Big change begins with bold ideas. ClimateLaunchpad is the world’s largest green business ideas competition, designed to help early-stage climate innovators transform sustainable concepts into viable businesses. Since its launch in 2014, the programme has supported thousands of aspiring founders across the globe in turning climate ambition into real-world impact.
ClimateLaunchpad welcomes innovators from all backgrounds. Whether at idea stage or early development, participants receive structured support to refine their concepts, build a business model, and craft a compelling pitch.
Why Join ClimateLaunchpad?
The world’s largest green business ideas competition
Running annually since 2014
Over 18,000 ideas submitted globally
More than 5,400 teams supported worldwide
A proven pathway from idea to impact
An idea belongs in this programme if it addresses climate change, sustainability, or environmental resilience. ClimateLaunchpad provides the foundation to build it.
How the Programme Works
ClimateLaunchpad is specifically built for early-stage innovators.
No registered company? No funding? No finished product? No problem. The programme is structured to support founders at concept stage, guiding them step-by-step through the essentials of climate entrepreneurship within a supportive international community.
What Participants Can Expect
Free participation with no programme fees
No equity taken; founders retain 100% ownership
Full intellectual property rights remain with participants
Hands-on boot camp training and expert coaching
Opportunities to pitch at National, Regional, and Global Finals
Access to a global climate innovation network
The Programme Pathway
ClimateLaunchpad follows a structured multi-step journey designed to move ideas from concept to international stage.
Step 0 – Start Learning
Mini-Course Access
Upon application, participants unlock an online climate entrepreneurship course covering:
Climate science fundamentals
Systems thinking approaches
Entrepreneurial mindset development
Key Outcomes
Self-paced micro-learning
Practical innovation tools
Transferable venture-building skills
Step 1 – Build the Idea
Boot Camp
Selected teams join an interactive virtual boot camp led by expert trainers. This phase focuses on strengthening:
The core problem-solution fit
Business model design
Market positioning
Pitch structure
Key Outcomes
Live expert-led sessions
Actionable venture development tools
Clear next steps and milestones
Step 2 – Test and Refine
Coaching and National Finals
Teams receive targeted coaching to validate assumptions, sharpen their messaging, and prepare for competition pitching.
Key Outcomes
Expert feedback
Improved storytelling and pitch readiness
Opportunity to qualify for the Global Grand Final
Step 3 – Compete Internationally
Regional Finals
The Top-3 teams from each participating country advance to compete online across four global regions:
Africa
Americas
Europe
Asia-Pacific
From each region, the Top-2 teams progress further.
Key Outcomes
International pitching experience
Global exposure and expanded networks
Jury feedback from industry leaders
Qualification opportunity for the Global Grand Final
Step 4 – The Global Stage
Global Grand Final
The Global Grand Final brings together the strongest climate innovators worldwide to celebrate breakthrough ideas and transformative solutions.
The 2026 Global Grand Final will take place in Singapore.
Key Outcomes
Integration into a global climate innovation community
International visibility
World-stage pitching experience
Final Round
The global Top-8 teams pitch live for cash prizes before an international jury of climate and investment experts.
Competition Themes
ClimateLaunchpad operates across eight carefully selected themes, ensuring fair evaluation by industry specialists and enabling ideas to compete within relevant sectors.
2026 Competition Themes
Adaptation & Resilience
Blue Economy
Circular Economies
Clean Energy
Food Systems
Sustainable Mobility
Urban Solutions
The Next Big Thing
These themes reflect the most pressing climate challenges and innovation opportunities of the current decade.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, participants must ensure they meet the following requirements:
The business has not yet started, or was established less than two years ago
There is no substantial revenue
No more than €200,000 in investment has been raised
Applicants are encouraged to consult the FAQ section for full details.
Participating Countries and Partnerships
ClimateLaunchpad operates across multiple participating countries through national organisers and strategic partnerships. Organisations and ecosystem builders can:
Become a National Lead
Join the partner network
Support climate entrepreneurship locally
Strengthen innovation ecosystems
The programme is supported by global partners and a founding partner network committed to accelerating climate solutions worldwide.
Application Information
Applications for ClimateLaunchpad 2026 in South Africa close on 15 May 2026.
Prospective participants are encouraged to apply early and begin their journey toward building a scalable climate venture.
About ClimateLaunchpad
ClimateLaunchpad is more than a competition. It is a launch platform for climate innovators ready to move from idea to implementation. Through structured training, global exposure, and community support, it empowers founders to address climate change with entrepreneurial solutions.
For full competition details, application forms, participating countries, trainers, success stories, and partnership opportunities, interested individuals are encouraged to explore official programme resources.
For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization hosting the competition. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
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