The Net Zero Catalyst is an Innovate UK Innovation Exchange (iX) competition which makes available grant funding for a series of Net Zero iX challenges (up to £25,000 per challenge partnership). Please note that, in accordance with the iX process, all funding will be directed to solution providers.

The project will explore and down-select materials and processes to manufacture a sub-gasket for use in the electrolyser. A knowledge of materials chemistry and manufacturing processes is, therefore, vital to this task.
The aim of the challenge is to find a solution provider who can propose methods that have been validated through mechanical and chemical simulations, and other proofs of concept, giving the challenge holder confidence in the proposed solution and its integration into the supply chain.
The challenge holder is very keen to explore approaches in other sectors and utilise their expertise. Sectors might include oil and gas, water, food manufacturing, aerospace, printing, biomedicine, and any others. &nbsp;

The Challenge

The challenge holder has developed a novel type of membrane for a Green Hydrogen electrolyser that enables larger scale production and a shift away from critical and expensive platinum-group metals. This innovative approach aims to improve performance, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency in hydrogen production by utilizing renewable energy more effectively.
By 2050, the hydrogen sector is poised to become a trillion-dollar industry in the UK. As the UK&rsquo;s energy system grows to mirror the current market size of the electricity sector, hydrogen is set to play a pivotal role. This shift not only underscores the potential for significant economic growth within the clean energy sector but also positions hydrogen as key player in the UK&rsquo;s energy strategy. There is huge scope for this project to be at the forefront of innovation in a burgeoning clean energy sector.

Background

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The Net Zero Catalyst is an Innovate UK Innovation Exchange (iX) competition which makes available grant funding for a series of Net Zero iX challenges (up to &pound;25,000 per challenge partnership). Please note that, in accordance with the iX process, all funding will be directed to solution providers. An SME technology company in the hydrogen economy is seeking to develop and deploy an innovative gasket material that can withstand the chemical and mechanical requirements of an electrolyser membrane. This novel membrane technology significantly enhances the efficiency of hydrogen production, reduces costs by allowing for the use of less membrane material (thus reducing dependence on expensive components), and supports running electrolysers at higher pressures. These improvements contribute to the broader goal of making green hydrogen a viable and environmentally friendly energy source. &nbsp;
The project presents an opportunity to export skills from other sectors into the hydrogen sector and thus contribute to a significant, emerging green-energy sector with potential for substantial growth by 2050. &nbsp;
For this challenge, the selected applicant will have the opportunity to collaborate directly with the challenge holder, implementing their innovative solution. Additionally, they will gain access to grant funding of up to &pound;25,000 to support their project.

Benefit

The solution must be verifiable and demonstrate its scalability.&nbsp; The sub-gasket material should demonstrate dimensional stability and accuracy in the range 60 to 110 microns. It should be sustainable in source and supply, fully traceable and, as far as is practicable, recyclable.&nbsp; The process will need to be compatible with a heat-sensitive membrane material that operates at 50&deg;C. In addition, any solvents or adhesives used should not poison the membrane.

Functional Requirements

In addition to having a good materials chemistry understanding, the solution provider should have the ability to simulate (CFD/FEA) the sub-gasket being exposed to fluid/gas conditions, as well as mechanical pressure. An awareness of the Pressure Vessel Directive and its application to components operating at a differential pressure of up to 50 bar is required.

Technical Requirements

The solution must demonstrate the ability to operate at 50 bar differential lateral pressure and 50&deg;C with exposure to potassium hydroxide and de-ionized water. A service life of 25 years is envisaged.&nbsp;

Operating Conditions

Solutions that involve PFAS (a class of plastic likely to be banned in the near future) are out of scope. The focus is on sustainable, scalable manufacturing processes led by science. The use of critical raw materials is also to be avoided.&nbsp;

Out of Scope

The project does not have a fixed unit price expectation but aims for cost-effectiveness at a megawatt scale. Initial estimates suggest a need for 200m of gasketing, with individual units (25x25cm) expected to be low in material cost. The project seeks affordable solutions that do not compromise on quality or performance. &nbsp;

Cost Requirement

The Net Zero Catalyst is an Innovate UK Innovation Exchange (iX) competition which makes available grant funding for a series of Net Zero iX challenges (up to &pound;25,000 per challenge partnership). Please note that, in accordance with the iX process, all funding will be directed to solution providers. The benefits package for a successful applicant may also include:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Support from Innovate UK Business Connect</li>
<li>Support in the development of a prototype or pilot &nbsp;</li>
<li>Technical support</li>
<li>Invitation to attend or present at Innovate UK Business Connect events</li>
<li>A potential business collaboration</li>
<li>Investor introductions (if investment is required)</li>
<li>Support if any Innovate or similar competitions are relevant.</li>
</ul>

