Deadline: 16-May-21
Applications are now open for the Climate Response Accelerator- a 12-week programme designed to help impact-focused entrepreneurs solve some of the planet’s most urgent challenges.
Selected teams from around Aotearoa, New Zealand will be provided with equity-free funding, mentor ship and the tools and resources to help you advance at each stage of your growth.
Focus Areas
While they are open to all types of startups that can make their vision of a thriving, climate-resilient and low-emissions world a reality, they are particularly interested in the following broad categories:
- Energy: Low-carbon-energy solutions that create, improve and enable alternative fuels, critical resources, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, energy storage and renewable energy.
- Water: Solutions that solve critical water problems for industries such as manufacturing, construction and agriculture, ranging from better monitoring and visualisation to treatment and pollutant reduction.
- Waste: Solutions that explore circular economy and opportunities such as intelligent product design, waste to value, increased asset use, improved ease of reuse, replacement of oil-based materials and radical waste reduction in processes.
Funding Information
- Each team will receive $20,000 equity-free. In addition to this, there will be opportunities throughout the programme to pitch for further investment from the investor community.
- Their goal is to bring 8 teams into the Accelerator. While this is their target, the final number may vary.
Where is the programme taking place?
- The programme will be held at Creative HQ in Wellington, New Zealand.
- However, we understand that not everyone can relocate due to a wide range of reasons.
- Whilst we strongly recommend that teams participate in person, we will be offering a virtual track for those unable to do so.
- Virtual teams will still be expected to be full-time on their project and to come in person at certain parts during the programme.
- What if you can’t relocate to Wellington?
- While they strongly encourage at least one founder to participate in Wellington, exceptions can be made.
- Don’t let that be a barrier to applying.
- They will be offering a virtual track to promising teams who, for obvious reasons, can’t be full-time in Wellington.
Who should apply?
- They envision a thriving, climate-resilient and low-emissions world for the generations to come.
- If you’re in the business of making that vision a reality, they would like to hear from you.
- Selected startups will have proven market validation and the potential for global impact.
- While this is an in-person programme, taking place at the Creative HQ Innovation Hub in Wellington, there is the possibility of participating virtually for teams who simply cannot relocate.
- Funds will be provided to assist teams, including with relocation and travel.
What if you’re a Solo Founder?
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- While they strongly believe that companies should have at least two founders, they still encourage you to apply.
- The programme is tailored to the needs of the teams that are admitted. Maybe they can help you build a team?
What is the time commitment to the programme?
- Teams are expected to be full time on their venture.
- Equity-free funding will be provided to ensure that this is feasible.
Selection Criteria
- Teams will be assessed based on their existing market validation, their coach ability, team fit, and impact and growth potential.
How many teams will be chosen?
- Their goal is to bring 8 teams into the Accelerator. While this is their target, the final number may vary.
For more information, visit https://creativehq.co.nz/climate-response-accelerator/