MATcelerate ZERO provides platform for emerging technologies

MATcelerate ZERO is an industry-driven ‘accelerator’ for university-developed materials innovation that tackles the challenges of net-zero. Its goal is to speed up the commercialisation of breakthrough materials technologies by bridging the funding and market knowledge gaps necessary for de-risking (in relation to industry integration) and translational work.

Inspired by the Henry Royce Institute (Royce), the MATcelerate ZERO pilot operates via a network of Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) at many of the UK’s leading materials intensive research universities, including UCL, Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial, Manchester and Bristol.

The event was attended by industry partners including Rolls-Royce, Johnson Matthey and Coca-Cola. The afternoon networking event showcased the state-of-the-art facilities at UCL’s Advanced Propulsion Lab (APL) and Manufacturing Futures Lab (MFL).  

Last year, the Investment Committee reviewed 25 projects, identifying six which would be provided with a total of over £400,000 of Proof-of-Concept (PoC ) funding from Royce.  

Industry partners helped refine and focus these ‘short sprint’ technology de-risking projects and are supporting their delivery. Industry partners have also shared critical feedback on projects which could not be funded, improving their case for investment in future rounds, or from other sources.

Commenting on the Investment Committee Meeting, Will Mortimore, Senior Business Manager, Physical Sciences & Engineering, UCL Ventures said: “Key department leads from Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Biochemical Engineering showcased impressive research from UCL, including a novel patented coating that can replace ‘forever chemicals’, PFAS.”

Royce CEO, Professor David Knowles said: “The first MATcelerate ZERO event of 2025 is another important step in accelerating materials innovation for a sustainable future.”

“By bringing together industry expertise and university-led innovations, we’re advancing technologies critical to Net Zero goals and building the commercial pathways to turn them into real-life applications.”

In 2025 the MATcelerate ZERO platform is looking to consolidate identified sources of funding to scale-up the programme nationally, and in terms of total PoC funding available. It is looking to attract public and private matching investment through Research England Connected Capability Funds (CCF) and Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), PoC funding.

Royce will be supporting MATcelerate ZERO activities this year, with two remaining investment committees for 2025.

UCL Ventures will also continue to support key UCL IP through the MATcelerate ZERO funding. You can read more about the impact of MATcelerate ZERO’s first year of operations here.