About ClimateLaunchpad

What is ClimateLaunchpad?

ClimateLaunchpad is the world’s largest green business ideas competition. Our mission is to unlock the world’s cleantech potential that addresses climate change. We fill a gap in developing a pipeline of early-stage climate ventures and provide a platform for those ideas to flourish. ClimateLaunchpad is part of the Entrepreneurship offerings of Climate KIC.

Who are we?

We are people determined to address the negative impacts of climate change by way of innovation and invention. ClimateLaunchpad is run by a central European team from Climate KIC, alongside the support of our National Leads, who help deliver the programme locally in each participating country.

Why are we passionate about ClimateLaunchpad?

Here’s the thing. We are dead serious about tackling climate change. And we’re convinced that investing in ideas and entrepreneurs is the way to go about it. A green and clean future demands thousands of innovations challenging the current business models. That’s why.

What do we do?

There are a lot of great ideas out there for improving lives and reducing emissions. Some of them remain in the idea stage, never taking the next step and becoming viable. Some of them need an extra push. They need a bit of mentoring. Some training. The benefit of experience. They need lessons from entrepreneurial failures and successes. With coaching and support, a number of ideas can become reality.

This is where we come in. The team at ClimateLaunchpad supports new cleantech start-ups. We do this with partners around the globe. ClimateLaunchpad offers training, coaching, and support.

You can join us

The network of ClimateLaunchpad partners is a powerful one. They are dedicated to encourage innovation in their countries and work with a range of local partners including businesses, investors, chambers of commerce, and local government. They are optimistic and believe they can bring about change.

Does this sound like something you’d like to be a part of? There are opportunities to join the team at ClimateLaunchpad. We operate on a global scale. So no matter where you’re located, you can apply to be a new National Lead.

To give you a sense of what you need to organise ClimateLaunchpad in your country, here is a quick checklist:

  • A great network of clean tech entrepreneurs in your country
  • An organisation that can enter into a legal contract with us
  • Time and energy

Or maybe you are interested in becoming a B2B partner. We are always open to meet partners that want to support us in our mission to expand our impact on a global scale.

How does the competition work?

ClimateLaunchpad helps you get your idea battle-proof. To enter the competition submit your idea or innovation with environmental impact.  All entries will be reviewed and ideas that fit the bill of our competition get invited to join. We’ll help you fast-track that idea into a business and bypass all possible pitfalls. You’ll learn how to get your idea funded and launched. Click here to read more about our programme.

What kind of ideas is ClimateLaunchpad looking for?

Your idea can be an innovation in renewable energy, a sustainable transition in the food chain, a mind shift in urban mobility or any other way to tackle climate change. As long as it’s in the cleantech domain: “a scientific innovation that uses existing technology to do more with fewer resources, and has a commercial driver.” Check out this video from Simply Science for a thorough explanation of the cleantech space.
Even if your idea is still on the back of a napkin, you’re most welcome to join. Not sure if your idea fits the bill? Contact us, we’re happy to help.

What can I win?

2025 Prizes
In 2025, we are proud to announce that the number one winner from each National Final and the Top-2 in each Regional Final will be awarded with a trip to Vienna, Austria for our Global Grand Final event.*
Additional Prizes in the National and Regional Finals may differ per country and region, and prizes for our Global Grand Final will be announced soon.**
The big prize? A bunch of new acquired skills & knowledge and networking opportunities to get your business thriving.***
*In the event that the same participating team wins both the National Final and finishes in the Top-2 in the Regional Final, only one prize will be awarded
**In the case of cash prizes, all prizewinners are responsible for any taxes, wire transfer costs and other possible costs related to receiving the prize.
*** Climate KIC reserves the right to withdraw or change prizes at any time at our discretion.

Meet the ClimateLaunchpad team

We are the central team behind ClimateLaunchpad – and we are all passionate about giving an opportunity to the newest ideas for climate innovation. Drop us a line – we’d love to hear from you!

We also work with a great team of trainers. When you’re done getting to know us below, click here to learn more about them.

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