Edinburgh Climate Change Institute

What Edinburgh Climate Change Institute does

Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI) is a climate research and action hub operating since 2010 as a centre of excellence within the School of GeoSciences at the University of Edinburgh (previously known as Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation, renamed in February 2021). It runs an interdisciplinary climate programme drawing on natural and social sciences to translate academic research into policy, innovation and business outcomes. Core offerings include three accelerator programmes (Greenhouse pre-incubation, the EIT Climate-KIC Accelerator, and ClimateLaunchpad), four Masters degree pathways (~200 students in residence), free MOOCs via edX/Coursera, the Climate Springboard programme for Scottish SMEs, and the Scottish Climate Intelligence Service delivered with the Improvement Service.

ECCI's business model rests on a portfolio of funding streams rather than commercial product sales: long-term research grants and policy contracts (ClimateXChange for Scottish Government, ESRC's PCAN, Scottish Government and ERDF for the building), tuition fees from University of Edinburgh Masters programmes, donations from foundations (notably the George and Kaity David foundation), and EU initiatives such as EIT Climate-KIC. Commercial revenue flows through a dedicated Business Development team that brokers industry partnerships via Edinburgh Innovations.

Beyond research and education, ECCI convenes an extensive ecosystem including resident climate organisations, 15 cross-disciplinary ECCI Associates, the Sustainable Scotland Network (150+ public sector bodies), the Edinburgh Climate Commission and Compact, and PCAN climate commissions in Edinburgh, Leeds, Belfast and London. Distinctive physical infrastructure comprises the first UK listed building to achieve BREEAM 'Outstanding', housing an Airborne Research and Innovation (ARI) facility with manned and unmanned aircraft equipped with LiDAR, hyperspectral and atmospheric sensors. International reach extends through MOOCs (Egypt, UAE, India, UK, Mandarin CCS course) and the GreenQ scaling programme for European climate start-ups into China.

Name

Edinburgh Climate Change Institute

Legal name

Edinburgh Climate Change Institute

Website

https://edinburghcentre.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI) is a University of Edinburgh research and action hub that translates climate science into policy, accelerator programmes, postgraduate degrees, MOOCs and SME training, serving governments, public bodies, start-ups and students primarily in Scotland and the UK.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Climate Research and Innovation Services

NAICS

Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (9241)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainability, ESG & Climate Risk Advisory (BPAHAJAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Climate Policy, Governance & NDC Support (BPADALAA), Climate Finance Strategy (CapEx planning, green finance, incentives & grants) (EUABAKAG), Climate Target-Setting, Transition Planning & Performance Management Platforms (EUABAEAF)

Keywords

• Climate research
• Sustainability education
• Carbon innovation
• Clean technology
• Climate policy

Headquarters

HQ city

Edinburgh

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Research grants and funding: ECCI operates primarily through research grants and public funding, including support from Scottish Government, European Regional Development Fund, and various UK research councils.
2. Educational programmes: University of Edinburgh postgraduate programmes delivered at ECCI generate revenue through tuition fees for MSc courses in Energy, Society and Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, Marine Systems and Policy, and Climate Change Management.
3. Donations and foundation support: Substantial donations from foundations such as George and Kaity David foundation support education activities and building development.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

ECCI operates as a climate action hub delivering research translation, innovation support, climate-positive entrepreneurship programmes (EIT Climate-KIC Accelerator, ClimateLaunchpad, Greenhouse), and postgraduate education (University of Edinburgh Masters programmes plus MOOCs). It jointly manages ClimateXChange (Scotland's climate expertise centre for the Scottish Government), runs the Sustainable Scotland Network secretariat for 150+ public sector bodies, and delivers the Place-based Climate Action Network (PCAN) across UK cities.

