Green Matters is a company creation programme designed to support Scotland’s transition to a low-carbon economy by helping individuals and early-stage start-ups develop impactful, high-growth businesses within the clean energy, clean tech, and Net Zero sectors.

Delivered in partnership with the Net Zero Technology Centre, Scottish Enterprise, and Ledingham Chalmers, the programme built on the success of the acclaimed Grey Matters initiative – this time with a green focus. It offered a fully funded, intensive experience tailored for people affected by redundancy or career transition, particularly those from the energy and technology sectors.

Green Matters welcomed:

• Individuals with early-stage ideas needing development
• Entrepreneurs seeking co-founders or teammates to progress a concept
• Professionals with transferable skills looking to be part of a founding team
• Early-stage businesses aiming to accelerate into the green economy

Participants came predominantly from energy and tech sectors and were united by a shared ambition to contribute to Scotland’s clean energy transition.

The programme immersed participants in a fast-paced, four-day-a-week schedule of:

• Creative exploration and idea development
• Business model validation and planning
• Collaboration and peer learning
• Expert-led workshops and one-to-one support
• Introductions to investors, sector specialists, and entrepreneurial mentors

Participants formed new teams, developed business propositions, and gained the confidence and capability to launch scalable ventures with purpose.

As Scotland accelerates its journey to Net Zero, programmes like Green Matters are vital in enabling the next generation of purpose-driven innovators. This initiative not only supported individuals navigating redundancy but also:

• Helped launch 27 new ventures with strong growth and sustainability potential
• Encouraged cross-sector collaboration and diverse team building
• Contributed directly to Scotland’s green economic recovery post-pandemic

By nurturing both talent and ideas, Green Matters laid the groundwork for scalable solutions that address global environmental challenges while creating local jobs and prosperity.