MSIP’s programme drives £6.4m into Scottish economy

MSIP, a joint venture between Michelin, Dundee City Council and Scottish Enterprise, is a dynamic and creative home for innovators, manufacturers and skills leaders who are actively working towards reducing carbon emissions and fostering a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Part funded by Scottish Enterprise and delivered by Skillfluence, the MSIP Accelerator has been specifically designed to help ambitious young companies who are developing new solutions in sustainable innovation and decarbonisation achieve a step-change in their business.

The MSIP Accelerator has supported 41 businesses over the past three years, through an intensive programme of business support. This has leveraged £1.9m of investment into these businesses, resulting in a direct impact to the Scottish economy of £6.4m GVA.

Currently accepting applications for Cohort 5, previous participating businesses have achieved success as a direct result of taking part in the MSIP Accelerator.

Delivered across four cohorts, the businesses have gained a combined £2.5m of innovation funding, enabling business growth and the creation of 81 jobs, and went on to deliver 21 innovation projects, generating a combined turnover of £12.7m.

Applications are now sought from ambitious companies looking at scaling up products and services focused on sustainable innovation.

Skillfluence, experts in designing and delivering impactful start-up accelerator programmes, will continue to deliver the MSIP Accelerator for Cohort 5, providing a specialist programme to support Scotland’s net-zero carbon ambitions.

The MSIP Accelerator is one of many initiatives MSIP is undertaking as part of its Innovation Programme, designed to underpin Scotland’s response to the global climate emergency.

Sarah Petrie, innovation director at Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, said: “We’ve witnessed an extraordinary contribution from the MSIP Accelerator to the national economy in just three years.

“Our commitment to nurturing young companies in sustainable innovation and decarbonisation is unwavering, driving tangible results and propelling Scotland towards a cleaner, greener future.

“The 41 companies that have participated to date have demonstrated a great level of success and impact. I look forward to meeting the next group of businesses that will take part.”

Alison Gray, founder and director of Skillfluence Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with MSIP again for this exciting Accelerator programme, which has to date produced several companies working at the forefront of sustainability and generating significant investment.

“Skillfluence prides itself on delivering world-class accelerator programmes designed to help individuals and teams accelerate the development of their goals. Our programmes involve a combination of skills development and implementation coaching, and we support participants throughout their journey.

“We look forward to welcoming another cohort of innovative businesses that will contribute to the future of sustainability and decarbonisation in Scotland.”

Suzanne Sosna, director of economic opportunities and climate at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Green energy is a key sector of the future and, with sustainable innovation in particular being a crucial element, there are huge opportunities for innovative companies.

“It is fantastic to see the calibre of innovators we have coming forward in the Accelerator and really exciting to help them develop the ideas that will tackle the climate challenge.

“Supporting businesses to develop in this space is vital to ensuring we maximise their potential and the part they will play in a successful greener Scottish economy.”