The ClimateLaunchpad supports cleantech startups in developing a successful business model. In Germany, the project supports UnternehmerTUM, the startup center at the Technical University of Munich. We asked them what the ClimateLaunchpad is all about.
In brief: What is the ClimateLaunchpad?
The ClimateLaunchpad is the world's largest competition for green business ideas. We are looking for scalable and technologically promising business ideas with high climate relevance. The selected projects will be supported in developing their idea into a business concept and pitching it to a jury. Last year, nearly 1,000 ideas were submitted in 35 countries, and a total of more than 350 teams participated in the ClimateLaunchpad. The ClimateLaunchpad is an offering of the EIT Climate-KIC, Europe's largest network for innovations against climate change.
“It doesn’t matter whether the idea only exists on the back of a napkin or whether a business plan already exists.”
And what does UnternehmerTUM have to do with the campaign?
UnternehmerTUM offers founders a comprehensive service from the initial idea to the IPO. A team of experienced entrepreneurs, scientists, managers, and investors supports startups in the development of their products and services. More than 200 employees actively support them in establishing the company, entering the market, and securing financing—including venture capital. Our major societal challenges are climate change, the energy transition, and resource scarcity. With ClimateLaunchpad, UnternehmerTUM supports the initiation and development of green solutions at an early stage.
Which startups is the competition specifically aimed at?
The ClimateLaunchpad is aimed at anyone who has a green business idea and wants to develop it further. The ideas can come from the fields of renewable energy, nutrition, or mobility. The main thing is that climate change is counteracted. It doesn't matter whether the idea currently exists only on the back of a napkin or whether a business plan already exists.
Why should green startups apply to participate?
The competition supports green startups and innovators and helps them further develop their ideas. The program begins with a two-day boot camp, followed by intensive business coaching. The goal is to develop an idea into a successful business concept. The teams then pitch their ideas to a jury at the National Final in Munich. The top three teams then have the chance to win a cash prize and a ticket to the Climate-KIC Accelerator at the Grand Final in Edinburgh.
Twaice, Invenox, Blue Inductive and Tado participated in the ClimateLaunchpad
What is the next big trend in green technology?
The trends in cleantech technology are as diverse as they are in the field. My experience has led to successful business ideas in the digitalization of hardware. The German finalist team Twaice For example, a 2017 study combines cloud technology with battery systems in cars to reduce battery development and testing costs and increase battery reliability and lifetime.
How is the Munich startup scene positioned on this topic?
Munich is very well positioned and, with its combination of industry, universities, and VCs, offers an optimal startup ecosystem. There is a great potential for green ideas in Munich, which we want to make visible through ClimateLaunchpad. Startups like Invenox, Blue Inductive and Tado We have already been able to successfully support this with the Climate-KIC Accelerator.
How and where can I apply to participate?
Interested teams can apply until 17 May 2018 at https://climatelaunchpad.org/application-form/
