel in order to identify programme participants. You will be notified of the outcome by Friday 22nd February 2019.

For More Information:

Request your place

 

 

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