ClimateLaunchpad: Fixing the climate crisis one startup at a time

The negative impacts of climate change are a great cause for concern. The science is pretty clear, and has been for at least 25 years. In that quarter of a century years we’ve seen great changes: cheap wind energy, cheap solar energy, electric cars that drive better than a normal car. But the science is still pretty clear: all those changes help, but we’re not there yet, not even close.

The organizers of ClimateLaunchpad believe that climate change is the biggest economic opportunity of the 21rst century. To proof that, they created a green business ideas competition, that now runs in over 50 countries across the globe. Countries from all over the world take part in this global competition of innovative, cleantech startups.

At the competition, early stage ideas for innovations in renewable energy, energy efficiency, food and agriculture, water, transportation, industrial technology or any other way that tackles climate change are not only applauded but rewarded with prizes that allow cleantech startups to realize their ideas. And you can be a part of it too.

ClimateLaunchpad: Most promising cleantech innovations

ClimateLaunchpad was founded in 2014 by Frans Nauta, an innovative entrepreneur who specialises in cleantech. The starting point was simple: if you want to solve a complicated problem, give it to entrepreneurs. And if you have a multi-faceted mega-problem like climate change, don’t pretend that there is a simple solution. Instead embrace the complexity, and solve it in steps. Hence ClimateLaunchpad’s motto ‘Fixing climate change one startup at a time.

Today, the team strives to unlock the world’s cleantech potential that addresses the negative impacts of climate change through innovation and invention. By entering the competition, new cleantech startups can be mentored and trained, and learn from experienced professionals. With a little help, many of their innovative and bright ideas can become reality. A green and clean future needs thousands of innovations challenging the current business models, and ClimateLaunchpad is convinced that investing in ideas and entrepreneurs is the way to go about it.

How does it work? 

ClimateLaunchpad operates with a global network of partners dedicated to encourage innovation in their respective countries. They work with a variety of local partners including businesses, investors, chambers of commerce and local government. “A business school in disguise, that is how former participants describe our competition. We train people with green ideas to become successful entrepreneurs,” Nauta said.

The competition itself consists of three rounds: Boot Camp, Intensive coaching and National Finals (with additional Regional Finals for India and Africa), and the Global Grand Final. Entrepreneurs or startups can apply in their own country and a minimum of seven business ideas per country get selected. Once their idea is selected, they will attend a two-day Boot Camp, followed by six intensive coaching sessions to perfect the pitch, value proposition and business model. After that, the team is fully prepared to astonish the National Jury with a mindblowing pitch at the National Final. The teams that come out as winners will get to compete in the Global Grand Final.

The Competition: Entrepreneurial opportunities

During the Global Grand Final you get the chance to pitch your idea in front of leading investors and entrepreneurs. Of the teams, sixteen finalists will be selected to compete for the grand prize. The last ten teams standing at the Global Grand Final win direct access to an accelerator program, not even to mention the prize money. The winner of the Global Grand Final receives €10,000, the first runner up receives €5,000, and third in place wins €2,500. So not only do you get to work with and learn from innovative professionals with a passion for positive climate change – you also get the chance to fund your idea and actually make change happen.

Bonface Jiveri, the founder of Alkagel and 2017 Winner, said, “I am a microbiologist and getting into business was not one of my dreams. But going through the Boot Camps and taking part in the Global Finals in Cyprus changed my mentality. From being a scientist I also became an entrepreneur.”

The Global Grand Final: Why you should attend?

Do you consider yourself to be a cleantech watcher, corporate green leader or general bright thinker? Then stay ahead of the game and immerse yourself in the green wave during the Global Grand Final 2019. The two-day event takes place on November 14th and 15th in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. You will get the chance to see breakthrough greentech innovations and become a part of a global network of sustainability.

The global cream of the crop of green startups will present their provocative, game-changing business ideas in addition to a full programme of interactive master classes and talks by leading speakers in cleantech, entrepreneurship and fixing climate change. Be a part of the green wave and make a difference.

For more information, visit the official website.

This article is produced in collaboration with Climate Launchpad. Read more about our partnering opportunities.