The three-day online training Bootcamp of ClimateLaunchpad, the world’s largest green business idea competition, took place with the participation of 13 teams.
Due to the extraordinary circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, EIT Climate-KIC, EU’s main climate innovation initiative, which aims to highlight the best cleantech ideas across the globe, having as a primary goal the safety and health of its participants and trainers, has adapted the competition and will implement it entirety online.
With the transition of the competition to an entirely online event, it emphasizes even more the dedication of ClimateLaunchpad to tackling climate change, as it not only offers the tools and knowledge to young and aspiring entrepreneurs to develop their green idea but it is also becoming even more environmentally friendly in itself.
The Bootcamp, which is the first stage of preparation for the competition, was held on June 1, 3 and 5. There, the 13 teams, who represent 13 different and innovative green ideas, were trained by Chrysalis LEAP members, and representatives from PwC Cyprus and Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), who are once again the main sponsors and supporters of the competition.
Following the boot camp, the teams will continue to work on their ideas until the National Final that will be held in August in Cyprus. The teams will attend a series of coaching sessions that aim to further prepare the teams for the National Final. At the Final the teams will present their idea in front of a jury that will comprise field professionals and representatives of the wider business world.
The Top-3 teams of the National Final will represent Cyprus at the online European Regional Final in September. The Top teams of the Reginal Final, will get to represent their countries at the first ever online Grand Final. The top-10 ideas of the Grand Final will win access to the Climate-KIC’s Accelerator, a ‘real life business school’ that focuses on the development and commercialization of cleantech startups, as well as access to further funding.
The first winner of the Grand Final also receives a cash prize of €10,000, the runner up gets €5,000 and the team that comes in third place wins €2,500. Start-ups will also have the opportunity to pitch for awards in the Climate-KIC thematic categories such as Urban Transitions, Sustainable Land Use, Sustainable Production Systems and Decision Metrics and Finance.
ClimateLaunchpad aims to highlight the best cleantech ideas across the globe. The official organiser of ClimateLaunchpad in Cyprus is Chrysalis LEAP, in cooperation with Climate-KIC, EU’s main climate innovation initiative. This year the competition will run in more than 50 countries worldwide.
PwC Cyprus continues as Chrysalis LEAP’s Strategic Partner for the sixth consecutive year. In statements, Evgenios C. Evgeniou, CEO of PwC Cyprus said “Despite the unprecedented conditions we are all experiencing as a result of the pandemic, we continue to support Chrysalis LEAP as well as new and innovative ideas that contribute to addressing climate change, which is one of the most important issues facing humanity today. This is a strong message of hope for the future of our country. We wish all the teams every success in the final”.
Gold Sponsor for the fourth consecutive year is Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM). Elena Pantazidou, Corporate Director HR of BSM, commented that “Harnessing great minds and supporting them on their sustainability journey is one way we can contribute during this time of uncertainty and change. BSM is inspired by this year’s national teams, who are working hard towards their goals despite the adversity we are facing around the world with COVID-19. We continue to search for innovative solutions that can spark systemic change in the maritime industry to deter marine pollution and protect the environment.”
