Behind the scenes of the ClimateLaunchpad programme* We often say it: ClimateLaunchpad is so much more than just a competition. It’s a journey, one that teaches start-ups how to build and sustain a successful business. It’s almost like the Olympics – participation is often more valuable than winning. While it’s great to have innovative ideas… Read more »
Green Entrepreneur Trend #2 2024 Not every green start-up has a technical fix for climate change. While many focus on transforming industries like fashion, this year we’ve seen an inspiring influx of applications centred around raising awareness, education, and empowering individuals to take action themselves. The thing is, how can people adopt sustainable habits if… Read more »
Five essential lessons from former participants: ClimateLaunchpad is a competition, of course. But it’s so much more than that. We offer start-ups and entrepreneurs a unique opportunity not just to compete for the top prize, but to learn how to turn their sustainable ideas into successful businesses. Even if you don’t win, you’ll gain invaluable… Read more »
Green Entrepreneur Trend #1 2024 Each year, we are amazed by the innovative ideas submitted by sustainable entrepreneurs. This year, we’ve seen a remarkable surge in proposals aimed at revolutionising our relationship with clothing. And it’s no wonder—the fashion industry is a major polluter, and our throwaway culture means we’re discarding our garments faster than… Read more »
The idea that cleantech solutions are always complex is often not true. The story of SWEDO Innovations proves this. With a relatively simple product, their brand of bio fire combs reduces coal usage while boosting the well-being and independence of women and young people. In Uganda, many people still cook with charcoal. This is harmful… Read more »
Would you like to meet a persistent and passionate cleantech entrepreneur? We are pleased to introduce you to Nigerian microbiologist Olatunbosun Obayomi. For 20 years, he has been dedicated to converting waste into clean energy. Now, the time seems right to transform his visionary idea into a viable business. A quick Google search for Olatunbosun… Read more »
Hey all, We are delighted to invite you to the five upcoming ClimateBasics Learning Sessions. Join EIT Climate-KIC subject experts as they take you through these important issues around climate change in an interactive and accessible way. Buckle up and learn about the challenges and the opportunities, and what it means for you, your business,… Read more »
Every winner of this green competition entered the contest with just one great cleantech idea and lots (lots!) of drive. The trick is to transform these ingredients into a thriving start-up. To help you do the same, the winners of the Regional Finals 2023 share with you their biggest learnings. Charish your passion “Having passion… Read more »
A proud and very happy start-up Yuon Control heard its green business idea declared the winner of the European Final. Entrepreneurs from Yuon Control took on the big challenge to optimize district heating networks that warm family homes and reduce energy consumption. Not an easy task, considering that, in their homeland Switzerland, the heating of… Read more »
After an exciting Asian Pacific Final, She-Guard from Pakistan earned first place with their green business idea to turn agro-waste into biodegradable and plastic-free sanitary napkins. This start-up has a potential massive impact on climate sustainability and provides women with an essential sanitary product. “I am so grateful!” Radiating an overwhelming mix of surprise and… Read more »
Surely it is no easy challenge to take on: resolve the inefficient trucking, millions of empty miles, wasted space, and excessive CO2 emissions that plague the shipping industry. But start-up Merge from Egypt nailed it. And earned first place in the African Regional Final of ClimateLaunchpad 2023. “We are ready to make an enormous difference… Read more »
Preventing good stuff from being wasted, contributes to sustainability in so many ways. Perhaps this is why waste prevention inspired many competitors of the 2023 edition of ClimateLaunchpad. The inventive minds of ClimateLaunchpad competitors produce a myriad of solutions to contribute to global green business. They augment food systems, enhance green mobility, clear paths towards… Read more »
As this year’s cohort prepares to pitch at the Regional Finals, we catch up with last year’s winners. Read on to see how they’ve progressed, what they’ve learned, and their golden tip for aspiring entrepreneurs. Marina Belintani – MABE Bio, Brazil MABE Bio combines nature and technology to create materials. They reinvent the leather production… Read more »
As this year’s cohort prepares to pitch at the Regional Finals, we catch up with last year’s winners. Read on to see how they’ve progressed, what they’ve learned, and their golden tip for aspiring entrepreneurs. Gibson Kawago, WAGA – Tanzania WAGA repurposes used lithium-ion batteries to create battery packs for rural households and businesses. The… Read more »
As this year’s cohort prepares to pitch at the Regional Finals, we catch up with last year’s winners. Read on to see how they’ve progressed, what they’ve learned, and their golden tip for aspiring entrepreneurs. Mojtaba Rezaei, Divea (formerly 2D Membranes), Switzerland With their carbon capture technology, Divea targets the biggest industrial CO2 emitters, such… Read more »
Hey all, Blue Economy and Adaptation & Resilience are key climate topics of our time (and of our ClimateLaunchpad themes). We are delighted to invite you to three upcoming ClimateBasics Learning Sessions. Join EIT Climate-KIC subject experts Maria Loloni and Ayoub Derdabi as they take you through these important issues around climate change in an interactive… Read more »
When will we phase out fossil fuels? When will global emissions reach their peak? Who is going to finance the loss and damage fund? These are some of the pressing questions that remain after the most recent edition of the UN Global Climate Summit (aka. COP27) In its Emissions Gap Report 2022, the UN states… Read more »
We always say it’s not about winning, it’s about participating. We don’t just say that. During the program, starting entrepreneurs learn how to build a sustainable business. Chris Roe of EIT Climate-KIC asked three alumni (and ClimateLaunchpad fans) how they are doing now. They talk about their start-ups and how they fared after participating in… Read more »
Starting a new business gives you the unique opportunity to build your own powerful and diverse team. Diversity is important. Each team member brings its own voice, background and vibe. And: it makes the market-fit for your start-up more suitable Watch The Power of Diversity in Climate Innovation Panel for interesting perspectives. With: Sara Eve… Read more »
Of course also a shiny spotlight for 2D Membranes from Switzerland. With their idea they can make a huge impact on the reduction of carbon dioxide, the key challenge of climate impact. No surprise that they won the third prize during the Global Grand Final! Reducing CO2 in the air is the main challenge to… Read more »
