Achieve #NetZero emissions with Techstars Sustainability Challenge 2021 !
THE CHALLENGE : ZERO EMISSIONS BY 2050
Humanity is in a race against the clock to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and set a clear trajectory to zero emissions by 2050. In order to achieve Net Zero, we need science, technology, and business to work together on the mission to reduce emissions and remove carbon from the atmosphere.
The Techstars Innovation Challenge: Net Zero brings together founders, industry leaders, and subject matter experts working to accelerate the path to Net Zero. This challenge will focus on technologies that are available today and forge meaningful collaborations to help speed solutions to the market.
Specifically, this challenge focuses on:
1. Carbon Accounting and Measurement
You can’t reduce what you can measure. Effective technologies are needed to measure and account for carbon. Combining carbon reduction and carbon removal is a balance and priority on the path to Net Zero, and these solutions help companies make progress on that pathway.
2. Quality Carbon Offsets
Tracking the ins and outs of offsets is complicated, quality is a serious challenge, and offsets are often assumed to be in great supply. Solutions will include verification technology and leading nature-based options.
3. Industrial Carbon Reduction Solutions
These scalable, engineered solutions are available today. We’ll focus on solutions in the market and how corporate partners can drive growth and support scale.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
Selection Criteria
Submissions will be chosen by the judged potential impact via a panel selection of carbon reduction and carbon removal experts representing challenge partners and Techstars leaders. The submissions will be judged based on
(1) problem solution fit
(2) scale of the solutions potential impact, and
(3) ability to implement a pilot with an enterprise organization.
A Challenge Focused on Startups
Startups expressing interest in this Challenge will be considered and reviewed by the Challenge Partners for alignment with potential pilot and business development areas for engagement. The most relevant and innovative startups will receive the following:
Mentorship
Get paired with mentors across our participating partner network (see below). Work with these mentors over several months to scale and implement your solution.
Formal Corporate BU Introductions
Pilot Workshop: Participate in a private workshop with our Challenge Partners on Sept 8, 2021. This is an opportunity to showcase your solution to our corporate partners and work with business units to identify opportunities to work together with the intention of identifying opportunities for pilot.
Techstars Sustainability Summit: A handful of startups will also be invited to pitch to the entire Techstars sustainability network including corporate leaders, investors, and others working in sustainable innovation on Sept 15, 2021.
*note: participation in the Pilot Workshop does not guarantee a Pilot
"The only sure path to stop climate change is to zero out greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible."
Mentorship Apply To The Challenge
In this equity-free challenge, we are specifically looking for startups focused on carbon accounting and measurement, quality carbon offsets, and industrial carbon reduction solutions.
Applications close : August 2, 2021
About Techstars :
The worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed. Founded in 2006, Techstars began with three simple ideas—entrepreneurs create the future, collaboration drives innovation, and great ideas can come from anywhere. Today our mission is to make innovation accessible to everyone, everywhere. We do this by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to create a more sustainable and inclusive world. Since 2006, Techstars has invested in more than 2,200 companies and today has a market cap of $27 Billion. www.techstars.com
