Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with big plans to combat climate change have been invited to pitch their ideas in a bid to receive funding of up to £40,000 to develop them.The Shell Springboard programme offers six prizes in each of three regions of between £20,000 and £40,000 to companies which have ideas that as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, are innovative and commercially viable.Shell UK chairman James Smith said: "Shell's scenario planning suggests that in the future we will be reliant on a mix of a number of different energy sources and energy saving technologies."Grassroots innovation from small businesses could be a crucial factor in driving the development of this mix."He added that as a creative and vibrant sector of the economy, SMEs are well placed to be climate change entrepreneurs.Application's for 2009 close on November 7th.This year's overall winner, Carbon8 Systems turns everyday rubbish into building materials, reducing the pressure on landfills.Dr Paula Carey of Caron8 said: "Winning this award has already opened doors for us. We've confirmed a partnership with Kent Council to create a pilot project on a local landfill site."
