Scottish EDGE and Royal Bank of Scotland launch call for Scotland’s sustainable champions

-Sustainable businesses offered the chance to pitch at COP26 climate conference-

Scottish EDGE, the UK’s biggest funding competition for high growth potential businesses, is offering sustainable companies the chance to pitch onstage at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) to secure funding of up to £100,000, thanks to additional support from the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The deadline for businesses to enter the latest round of the Scottish EDGE funding competition has been extended to 16 August to give more sustainable firms the chance to put themselves in the running for this exciting new opportunity.

Successful applicants will pitch onstage at COP26 in Glasgow in November to a panel of high-profile judges.

COP26 is attracting global attention and is set to be attended by high-profile delegates from across the world. This opportunity, and the chance to win up to £100,000, has been made possible thanks to financial support for Scottish EDGE from key delivery partner, Royal Bank of Scotland, which is also the principal partner of COP26.

The new Net Zero EDGE award reflects Scotland’s drive to be net zero by 2045. It celebrates the role that innovative businesspeople and entrepreneurs are playing in making this target achievable.

Judith Cruickshank, Managing Director, Business Banking, Royal Bank of Scotland, said:

“Our proud partnership with Scottish EDGE over the last decade has helped identify and support some of Scotland’s most talented businesses.

“As COP26 comes to Glasgow in November, awareness of the importance of making sustainability and climate friendly practices core to how you operate has never been greater.

“We hope that this new award category offers well deserved recognition for those organisations leading the way in the transition to net zero – and inspires others to do the same.”

Steven Hamill, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish EDGE, said:

“Tackling climate change has never been more important, especially with COP26 set to put the spotlight on Scotland’s net zero targets later this year. We want to recognise the great work that Scottish businesses, from a range of sectors, are doing to help deliver net zero.

“Thanks to support from Royal Bank of Scotland, we have been able to launch the Net Zero EDGE award which gives start-ups in Scotland the chance to be a part of COP26 and raise additional funding. We would urge businesses to apply ahead of the deadline of 16th August.”

Applicants can apply for this category as normal through the Scottish EDGE website and all eligible applicants that meet the climate award criteria will be automatically considered for the COP26 pitching competition.