We provide support to access academic expertise, resources, and other SMEs across the green hydrogen supply chain, helping with Collaborative R&D funding and grant-writing, all fully funded through GW-SHIFT.

Through the SETsquared Partnership and the GW-SHIFT, Zakir supports SMEs by connecting them with mentors, funding, university researchers, and industry partners to accelerate the development and commercialisation of hydrogen technologies across sectors including clean energy, transport, aviation, aerospace, maritime, manufacturing, biofuels, and green chemicals. The programme also offers professional grant-writing support, funded through GW-SHIFT, for Collaborative R&D applications.

Zakir is a Sector Manager specialising in academia–industry engagement, with over five years of experience of partnership development in sustainable technologies including clean energy, circular plastics, bio-based feedstocks, sustainable manufacturing. Previously, he worked as Industry Manager at iCAST, where he supported more than 100 industry partners collaborating with universities and delivered over 45 joint feasibility projects. By background, Zakir is a materials scientist with over eight years of postdoctoral research experience and has authored/co-authored more than 50 scientific publications. He is also an Associate Member of the APM.

The GW-SHIFT programme fosters the hydrogen and clean technology ecosystem by helping start-ups and SMEs develop and commercialise innovative solutions. It provides access to university expertise and research facilities, connects companies with industry partners, investors, and mentors, and supports collaboration through innovation programmes, networking events, and sector workshops. The programme also helps businesses identify public and private funding opportunities via SETsquared Partnerships and offers professional support for collaborative R&D and grant applications, while strengthening the regional hydrogen innovation cluster across South West England and South Wales.

There is no cost to SMEs for this support; all are fully funded by the GW-SHIFT project and the SETsquared Partnership.