Product overview

ECCI offers a comprehensive portfolio of climate action programs rather than a single unified product. The core offerings include the EIT Climate-KIC Accelerator (three-stage programme for low carbon entrepreneurs), ClimateLaunchpad (global clean tech competition), and Greenhouse (pre-incubation support). Research networks include ClimateXChange (Scotland's climate expertise center), Sustainable Scotland Network (public sector network), and PCAN (Place-based Climate Action Network). Educational offerings span Masters programmes (~200 students), Climate Solutions MOOCs, and Carbon Capture and Storage MOOC. The Scottish Climate Intelligence Service supports area-wide climate action. Training programs include Climate Springboard (free online SME support) and Becoming Climate Resilient. ECCI also hosts resident organisations and provides workspace facilities, business development services, and the GreenQ programme for international scaling to China.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Climate Springboard A free online programme helping Scottish SMEs prepare for net zero. Open to any SME in Scotland, this beginner-friendly programme helps companies navigate the changing economy and find opportunities for low-cost but meaningful action to reduce carbon emissions. Delivered in partnership with the University of Edinburgh and Royal Bank of Scotland.
• EIT Climate-KIC Accelerator A three-stage development programme for low carbon entrepreneurs offering funding, business coaching, masterclasses, and free workspace at ECCI's hub. Participants can access up to €20,000 in grant funding, supporting the development of climate-positive ventures from idea to scale.
• ClimateLaunchpad The world's largest clean technology ideas competition, running in 50+ countries. Offers entrepreneurs the chance to launch a green business idea and win up to €10,000, with the global final hosted at ECCI in 2018.
• Greenhouse Pre-incubation support with up to €2,500 in funding for starting entrepreneurs with a climate business idea, serving as a precursor to ECCI's other EIT Climate-KIC initiatives.
• ClimateXChange Scotland's centre of expertise on climate change, working on behalf of the Scottish Government and its agencies as a knowledge broker between researchers and policy makers. Jointly managed by ECCI, providing research, evidence, and advice to inform public climate policy.
• Sustainable Scotland Network (SSN) Scotland's public sector network on sustainability and climate change, with its secretariat based at ECCI. Supports all major Scottish public bodies as they work towards net zero emission targets by 2045.
• Climate Intelligence Service (SCIS) Scottish Climate Intelligence Service operated in partnership with the Improvement Service and alongside the Sustainable Scotland Network to support area-wide climate action across Scotland.
• Place-based Climate Action Network (PCAN) An ESRC-supported research network translating climate policy into action on the ground, bringing together research community and decision-makers in public, private, and third sectors through climate commissions in Leeds, Belfast, and Edinburgh.
• Masters Programmes University of Edinburgh postgraduate courses hosted at the ECCI hub including MSc in Energy, Society and Sustainability; MSc in Environmental Sustainability; MSc in Marine Systems and Policy; and MSc in Climate Change Management, delivered on campus and online. The hub is home to around 200 Masters students.
• Climate Solutions MOOCs Free online courses tackling climate change by providing knowledge and tools needed to make a difference, available in multiple country-specific versions including Egypt, UAE, India, and UK on the FutureLearn platform.
• Carbon Capture and Storage MOOC A comprehensive free online course on Carbon Capture and Storage developed and delivered by leading academics from the University of Edinburgh, available on edX and Coursera in English and Mandarin.
• GreenQ Programme An international scaling programme facilitating partnerships between European high growth climate start-ups and the Chinese market, run by EIT Hub China in partnership with the Low Carbon College in Shanghai.
• ECCI Workspace Free workspace at ECCI's award-winning Edinburgh hub for entrepreneurs and startups participating in ECCI accelerator programmes.
• Business Development Services Supporting industrial partnerships, innovation, commercialisation of university research, and securing development funding across key themes including geoenergy, space and satellites, digital health, and net-zero transition.

