Winners of Innovate4Climate challenge announced

Innovate4climate (I4C) is a joint initiative developed by Climate-KIC and its affiliate partners WWF Switzerland, Impact Hub Zürich and BlueLion. By pooling resources, expertise and networks, the initiators want to give a boost to climate entrepreneurship and catalyse entrepreneurial solutions for the environment’s largest problems. 

I4C comprises of a variety of initiatives, including a three stage accelerator programme, networking events and a match-making service for start-ups looking for talented professionals. The three stages are:

• Stage 1 is people-based and about the right entrepreneurial spirit. Potential entrepreneurs come in with a business idea and will go out with a first business model.  Stage 1 typically lasts for three months (possibly 6), and participants are expected to spend at least 400 hours working on their projects. They receive a grant of CHF 15'000.
• Stage 2 is about verifying assumptions, meeting prospects and getting to know customers. Stage 2 typically lasts for six months, and participants are expected to spend at least 800 hours working on their projects. They receive a grant of CHF 25'000.
• In Stage 3 the first deal with a paying customer is closed and then delivered. Stage 3 typically lasts for six months, and participants are expected to spend at least 800 hours working on their projects. They receive CHF 55'000 in the form of an investment.

Last Friday the projects for the accelerator program have been selected. The winners are:

Stage one

• Younergy: Enabling Youtility
• IndieWatt Mobile Powerplant
• Mr. Green Trading - Solving Ghana's Plastic Waste Menace
• SEA–V Shaping Environmental Action – VINVOLV
• CARBON DELTA - climate & market data-platform
• Social Fabric

Stage two

• Zumguten Heinrich
• WATTELSE

Stage three

• Adaptricity