Terms & conditions

Latest version: February 2026

1. Background and Introduction

ClimateLaunchpad is an early-stage global green business ideas competition. Our mission is to unlock the world’s cleantech potential by supporting very early-stage start-ups that address climate change and help shape the world’s next economy (the “Competition”).

The Competition is run primarily via climatelaunchpad.org (the “Competition Website”).

The Competition is organised by Stichting Climate-KIC International Foundation (“Climate KIC”), in collaboration with National Leads and partner organisations worldwide (“Partners”). References to “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Climate KIC and its Partners.

Stichting Climate-KIC International Foundation (RSIN 860987541) is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under number 77373154. Its registered office is Plantage Middenlaan 45, 1018 DC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

By submitting an entry through the Competition Website, you accept and agree to comply with these Terms and Conditions.

The name ClimateLaunchpad is a registered trademark owned by Climate KIC.

2. Eligibility

ClimateLaunchpad is designed specifically as an early-stage green business ideas competition. The curriculum and learning experience are tailored to very early-stage entrepreneurs. More advanced or later-stage start-ups generally do not fit the intended participant profile.

The Competition is open to individuals or teams with promising early-stage cleantech ideas.

Participants may only enter in their country of residence and must reside there for the duration of the Competition.

You are not eligible if:

you have previously participated in ClimateLaunchpad with the same business idea; or
you have already been accepted into the Climate KIC Accelerator with that idea.

You may only enter if:

your company has been incorporated for no more than two (2) years at the time of application; and
you have attracted less than €200,000 in total external investment.

We reserve the right to assess eligibility at our discretion.

3. Submitting an Entry

Applications must be submitted through the Competition Website and comply with published guidelines.

By submitting an application, you expressly consent to us sharing your application information and personal data with our Partners, jury members and organisations involved in delivering the Competition.

Although applications may be submitted in supported languages, the Competition is conducted in English.

Participants may only submit one application in one country. Deadlines vary by country and applicants are responsible for checking them.

We are not liable for lost or delayed entries due to technical issues.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, participants are responsible for their own participation costs.

Participants acknowledge that the Competition involves public pitching and sharing of ideas. You should not disclose confidential information that you are unwilling to make public.

4. Programme Structure

The Competition may include a Mini-course, Boot Camp, coaching, National Finals, Regional Finals and a Global Grand Final. We reserve the right to change formats, dates or delivery methods.

If selected, participants must confirm attendance. Participation requires attendance by at least two representatives at mandatory programme elements.

Last-minute cancellation or failure to attend mandatory elements without reasonable justification may result in an administrative fee of €100.

5. Selecting Winners

Judging decisions are final. Jury composition may vary.

We are not responsible for incorrect contact information provided by participants.

6. The Prize

National, Regional and Global prizes are determined by the relevant Partner Organisations and ClimateLaunchpad.

Prizes may include cash and/or in-kind support. Prizes are personal and non-transferable unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Where cash prizes are awarded, any bank charges, transfer fees or currency exchange costs are the responsibility of the winner.

Travel-related prizes

Where a prize includes travel, accommodation or participation in an in-person event organised by ClimateLaunchpad or its Partners, participants are solely responsible for ensuring they hold valid passports, visas, insurance and any other travel documentation required to attend. Participants must provide all requested personal and travel information within the timelines communicated to enable booking of flights, accommodation and other arrangements.

ClimateLaunchpad and its Partners shall not be liable for any inability of a participant to travel resulting from missing, incomplete or late submission of required information or documentation. While we will make reasonable efforts to support visa applications where applicable, we are not responsible if visas or travel authorisations are delayed, denied or not received in time.

In such cases, we reserve the right, at our discretion, to withdraw the travel-related prize and/or re-award it to another participant. No compensation or alternative prize will be provided.

Winners are responsible for any taxes associated with prizes.

We reserve the right to substitute, alter or withdraw prizes at our discretion.

7. Participant Conduct and Removal

Participants must behave professionally and respectfully. Harassment, discrimination or conduct that harms the integrity or reputation of the Competition will not be tolerated.

We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to suspend or remove any participant or team at any time without prior notice if:

these Terms are breached;
misconduct or unethical behaviour occurs; or
continued participation is not in the best interests of the Competition.

Removal does not entitle participants to compensation or reimbursement.

