Accelerating climate solutions in Latin America and the Caribbean

Press Releases 10 Jul 2024

10/07/2024 – EIT Climate-KIC and IDB Lab, supported by the Clean Technology Fund, have partnered to strengthen the capacity of innovation to accelerate climate-tech solutions in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Rolled out in Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico and Peru, the programme is now in its final phase to accelerate 100 climate-tech start-ups in the region. 

We are inviting key climate stakeholders in LAC, such as start-ups, entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, advisors, and media representatives, to join us in an online session to learn how they can get involved and to help extend the meeting reach to a broader audience. The event will take place on 18 July 2024 at 18:00 CEST. It will feature Entrepreneurship Support Organisations (ESOs) such as incubators and accelerators from the region who will present their ClimAccelerator plans for the next 12 months. 

The first phase of the programme began with over 115 ESO applications from 16 countries, underscoring the region’s pressing need to strengthen the climate ecosystem with the proper tools and networks. Twenty-six organisations were selected to undergo intensive capacity-building training in key areas such as Climate Entrepreneurship, Systems Change, Financial Sustainability for ESOs, Gender Mainstreaming, and Impact Assessment. Four ESOs will now continue their journey, collectively receiving a financial contribution of USD 300,000 (280,500€) to support climate ventures. This funding will enable them to leverage the resources, knowledge, and networks they have developed to foster growth and innovation in the sector.  

The ESOs taking part in this programme are Consortium Universidad EAN Impacta, BIOINTROPIC, Connect (Colombia), Fundación Chile (Chile), Alterna (Central America + Caribbean), and New Ventures (Mexico). 

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, facing significant challenges. The region is experiencing shifts in precipitation patterns, more frequent droughts, and declines in agricultural productivity and biodiversity. These factors pose substantial risks and socio-economic impacts. Despite making up 8% of the global population and 9% of the global GDP since 1971, the region has only contributed 5% of global energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Addressing these challenges requires innovative climate solutions, particularly through entrepreneurship. Strengthening the region’s climate entrepreneurship ecosystem is crucial for advancing mitigation and adaptation strategies. 

If you want to learn more about the programme and the ways you can contribute to expanding its reach, please contact christian.daube@climate-kic.org. 

About EIT Climate-KIC 
EIT Climate-KIC is Europe’s leading climate innovation agency and community, using a systems approach to shape innovation to support cities, regions, countries and industries to meet their climate ambitions. Together with partners across the globe, EIT Climate-KIC acts to bridge the gap between climate commitments and current reality by enabling decision-makers to investors to act. EIT Climate-KIC finds and implements solutions in integrated ways, mobilising finance and building skills to accelerate learning and open pathways to shift mindsets and change behaviours. 

About IDB Lab 
IDB Lab is the innovation and venture laboratory of the Inter-American Development Bank Group. Our purpose is to discover new ways to drive social inclusion, environmental action and productivity in Latin America and the Caribbean. IDB Lab leverages financing, knowledge and connections to support early-stage entrepreneurship, foster the development of new technologies, activate innovative markets and catalyze existing sectors. Visit our website www.idblab.org.