10170974An innovative AI-driven platform that could help SMEs reduce cloud costs by 25% and associated carbon emissions by 35%ClosedFast Start ResponseInnovate UKStreaming Ltd is developing **CLOUD TOGGLE**, an AI-powered platform designed to help UK SMEs reduce cloud infrastructure costs by up to 25% and associated carbon emissions by as much as 35%. CLOUD TOGGLE addresses the growing challenge of cloud waste, which affects over 75% of organisations and leads to unnecessary financial and environmental costs. Unlike complex and costly enterprise solutions, CLOUD TOGGLE is built specifically for SMEs, offering a simple, affordable and effective tool for managing cloud resources. This six-month industrial research project focuses on two core areas: developing the AI-driven optimisation engine and implementing an innovative sustainability rewards system. * **WP1: Data Collection and Model Development** -- The team will build and deploy a machine learning model using real billing and usage data from AWS and Azure environments. The AI will identify inefficiencies such as idle or oversized resources and recommend actions to reduce waste. It will use supervised learning, model tuning and cross-validation to ensure recommendations are accurate and actionable. Performance will be measured using industry-standard metrics like Mean Absolute Error and return on investment. Integration with APIs such as AWS Cost Explorer and Azure Cost Management will ensure compatibility across cloud platforms and enable tailored recommendations directly to users. * **WP2: Carbon Offset Integration and Incentivisation** -- Users will earn points for following the AI's recommendations, linking cost savings directly to environmental benefit. These points can be redeemed for verified carbon offsetting projects through integrations with APIs such as Tree Nation or Woodland Trust. The system will include a user dashboard that displays points earned, trees planted and total emissions offset, making sustainability progress visible and motivating further engagement. CLOUD TOGGLE's innovation lies in its combination of actionable AI, multi-cloud compatibility, SME accessibility and ESG integration. No other UK-based solution offers this level of automation, transparency and dual benefit at a price point suitable for small businesses. The project will result in a commercial-ready MVP that enables SMEs to improve cloud efficiency, reduce emissions and meet sustainability targets in a measurable, affordable way. This aligns directly with Innovate UK's goals to promote clean growth, digital adoption and inclusive innovation within the SME sector.