Solena has been selected for the inaugural cohort of EarthScale, a UK accelerator programme supporting IP-rich climate tech ventures as they move from prototype to commercial deployment.

The programme, led by Imperial College London in partnership with five universities across the UK and co-funded by the Research England Development Fund, targets one of the most underserved stages in deep tech development: the transition from proven technology to a Series A-ready business.

Solena is now navigating that transition, scaling production ahead of a 2028 product launch with a brand partner and preparing for a Series A investment round in the second half of 2026. EarthScale provides structured support across four areas particularly relevant to this phase: technical and manufacturing scale-up, enterprise development, talent, and policy navigation.

EarthScale's focus on the “missing middle” – the capital-intensive, high-risk phase between prototype and commercial deployment – reflects a structural reality facing many of the UK's most promising deep tech companies. Limited support infrastructure and long validation cycles have historically constrained the path from breakthrough technology to commercial reality.

For Solena, the value of the programme extends beyond practical support. Gabriele Verikaite, Head of Business Development, noted:

“Being part of EarthScale is accelerating our Series A readiness through expert guidance and strategic support. What's valuable is the calibre of the cohort – we were selected alongside some genuinely exceptional climate tech ventures. That peer environment is invaluable for collaboration and sharpening our approach as we scale.”

While the UK looks to strengthen its climate innovation ecosystem, programmes like EarthScale signal a shift towards more targeted, systems-level support that’s designed not only to generate innovation, but to enable its progression into industrial deployment.