Just Transition

Region

Startup Discovery UK

Partner

UKSPF

Status

CLOSED

About the programme

For a greener, fairer economy

Just Transition is a flagship programme from Startup Discovery UK, designed to drive London’s transition to a greener, fairer economy — powered by diverse entrepreneurs. It is a series of business support interventions designed to move the business ecosystem towards an equitable and inclusive net-zero economy, with a focus on the London boroughs of Camden, Lambeth, and Islington. The programme is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and supports early-stage climate innovators to turn bold ideas into sustainable, scalable businesses.Through practical business support, grant funding, expert mentoring, and a thriving founder community, Just Transition helps you build a startup that makes a real difference.

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Application

Climate startups applied to be part of the program

Training

Selected startups will go through intensive training and coaching on how to improve their business.

Pitch

Ten startups will be invited to pitch their ideas in front of a panel.

Funding

Selected startups will receive grant funding.

2009 - 2014

Post-funding

The winners will have the opportunity to discuss piloting their solutions with the council.

2015 - 2019
Themes

We support

1.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

2.

Energy Efficient Buildings

3.

Renewable Energy

4.

Sustainable Mobility

5.

Green Jobs & Skills

6.

Biodiversity & Environmental Quality

Choose your journey

INCUBATORACCELERATOR
Best forNew founders and early-stage startupsClimate tech startups ready to grow​​
FundingPitch for prizes up to £3,500£5,000 grant funding​
SupportWeekly workshops, mentoring, peer community​Growth labs, one-to-one mentoring, pilot opportunities​
OutcomesBuild and test your idea, pitch to judgesScale your business, access investment and customers
Duration12 weeks6 months

Programme feedback

It was nice to have a cohort to go through the programme as it was following similar stories at different stages of development to recognise how we were doing things. Facilitators were great, some more theoretical than others, I prefered practical workshops or building on ideas. Samantha was very attentive, I thank her specially for the support

Bernardo Maza | Founder, CAPS

I loved the community and the big public pitch event. The workshops were well thought out very detailed and gave specific knowledge instead of generic tips"

Karen Agwu | Founder, Agriwaste

It's been a diverse, organised and practical programme that I'd recommend to early stage founders. The grant was easy to access and provided us with capital to explore ideas.

Kristy Kenny | Founder, Kuppa

The people involved in making the programme happen have been brilliant. From organisers to mentors to some of the workshop hosts, everyone has been extremely friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and inspiring.

Joseph Folkes | Co-Founder, Clip Energy

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FAQs

ANSWERED

These are answers to some of the most-asked questions we receive for this programme.

Can I apply to both programmes?

Yes — apply once and we’ll guide you to the best fit.

How much time would it take?

  • Incubator: 2–3 hours per week
  • Accelerator: 6–8 hours per month

Do I need a team to apply?

No — solo founders are welcome.

Where does it take place?

The programme is hybrid, with a mix of online and in-person events in London.

Will I receive funding?

Accelerator participants receive a £5,000 grant. Incubator participants have the chance to win up to £3,500 through the Pitch Competition.

Is the program free?

Yes — fully funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

SUPPORTED BY

The future is green and it needs founders like you.