The Scottish EDGE funding competition is offering Scotland’s sustainable champions the chance to pitch at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) later this year.

Companies will also get the chance to secure up to £100,000 in funding, thanks to additional support from the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Successful applicants to Scottish EDGE will pitch onstage at the climate conference in Glasgow in November to a panel of high-profile judges.

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.

Commenting on the news, 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.”

COP26 is attracting global attention and is set to be attended by high-profile delegates from across the world.

Scotland is already investing in firms and technologies to further advance its net zero targets ahead of COP26.

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In a sign of things to come, last week Scottish Power and Stagecoach announced the rollout of six fully electric busses to serve rural communities and ultimately reduce the country’s overall carbon dioxide emissions.

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.”

Join the Scottish EDGE awards

The Scottish EDGE funding competition deadline has been extended to 16 August to give more sustainable firms the chance to put themselves in the running.

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