Bord na Móna announces new accelerator programme for green innovation in Offaly

Minister for State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Robert Troy today launched the Bord na Móna funded Accelerate Green Programme. This is the first accelerator dedicated to scaling companies leading the response to climate action and sustainability by developing products and services based on ‘green’ innovation.

Accelerate Green will be located at Bord na Móna’s existing office complex in Boora, . Bord na Móna, which is focused on delivering climate solutions, has partnered with Resolve Partners and ERINN Innovation (as part of the LIFE IP Peatlands and People Programme) to establish Accelerate Green. Some eight to 12 companies are expected to participate in the programme commencing early 2022 following a rigorous sourcing campaign.

Companies accepted on the Accelerate Green programme will have:

the potential to scale nationally and internationally, from their already existing business base.

be in the carbon/climate/sustainability sector or pivoting their business to drive that change.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Robert Troy said: “I’m delighted to support Bord na Móna’s Accelerate Green programme today. The collaboration between Bord na Móna, Resolve Partners and ERINN Innovation is both welcome and timely. The Accelerate Green programme is an important initiative for the Midlands, that will promote the adoption and acceleration of green and sustainable business activity in the region and further afield. It will enable companies to scale their business and grow their competitive edge as the demand for sustainable and energy efficient solutions increases globally, resulting in positive benefits for communities where they are based.

“I want to encourage all companies to assess their current processes and take advantage of the Government supports available, such as Enterprise Ireland’s Climate Enterprise Action Fund. We have set ourselves ambitious climate targets and I believe this presents significant opportunities for businesses across the Midlands and Ireland to explore new ways of working as we look ahead to building a low-carbon future.”

Tom Donnellan, Chief Executive of Bord na Móna, said: “Accelerate Green programme is another important step in creating a more sustainable future for Ireland. As an Irish climate solutions company, helping to lead Ireland towards a climate neutral future, we believe it is important to support scalable companies whose innovations will have a positive impact on climate action. Sharing our expertise and advice, we can help develop a vibrant ecosystem that places the midlands region at the forefront of the carbon zero economy. I believe this programme will lead to the creation of high value jobs in the region and we are very pleased to develop Accelerate Green in partnership with Resolve Partners and ERINN Innovation”.

Resolve Partners are leading a team of sectoral, scaling and innovation experts to take leadership teams of scaleups & SMEs through an acceleration programme that will support and drive the applicants’ leadership team. There will also be opportunity to engage with key industry partners and gain potential financial investment.

David Murphy, CEO, ERINN Innovation said “ERINN Innovation are very excited to see this important milestone achieved. The collaboration between Bord na Móna, ERINN and other organisations resulting in the launch of Accelerate Green is a key achievement in the €10M LIFE Integrated Project “Peatlands and People” that aims to support the realisation of a carbon neutral, low-emission, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable society and economy by 2050. This work is complemented by two other pillars in the project – 1) a Peatlands knowledge Centre of Excellence in Ireland that will explore and carry out best practices in peatland restoration and rehabilitation and utilise methodologies to monitor and analyse carbon fluxes, and 2) the design of an immersive and inspiring People’s Discovery Attraction to introduce the importance of climate action, peatlands, and energy transition for a sustainable world.”

Also commenting on the launch Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Senator Pippa Hackett said “Bord Na Móna’s new Accelerate Green programme, in conjunction with Resolve Partners, is a welcome initiative here in the Midlands. I look forward to it acting as a successful incubator for green and sustainable businesses, helping them develop the tools and expertise they need as they transition to a green, low carbon economy.

"I am delighted Bord na Móna has based Accelerate Green in Boora. As they transition to a climate solutions organisation, this is further recognition by them of the communities who have been most affected by transition and of the role such communities play in the move towards eco-innovation and sustainability.”

Accelerate Green is looking for applications from limited companies that are intent on solving social and environmental challenges and have a focus on growth to stimulate low carbon, circular economies. Having impact embedded in the business solution is a mandatory requirement for participating in Accelerate Green and successful applicants must have the potential for financial return. Companies can learn more at www.accelerategreen.ie.