Tecnológico de Monterrey, in collaboration with the German Cooperation for Sustainable Development (GIZ) and the European innovation association EIT Climate-KIC, has announced an initiative that promises to be a milestone in the fight against climate change in Latin America. Under the name CATAL1.5°T, this program aims to support startups in the region dedicated to developing solutions to address the global challenge of global warming and limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
This initiative has captured the attention of entrepreneurs and environmental visionaries throughout Latin America, as it offers a unique opportunity to secure funding and specialized training in the field of climate technologies. CATAL1.5°T seeks to identify and support 10 startups that demonstrate a strong commitment to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to a low-carbon economy, and promoting gender equity in the business sector.
The acceleration program will take place in various countries in the region, including Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic. These countries have been selected for their potential and commitment to addressing climate change, as well as their capacity to host and support innovative ventures in this field.
Startups selected to participate in CATAL1.5°T will have the opportunity to receive funding of up to € $100,000, as well as access to an intensive 5-month training program. This program will include a series of workshops, training sessions, and thematic content that will address key aspects for the success of these companies, such as business management, climate technology, climate change, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects, gender equality, and inclusion, among others.
However, not all startups can participate in this program. To be eligible, they must meet strict criteria. First and foremost, the startup must have its residence or legal incorporation in one of the 8 Latin American countries included in the acceleration program. Furthermore, they must be early-stage startups, with fewer than 50 employees, assets under $3 million, and annual sales of less than $3 million.
Another important requirement is that the startup must have a team of at least 2 full-time people with relevant experience in the industry or technology related to climate change. Additionally, the startup must offer a specific solution for emissions mitigation and have mature technology demonstrating clear growth potential, scalability, and evidence of users, customers, or sales.
The deadline to apply for the CATAL1.5°T acceleration program is December 15th, which means that interested startups have a limited time to submit their proposals and be considered for this exciting program. Those who meet the requirements and are selected will have a unique opportunity to accelerate their development and make a significant contribution to the fight against climate change in Latin America.
The launch of CATAL1.5°T has generated great excitement in the business and environmental community in Latin America. Many see this initiative as a unique opportunity to drive the development of innovative solutions that contribute to mitigating climate change and protecting the future of the planet. Additionally, the collaboration between Tecnológico de Monterrey, the German Cooperation for Sustainable Development (GIZ), and EIT Climate-KIC demonstrates the commitment of key actors in the region and internationally to address this global challenge collectively.
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity today, and Latin America is not immune to its effects. The region has experienced rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and issues related to water availability and food security. Therefore, the need to find effective and sustainable solutions is more urgent than ever.
The CATAL1.5°T initiative represents a significant step toward building a more sustainable and resilient future for Latin America. By supporting startups dedicated to combating climate change, the door is opened to innovation and the development of technologies and solutions that can make a difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
Furthermore, the focus on gender equality and inclusion in the acceleration program reflects the importance of comprehensively addressing the environmental and social challenges facing the region.
According to a survey conducted by Statista in seven Latin American countries in 2021 and 2022, Colombian and Brazilian respondents expressed the greatest concern about the environment. Almost half of those surveyed in Colombia and Brazil ranked it among the most serious problems to address in their country. Chile, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic also showed results above 40%.
