Introducing Launchpad Leaders – the home of stories about Wales’ net zero innovators, as told by the journalists of tomorrow
Welcome to Launchpad Leaders.
This new blog series will bring together two powerful forces in Wales’ net zero ecosystem: the innovative businesses driving low-carbon solutions in South West Wales, and our student journalists – the next generation of storytellers who will shape how that future is understood.
Created in partnership with students from Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Culture (JOMEC), Launchpad Leaders will shine a spotlight on pioneering projects funded through the South West Wales Net Zero Industry Launchpad – an Innovate UK initiative supporting clean energy innovation and low-carbon industry across South West Wales.
Throughout the series, readers will be introduced to a diverse mix of innovators shaping South West Wales’ transition to net zero – from AI-powered marine monitoring systems and tidal energy breakthroughs to smart agricultural technologies reducing on-farm emissions.
JOMEC students will interview project leads to explore how Wales is becoming a leading clean energy hub and cornerstone of the UK’s industrial base. Together they’ll uncover:
- What sparked the idea
- How Launchpad funding has empowered the business to grow, collaborate, or accelerate impact
- The challenges faced – and the lessons learned
- The business’ views on Wales’ role in the global net zero transition.
The series will highlight how creativity, collaboration, and climate-positive technology are driving meaningful change, strengthening local communities, and contributing to a more resilient, sustainable economy for Wales… and we can’t wait to get started!
Read on for more information on the Net Zero Industry Launchpad and JOMEC.
What is the Net Zero Industry Launchpad?
The Net Zero Industry Launchpad is designed to accelerate clean energy innovation and industrial decarbonisation across South West Wales. Delivered by Innovate UK in collaboration with the Welsh Government and its agencies, the programme provided up to £7.5 million in funding to support business-led net zero projects with the potential to drive regional economic growth and global climate impact.
Delivering awards ranging from £150,000 to £750,000, the Launchpad empowers companies to test bold ideas, strengthen supply chains, and scale technologies that will shape Wales’ low-carbon industrial future. The result is a fast-growing ecosystem positioning the region as a leader in clean energy, green industry, and sustainable innovation.
Why JOMEC? Empowering the Next Generation
The partnership with Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Culture is central to what makes Launchpad Leaders unique. These students aren’t just reporting on innovation – they’re gaining hands-on experience in telling the stories of Wales’ net zero transition, developing the skills, insight, and confidence to communicate complex ideas to industry, policymakers, and the public.
By placing young people at the heart of this series, Net Zero Industry Wales is helping to nurture a new generation of communicators and sustainability leaders. This collaboration is rooted in opportunity: empowering future talent, elevating powerful project stories, and ensuring Wales’ industrial transformation is matched by a strong, skilled pipeline of informed and inspired young professionals.
To discover more projects, stories, and innovators driving Wales’ journey to net zero, click here.