Kao Data, the Harlow-based specialist developer and operator of data centres, launched its award-winning initiative, the Kao SEED Fund, in Harlow this morning.
The Kao SEED Fund, which stands for Social Enterprise and Environment Development Fund, aims to foster community growth and enterprise. The fund, which will be run in partnership with Harlow Council, will provide funding pots of between £500 - £2,500 to community groups, not-for-profit organisations and grassroots projects across the town, supporting both ongoing initiatives or new projects within existing community groups or charities.
Harlow is the home of Kao Data, which launched its first data centre, known as KLON-01, in 2018 on the site where Sir Charles Kao OBE made his pioneering 1966 discovery of fibre optic cable. A second data centre, KLON-02, opened in 2023 on the same site, and in March 2025, a third data centre on the site was announced. This data centre will support the growth of AI technologies when it is completed next year.
Leader of Harlow Council Councillor, Dan Swords, said: “We are incredibly proud to see the Kao SEED Fund launching in Harlow this morning. Kao Data is a world-leading company which has put Harlow on the global map with its incredible data centres and they have always given much back to the town. This new community fund will make a direct difference here in Harlow, giving our local community groups the support they need to grow and thrive.
“The funding pots will help community groups deliver projects that matter to their neighbourhoods. It’s all about empowering communities, strengthening connections and building a more vibrant town together.”
Lizzy McDowell, Director of Marketing at Kao Data, added, “We’re thrilled to have launched our award-winning SEED Fund for Harlow this morning. It’s vital for us as a data centre operator to genuinely support and connect with the communities around us. Our roots are in Harlow, which is Kao Data’s home, which makes the launch today even more special.
“We cannot wait to see the ideas and ongoing projects that need funding, as well as following all the awarded projects as they roll out their wonderful ideas over the next year.”
Submissions for the Kao SEED Fund Harlow are now open and will close on November 3, 2025.
There will also be a Meet the Funder information event on October 6 at Harlow Civic Centre (see the link below for sign-up details). Applications will then be considered by a select panel of judges and applicants will be notified in December 2025.
For more details and to apply for the fund, visit:
https://kaodata.com/initiatives/kao-seed-fund/kao-seed-fund-harlow
