Low Carbon Earth ’24, the fourth edition of the Low Carbon Earth Accelerator (LCE) initiative, was introduced by the Massive Earth Foundation (MEF) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
In order to address the common issues of pollution, natural habitat loss, and climate change, LCE supports climate tech entrepreneurs throughout the Asia-Pacific area. The unveiling was part of an event series on Air Quality Management in Asia: Unlocking and Future-Proofing.
Startups in the fields of clean air, agri-food, digital innovation, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and plastic pollution are invited to apply for the 2024 program run by LCE.
Applications from women-led and women-focused companies that support marginalized populations are highly welcomed.
“The Low Carbon Earth Accelerator program offers access to resources that are not available to early-stage entrepreneurs, including internal expertise, strategic relationships, financial resources and mentorship,” said Shailesh Vickram Singh, Founder of Massive Earth Foundation. “It provides the new startups with a provision to connect with previously existing firms who are working on climate change actions. Through this accelerator program, climate tech startups can foster innovation and expansion of sustainable business models.’”
Low Carbon Earth Accelerator (LCE) initiative provides entrepreneurs with the resources and networks they need to grow their creative solutions. It provides lectures, networking events, mentorship sessions, virtual bootcamps, and online training classes.
In a demonstration day finale, finalists also have the chance to make a pitch to possible investors and obtain one-on-one mentoring from business executives. 67 startups competed in the 2023 edition of LCE, with 14 reaching the finals.
The finalists included seven women founders. The LCE program is a partnership involving four UNEP initiatives, including the GO4SDGs initiative, EmPower: Women for Climate-Resilient Societies Programme (EmPower), jointly implemented with UN Women, the Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership, and the Mekong Plastics Project.
“By investing in climate tech innovations, we can drive economic growth and create new job opportunities. This supports the just transition to a low carbon and circular economy, ensuring that no one is left behind in the shift towards a more sustainable future,” said Adriana Zacarias Farah, Head and Global Coordinator, GO4SDGs initiative. GO4SDGs is pleased to be a partner in the 2024 Low Carbon Earth Accelerator program as it aligns with our efforts in the regional implementation of the Green Jobs for Youth Pact, empowering young people through employment and entrepreneurship, education and skills, and youth engagement.”