 Rewards & Market Opportunity

<ul>
<li>Launch of the Competition: 02-09 April 2024</li>
<li>Deadline for applications: 5 weeks post launch</li>
<li>Selection and notification of finalists: 09-21 May 2024</li>
<li>Date of Online Pitch Day: 22 May</li>
<li>Innovation Funding Service (IFS) signup: 3 June to 10 June 2024. followed due diligence completed by IUK (Solution provider)</li>
<li>Project start: 1 October 2024, lasting for 12 weeks (3 months).</li>
</ul>

Timescales

Entrants to this competition must be:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>A small-medium sized enterprise (SME)</li>
<li>A UK based/UK registered business</li>
<li>Have not exceeded its Minimum Financial Assistance limit (or De Minimis, where relevant).</li>
</ul>
Applications will be assessed on:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Relevance to the defined net zero challenge</li>
<li>Benefit of implementation</li>
<li>Feasibility/economic viability</li>
<li>Innovative nature</li>
<li>Ability to launch in line with expected timescales</li>
<li>Credibility of applicant company</li>
<li>Coherence of the proposed business model</li>
<li>Development potential</li>
<li>Maturity of the solution</li>
<li>Suitability for the intended geographic market</li>
</ul>

Eligibility & Assessment Criteria

Existing background IP associated with a potential solution will remain with Solution Provider(s). Where any new IP generation is envisaged, it will be subject to the mutual IP agreement of the Solution Provider(s) and Innovation Challenger.&nbsp; Any commercial deployment of a transferred solution or newly developed solution, through licensing, joint venture, partnership, or direct investment, will be subject to the commercial agreement between the Solution Provider(s) and Innovation Challenger.&nbsp; Where necessary, a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) may be signed to uphold confidentiality in the engagement between the Solution Provider(s) and Innovation Challenger. This would be expected to be after company selection. All entries are treated as confidential and only shared with Innovate UK and the challenge holder, however if the innovator is concerned about sharing IP, it is suggested that details of IP are not disclosed. Instead, focus on the outcomes of the technology proposed at this application stage.&nbsp; Innovate UK and Innovate UK Business Connect do not take any share of IP ownership or enter commercial ventures through the iX programme.

 IP & Potential Commercial Route

A selected panel of assessors will review and score your application. The panel of assessors will meet and agree a consensus score. Successful solutions will be selected by the Challenge holder. Success will be based on total consensus scores, a portfolio approach, and the capacity of the challenge holders to carry out the projects. Innovate UK Business Connect retains the authority to conclude a competition ahead of the specified application deadline should a satisfactory number and quality of submissions be attained.&nbsp; Should your application be selected, you will receive an invitation to participate in the Challenge Pitch Day, scheduled for 22nd May 2024. Please mark this date in your dates in your calendar to secure your availability.&nbsp; You will be required to prepare a 20-minute pitch presentation which should include your proposed solution and how this addresses the challenge laid out by the Challenge Holder and why the challenge holder would want to collaborate with you.&nbsp; Your pitch must include:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>A project plan</li>
<li>Project costings (https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/guidance-for-applicants/costs-we-fund/)</li>
</ul>
Optionally, these can be submitted beforehand through the additional documents as part of your application.
&nbsp;If selected as the successful solution provider following the pitch session, the next steps to access the grant involves completing your project and organisation details in the Innovation Funding Service Portal &nbsp;You will/may be required to submit the following information:
<ul>
<li>Minimal Financial Assistance declaration</li>
<li>Any permits and licences</li>
<li>Your pitch deck</li>
<li>Successful Net Zero Catalyst proposal (including finances) if not included in your pitch deck</li>
<li>Successful notification email &nbsp;</li>
<li>Finances</li>
</ul>
If you miss this window, you will not be able to submit your application. Once your submission is complete, Innovate UK will then complete their standard due diligence checks.

Terms & Conditions

The application form for this challenge will require applicants to provide company information and answer 3 questions - Idea Summary, Technology Readiness, and Intellectual Property &ndash; each with a limit of 300 words. &nbsp;Optionally, supporting documents can be attached to the application. We recommend that supporting documents are limited to those which are directly relevant to the application. Please note that applications with no supporting document will not receive any penalty in assessment. Supporting documents which the Assessment Panel deems to be superfluous may be disregarded. Examples of useful additional documents include product images or short specification sheets, slide decks detailing the solution and/or company background, or solution case studies. &nbsp;We recommend that you complete the application form in Google Chrome as other browsers may have compatibility issues. The application form does not need to be completed in one session and can be saved for future edits. Please ensure that you toggle &ldquo;Stage Complete&rdquo; for each section before submission. Note that you will no longer be able to edit your application once you have clicked &ldquo;Submit Idea&rdquo; at the bottom of the Summary page.

Green Hydrogen Electrolyser - Sub-gasket Application Methods

Opportunity

Challenge opens

Challenge closes

Benefit

The Challenge

Green Hydrogen Electrolyser - Sub-gasket Application MethodsCopy Link

Opportunity

Challenge opens

Challenge closes

Benefit

The Challenge

Green Hydrogen Electrolyser - Sub-gasket Application Methods