Quantifiable outcome

• Supported over 200 Scottish SMEs in carbon reduction
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• ClimateXChangecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClimateXChange is Scotland's centre of expertise on climate change. ECCI jointly manages this initiative, coordinating research and analysis to deliver timely, high-quality advice to public policy-makers.
• Mastercard FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMastercard Foundation Scholars Program at University of Edinburgh (2023-2030) nurtures skilled, entrepreneurial, and justice-oriented climate leaders from across Africa, offering sustainability-focused postgraduate opportunities.
• Edinburgh Earth InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdinburgh Earth Initiative accelerates the University of Edinburgh's response to the climate crisis, working with academics, students, staff, and partners on climate research, teaching, innovation and action.
• Scottish Carbon Capture and Storage (SCCS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCCS is the UK's largest Carbon Capture and Storage research group, a partnership of six research institutes engaging in national and international research projects.
• Sustainable Scotland Network (SSN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSSN is Scotland's public sector network on sustainability and climate change, with secretariat based at ECCI. Supports all major public bodies working towards net zero emission targets by 2045.
• Wave Energy Scotland (WES)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWES was formed in 2014 at the request of the Scottish Government to drive innovative solutions to technical challenges in wave energy and maintain Scotland's leading role in marine energy development.
• Verture (formerly Sniffer)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResident organisation using collaboration to grow flourishing futures in a changing climate, focusing on place-based climate action.
• EIT Climate-KICflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerECCI serves as Scottish partner for EIT Climate-KIC from 2017-2020, delivering Europe's largest climate innovation initiative including the Climate-KIC Accelerator programme.
• City of Edinburgh CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerECCI is a key partner in setting and delivering Edinburgh's ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030, helping quantify city emissions and plot course to net zero.
• Edinburgh Climate CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent commission co-sponsored by ECCI and City of Edinburgh to support and challenge city ambition and action on climate.
• SAGES (Scottish Alliance for Geoscience, Environment and Society)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership of 11 Scottish universities and research institutes pooling world-leading expertise in geoscience and environmental science. ECCI runs the SAGES Innovation Programme.
• Place-Based Climate Action Network (PCAN)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerESRC-supported network bringing together climate commissions in Leeds, Belfast and Edinburgh with theme-based platforms on finance and climate adaptation. Led by Queen’s University Belfast, University of Edinburgh, University of Leeds, and LSE.
• Edinburgh Climate CompactcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClimate commitments designed by ECCI and Edinburgh Climate Commission, targeting the biggest and most influential organisations in Edinburgh to commit to reducing climate impact.
• Royal Bank of ScotlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership between ECCI, University of Edinburgh and Royal Bank of Scotland to deliver Climate Springboard programme for Scottish SMEs.
• Construction Scotland Innovation CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner in Climate Emergency Collaboration Challenge focused on building capacity for zero and low carbon innovation in construction.
• Zero Waste ScotlandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner in Climate Emergency Collaboration Challenge addressing zero waste and circular economy in construction.
• EIT Hub China / Low Carbon College ShanghaiflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership between EIT Climate-KIC and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (via Low Carbon College in Lingang, Shanghai) to facilitate European climate start-ups scaling to Chinese markets through GreenQ programme.
• Edinburgh InnovationscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUniversity of Edinburgh's commercialisation service working with ECCI's Business Development team to link academics to wider services, facilities and resources.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• EIT Climate-KIC: EU-backed climate innovation community running pan-European accelerators, education programmes and innovation partnerships. ECCI was its Scottish partner (2017-2020); Climate-KIC is the umbrella organisation delivering many programmes ECCI runs locally, making it the closest ecosystem incumbent.
• UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology: Major UK environmental research centre producing climate, hydrology and ecology science with strong policy and government linkages. Comparable as a large UK research organisation working on climate science, environmental data and government-funded research translation.
• Carbon Trust: Established advisory organisation helping businesses and governments decarbonise, offering carbon footprinting, target-setting and net-zero advisory services. Comparable as a UK-headquartered climate advisory and sustainability consultancy that ECCI's SME and public sector work overlaps with.
• CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project): Global environmental disclosure system for companies, cities and investors on climate, water and forests. Comparable as a climate data and disclosure platform supporting organisational emissions measurement and reporting, intersecting with ECCI's Climate Springboard and ClimateXChange work.

Direct peers

• ClimateLaunchpad: World's largest cleantech business ideas competition run in 50+ countries, hosted globally by ECCI in 2018. Direct peer in the cleantech start-up competition and pre-acceleration space that ECCI delivers as a programme.
• Grantham Institute – Imperial College London: Imperial College's climate and environment research institute with strong policy translation and public engagement remit. Comparable focus on climate science, policy advice and impact at a UK Russell Group university.
• Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment (LSE): London School of Economics climate research institute producing policy analysis on climate change and environmental sustainability. Highly comparable as a UK university-based climate research and policy translation institute with similar funder mix and audience.
• Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford: Oxford-based research and policy institute focused on climate change, sustainability and economic policy. Comparable as a UK university climate centre offering policy advice, executive education and convening power across business and government.
• Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research: UK-wide climate research partnership across multiple universities producing policy-relevant climate science. Comparable as a multi-university climate research consortium with strong government and policy translation activities.
• University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL): University-embedded sustainability and climate leadership institute delivering executive education, policy advisory and business engagement. Directly comparable as a UK academic climate institute combining research translation, SME/corporate programmes and policy work, sitting alongside ECCI in the same niche.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/EdCentreCC
• Facebookfacebook.com/EcciAtHighSchoolYards
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/edinburgh-climate-change-institute

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh Climate Change Institute