Earlier this week, the CGF CLT Climate Tech Reception brought together an outstanding group of visionaries shaping the future; investors, policymakers, and climate tech innovators in a celebration of progress, collaboration, and ambition. With a strong turnout and a palpable sense of optimism, the event underscored the immense opportunity that lies in climate technology and the importance of partnerships to drive real change.
A Night of Connections and Conversations
Hosted by the Clean Growth Fund (CGF) and Carbon Limiting Technologies (CLT), the evening was more than just networking over drinks—it was about fostering the connections that can turn bold ideas into reality. The collective energy in the room reflected the urgency of the challenges ahead and the shared determination to meet them with innovation and strategic investment.
Key Insights: A Moment of Urgency and Opportunity
Beverley took the stage to deliver an inspiring speech, reminding everyone that climate tech innovation is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
The challenges we face demand bold ideas, strategic investment and policy that enables, not inhibits. Beverley highlighted the unique opportunity this creates for the UK to lead the way, with its wealth of talent, cutting-edge technology, and ambitious vision for the future. She emphasised that success in climate tech isn’t just about cutting emissions—it’s about economic growth, high-value job creation, and cementing the UK as a leader in the industries of tomorrow.
“What we need is the right mix of capital, collaboration, and commitment to make it happen.”
CGF & CLT: Driving Real Impact
That’s why CGF and CLT do what they do, she continued. Clean Growth Fund continues to support cleantech pioneers who are revolutionising industries—from decarbonising data centres, electrifying domestic heating to making industrial processes more efficient. The fund has strengthened its team, won industry awards, secured B Corp status, and welcomed new board members Gershon Cohen and Robert Branagh. Beverley also announced the upcoming launch of a second fund worth £150 million, set to further accelerate cleantech innovation.
Meanwhile, CLT is working with both public and private stakeholders at system level to tackle the toughest climate challenges, finding practical, scalable solutions that drive investment and real impact. Through groundbreaking initiatives with Innovate UK (pioneering new market pull mechanisms to unlock investment in low carbon concrete) and innovative blended finance models, CLT is working to unlock the capital needed to propel cleantech ventures forward.
Collaboration is Key
One of the strongest themes of the evening was the power of collaboration. Beverley underscored that investment alone is not enough— innovation without adoption is just an idea, policy without industry buy-in is just a document.
“Real transformation happens when all of us—founders, corporates, financiers, and governments—work together. That’s why nights like this matter because progress starts with a conversation, a handshake, a shared vision.”
Global Outlook: Remaining Competitive
As the event concluded, attendees were urged to think big and act boldly. The UK must stay competitive in the global clean energy race. Though opposition comes in from the US, the audience were reminded that in Trump’s last term in office, cleantech and private capital kept advancing. On the other hand, China is pouring billions into clean energy, dominating battery, solar panel, and now electric vehicle manufacturing.
“Like it or not the race is on – and if we want to stay competitive, we need to match ambition with action.”
Beverley left the audience with a challenge:
“Ask yourself as you meet new faces tonight, how can we create something bigger together?”
With an engaged community of problem-solvers, risk-takers, and changemakers in the room, one thing was clear—when the right people come together, the impossible suddenly seems within reach.
A Toast to the Future
The night ended with a toast to innovation, collaboration, and a decarbonised future—one that not only tackles climate change but also drives jobs, investment, and economic growth.
