Leeds becomes UK hub for global climate competition connecting research with green start-ups

Nexus, the University of Leeds innovation community, and the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures have joined forces as the UK partners for ClimateLaunchpad.

The programme is a core part of the entrepreneurship offerings from Climate KIC, Europe’s leading climate innovation agency. As the world’s largest green business ideas competition, the 2026 search for the next wave of climate innovators is now open for entries.

The partnership brings together climate specialists, innovators, businesses, and policymakers to tackle real-world climate challenges. Nexus and the Priestley Centre will help UK entrepreneurs turn climate innovations into successful start-ups by connecting them with leading university research, specialist facilities, and expert talent across climate risk, adaptation, mitigation, and just transitions.

ClimateLaunchpad has been operating for 12 years and is active in 51 countries in 2026. Since its inception, the competition has delivered 540 boot camps, incubated over 5,500 start-ups, and helped alumni raise more than €500 million in funding.

The programme offers a structured pathway for early-stage innovators, from initial idea testing to global pitching opportunities, including online courses, intensive boot camps, personalised coaching, and access to a worldwide network of mentors and partners.

UK entrepreneurs can apply for the 2026 edition at climatelaunchpad.org until 15 May 2026.
Previous UK success stories include Fibe, which creates sustainable textile fibres from potato stems and harvest waste. Fibe has since raised $1.3 million in funding, supported by Patagonia’s Tin Shed Ventures.

Mark Mildren, Head of Innovation Programmes and Partnerships at Nexus, says: “Yorkshire has a real opportunity to lead on climate innovation, and this partnership puts us at the heart of it. We’re connecting the University of Leeds’ cutting-edge research with innovators who have the drive and vision to create real-world impact. Nexus already supports more than 180 businesses to innovate and grow, and ClimateLaunchpad adds another vital dimension to our ecosystem – helping early-stage climate ideas become viable, scalable businesses that can make a genuine difference.”

Sofia Abid, Programme Director – ClimateLaunchpad, adds: “Partnering with Nexus and the Priestley Centre connects the UK’s world-class research to the world’s largest pipeline for green innovation. We act as enablers, turning brilliant science into viable businesses. UK founders consistently raise the bar, recently reaching our Global Grand Final with marine science and sustainable aviation fuel breakthroughs. We are here to help more bold solutions succeed.”
Chelsea Boothroyd, Deputy Director for Innovation at Priestley Centre for Climate Futures: “The climate emergency is the defining challenge of our time, and addressing it requires us to mobilise our creativity and innovation at an unprecedented scale and speed. We do not have a second chance to get this right.

“At the Priestley Centre, we have played a leading role in advancing research, generating knowledge and tools, and supporting policy and education. We have now expanded our scope by contributing to connect the climate innovation ecosystem, helping turn brilliant ideas into real-world solutions that can deliver meaningful impact in the transition to a sustainable future.”

The partnership unites researchers, entrepreneurs, industry, and public sector leaders to accelerate the UK’s transition to a net-zero, climate-resilient economy by supporting climate preparedness, resilience, and decarbonisation.

The competition timeline runs from March to May for applications. National and regional finals take place in late August to early September. The Global Grand Final is scheduled for 14 October 2026 in Singapore.