8. Intellectual Property Rights

Participants confirm they own or have permission to use all intellectual property in their submissions and indemnify ClimateLaunchpad against third-party claims.

Participants retain ownership of their intellectual property. ClimateLaunchpad does not take equity or ownership in submitted ideas.

We may disclose participant identity where required to resolve intellectual property disputes.

We process personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Our full privacy practices are described in the ClimateLaunchpad Website privacy policy: https://www.climatelaunchpad.org/privacy-policy/ and at the Climate-KIC Privacy Policy:
https://www.climate-kic.org/policies/privacy-policy/

By applying and participating, you consent to the collection, processing and sharing of your personal data with ClimateLaunchpad Partners, jury members and service providers for the purposes of administering, delivering, evaluating and promoting the Competition.

You have the right to ask us to amend, restrict processing of, or delete your personal data. You also have the right to request that we transfer your data to a third party and to access the information we hold about you. You can exercise these rights by checking the relevant options on the forms we use to collect your data or by contacting us at privacy.office@climate-kic.org. Requests for access to your personal data may be submitted by emailing privacy.office@climate-kic.org.

Participants agree to respond to reasonable follow-up requests and impact surveys after the Competition.

We will take reasonable steps to protect personal data and process it only for legitimate Competition purposes.

10. Photography, Video and Media Waiver

During the Competition, photographs, video recordings and other media may be taken at online or in-person events.

By participating, you grant ClimateLaunchpad and its Partners the irrevocable right to use, reproduce and publish images, audio and video recordings of you for promotional, educational and reporting purposes worldwide, without additional compensation.

If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, you must inform the organisers in writing in advance. We will make reasonable efforts to respect such requests where feasible.

11. Liability, Insurance and Travel Responsibility

Participation in the Competition is at the participant’s own risk. Participants acknowledge that international travel and participation in events involve inherent risks and voluntarily assume those risks.

For certain in-person events, including the Global Grand Final, ClimateLaunchpad may arrange group travel insurance coverage for participants. Any such insurance is provided as a facilitation and does not create or imply acceptance of liability by ClimateLaunchpad or its Partners. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the insurance provider. Participants remain responsible for understanding the scope of coverage and arranging any additional insurance they consider necessary.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, ClimateLaunchpad and its Partners are not liable for any injury, loss, damage, delay or expense arising from travel to or participation in Competition activities, including incidents occurring during insured travel, except where liability cannot legally be excluded.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot legally be excluded.

National and Regional Partners operate independently and are responsible for their local delivery. ClimateLaunchpad is not liable for acts or omissions of independent Partners.

12. Travel Conduct and Compliance with Local Laws

When travelling to or participating in any ClimateLaunchpad event, participants are responsible for their own conduct, safety and compliance with all applicable local laws and regulations.

Participants must behave in a respectful and lawful manner and follow reasonable instructions from event organisers. ClimateLaunchpad and its Partners are not responsible for consequences arising from a participant’s failure to comply with local laws, regulations or event guidelines.

13. Force Majeure

We are not responsible for delays, cancellations or changes caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, public health emergencies, travel restrictions or government actions.

14. Changes and Competition Cancellation

We may cancel or modify the Competition or these Terms at our discretion. Changes will be posted on the Competition Website.

We reserve the right not to award prizes.

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by Dutch law. Any disputes fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of courts of Amsterdam.

16. Questions

FAQs are available on the Competition Website. These Terms prevail over FAQs in case of conflict.

For further questions, contact the ClimateLaunchpad team at info@climatelaunchpad.org.

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Plain Language Summary

This summary explains the key points in simple terms. The full Terms & Conditions above are legally binding.

ClimateLaunchpad is for very early-stage green business ideas, not advanced start-ups.
You must apply in your country of residence and meet eligibility criteria.
By applying, you agree that we can share your information with our partners.
Travel prizes require valid passports and visas; missed deadlines can mean losing the prize.
Cash prize winners pay their own bank and exchange fees.
You are responsible for your conduct and must follow local laws when travelling.
We may arrange insurance for some events, but you still travel at your own risk.
We can remove participants for misconduct or rule violations.
You keep ownership of your idea, and ClimateLaunchpad does not take equity in your company
We may use photos and videos in which you appear for promotion.
You have the right to access, change or delete your personal data, in accordance with GDPR.
We may change or cancel the competition if necessary.

Always read the full Terms & Conditions above for complete details.