Social Ventures / UCLB News

UCLB launches applications for social challenge with London Borough of Camden

15 January 2020

Are you developing an innovative piece of technology or research idea, at UCL, that has the potential to benefit society? Perhaps your project could be the key to solving a challenge in your local community.

UCLB, part of UCL Innovation & Enterprise, is working with Camden Council to match a pioneering UCL project to help solve a key challenge in the borough – Transitioning to a zero-carbon economy.

How you can help to solve the challenge

If you have benefited from EPSRC funding and are working on a research project which could help Camden to fulfil its zero-carbon economy goal, your idea could be just what UCLB is looking for.

On the 3rd March 2020, research teams with eligible projects will be invited along to a Challenge Day where they will get the opportunity to discuss their idea further, with representatives from Camden Council. The Challenge Day will also provide business planning advice and support in moving your project forward from idea to impact.

The UCL research team with the most promising solution can receive up to £10,000 in funding to progress their project.

If you think your idea has what it takes to help Camden Council to achieve its zero carbon-economy goal, please complete this short form  and apply to take part in the Challenge Day on the 3rd March.

The challenge in more detail

Camden has declared a climate emergency. In light of this, they recognise that they need to rapidly support the borough to transition to a zero carbon economy.  Camden has already reduced its CO2 emissions by 32% since 2010. They need to continue, accelerate and deepen this work. The aspects of the challenge that applying UCL projects can consider include:

a) What behaviour change would be most impactful for Camden to encourage, and how could a coalition of key local partners (e.g. UCL/ Camden) come together to facilitate this behaviour change?

b) How can the Council lead by example and green their operations, as a key player in local supply chains?

c) How can we use their role as a planner to support the transition to a zero carbon economy? (considering the role of new building specifications, existing building management, transport etc.)

d) How can key anchor institutions in the borough come together in the most effective way to use their procurement power to reduce the carbon footprint of the borough?

 

Additional information on Camden’s climate emergency

Camden stepping up to climate emergency challenge

Climate crisis report

Deadline: 07/02/2020.

For any further queries, please contact: Ana Lemmo Charnalia a.charnalia@uclb.com