Futurebuild, in partnership with Innovate UK and the National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG), has launched its Big Retrofit Challenge.
According to Futurebuild, the Big Retrofit Challenge offers an opportunity for entrepreneurs and companies to showcase their innovations in front of key industry players and get their ideas to the market. The innovations that come through the competition should aim to either directly address central challenges to the sector or improve wider processes for the delivery of projects that help consumers live in healthier homes, it noted, tackling issues such as exposure to damp and mould and alleviating fuel poverty.
A statement said that judges are looking for innovations that “go beyond just products”, including new systems, approaches, solutions and processes that contribute to creating healthier homes. Entries are open to UK-registered businesses that have an annual turnover of £15m or less, with priority being given to less established organisations. The submitted solutions must be suitable for retrofitting or renovating existing homes or non-residential properties. While solutions designed for new builds are also welcome, it added, they must demonstrate applicability to retrofit projects as well.
Futurebuild stated that six shortlisted winners will have the chance to pitch their solutions on stage at Futurebuild’s National Retrofit Conference, and attend a networking morning to showcase their innovation to NHDG members with each winner having allocated slots to network directly with its members. It offers shortlisted winners an opportunity to actively work with the private sector to deliver retrofit, it added.
The competition will close at 11am on 28 November 2024.
Martin Hurn, event director at Futurebuild, said: “The Big Retrofit Challenge is about turning bold ideas into impactful solutions. We are excited to partner with Innovate UK and the National Home Decarbonisation Group to create a powerful platform where innovators can showcase their game-changing technologies that will accelerate the decarbonisation of homes across the UK.”