We caught up with Chris Coonick as she left a position as Programme Manager of the Ofgem-funded Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) at Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency, to a new role at the National Grid
Chris reflects on her work with the SIF, a five-year £450m programme to accelerate the innovation needed to transform energy networks for the future — at lowest cost to consumers.
Chris and her team sifted pitches from companies, particularly smaller players, in fields as diverse as agritech to engineering that could use a funding boost, plus incubator-style legal support and business mentorship, to help decarbonise the energy system.
We also hear about Chris’ journey from sci-fi and architecture-interested childhood, to a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in Renewable Energy in the Built Environment, before going on to roles installing solar panels and delivering solar-powered vaccine fridges to UNICEF. She offers thoughts on practical steps the next generation can take to find their Net-Zero niche.
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