Discover how ClimateLaunchpad, the world’s largest green business ideas competition, helps early-stage climate innovators transform bold ideas into scalable ventures through training, mentorship, and global pitching opportunities.
Big change rarely begins with certainty. More often, it begins with a bold idea — one that challenges the status quo and dares to imagine a different future. Around the world, thousands of aspiring innovators carry ideas that could reduce emissions, strengthen resilience, transform food systems, or reimagine mobility. What many of them lack is not passion, but structure, mentorship, and access to a global stage.
This is where ClimateLaunchpad steps in.
Recognized as the world’s largest green business ideas competition, ClimateLaunchpad has been running annually since 2014. Over the years, more than 18,000 ideas have been submitted, and over 5,400 teams have received structured support to develop and grow their ventures. Its mission is straightforward but powerful: to help early-stage climate innovators turn promising concepts into credible businesses.
A Platform for First-Time Climate Founders
ClimateLaunchpad is intentionally designed for early-stage innovators. Many participants begin with little more than a concept scribbled in a notebook or a prototype in progress. Some have no registered company, no funding, and no finished product.
That is not a barrier — it is the starting point.
The programme welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of geography, profession, or experience level. Whether the idea focuses on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or climate adaptation, the structure is built to guide participants through the fundamentals of climate entrepreneurship.
Importantly, the programme is free to join. No equity is taken. Participants retain full ownership of their intellectual property and ideas. This ensures innovators remain in complete control of their ventures while benefiting from world-class guidance.
How the Programme Works: A Structured Pathway to Growth
ClimateLaunchpad operates through a step-by-step progression that gradually builds entrepreneurial competence and pitch readiness.
Step 0 – Start Learning
Upon application, participants unlock access to an online mini-course in climate entrepreneurship. This self-directed learning phase introduces foundational topics such as climate science basics, systems thinking, and the entrepreneurial mindset.
The objective at this stage is conceptual clarity. Innovators begin to refine their problem statements, identify target beneficiaries, and shape initial value propositions.
Participants gain:
- Practical tools to develop climate innovation ideas
- Micro-learning modules that build entrepreneurial thinking
- Transferable skills applicable to future ventures
Step 1 – Build the Idea
Selected teams advance to the virtual Boot Camp stage. This intensive, interactive training environment pairs innovators with expert trainers who help them sharpen their business model, validate assumptions, and structure a compelling pitch.
The Boot Camp is not theoretical. It is hands-on and outcome-driven. Participants leave with a clearer pathway forward and an improved understanding of market positioning and revenue logic.
They gain:
- Live sessions with experienced trainers
- Structured tools to strengthen business models
- Clear milestones and next steps
Step 2 – Test, Refine, and Compete Nationally
Following the Boot Camp, teams receive targeted coaching to test assumptions, refine their narrative, and prepare for National Finals. This stage focuses heavily on pitch development and investor readiness.
Participants learn how to:
- Distill complex ideas into persuasive, concise pitches
- Address market validation and financial feasibility
- Respond confidently to jury questions
At the National Finals, teams compete for a place in the next international stage.
Step 3 – Regional Finals: Competing Across Continents
The Top-3 teams from each participating country move on to Regional Finals, pitching against the strongest start-ups across Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
From there, only the Top-2 per region advance.
This stage offers international exposure and competitive benchmarking. Innovators engage with expert juries and expand their networks beyond national borders.
They gain:
- Global pitching experience
- Access to international audiences
- Strategic feedback from industry experts
Step 4 – The Global Grand Final
The journey culminates in the Global Grand Final — a gathering of the world’s most promising climate entrepreneurs emerging from the programme.
The 2026 Global Grand Final will take place in Singapore, bringing together national winners and top regional teams to showcase bold solutions on a world stage.
In the final round, the global top eight pitch live for cash prizes before an international jury. Beyond prizes, the true value lies in visibility, partnerships, and community integration into a global climate innovation ecosystem.
Eight Competition Themes Shaping the Future
To ensure fairness and sectoral depth, ClimateLaunchpad organizes entries into eight competition themes:
- Adaptation & Resilience
- Blue Economy
- Circular Economies
- Clean Energy
- Food Systems
- Sustainable Mobility
- Urban Solutions
- The Next Big Thing
These themes reflect pressing global priorities and ensure that ideas are evaluated by experts with relevant domain knowledge. Innovators compete alongside peers facing similar technical and market challenges.
Who Should Apply?
ClimateLaunchpad targets individuals or teams who:
- Have not yet started a business, or started it less than two years ago
- Generate no substantial revenue
- Have attracted no more than €200,000 in investment
This ensures the focus remains on true early-stage innovation. The competition is not designed for mature companies; it is designed for builders at the beginning of their journey.
Beyond Competition: A Global Community
While the structure resembles a competition, ClimateLaunchpad is equally a community-building initiative. Participants join a global network of climate innovators, mentors, alumni, and ecosystem partners. The exposure, feedback loops, and peer connections often outlast the competition cycle itself.
For many, the programme becomes a launchpad not just for a venture, but for a long-term career in climate entrepreneurship.
The Clock Is Ticking
Application deadlines vary by country, and aspiring innovators are encouraged to check the deadline relevant to their location. With demand increasing each year, early preparation is advisable.
Climate innovation is no longer optional; it is foundational to global resilience and economic transformation. The next breakthrough may come from a student, an engineer, a farmer, or a first-time entrepreneur with the courage to act.
ClimateLaunchpad provides the structure. The question is whether innovators are ready to take the first step.
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