The Ministry of International Cooperation, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, has launched the global “ClimaTech Run 2022” competition, for startups working within the field of climate action and technology. This is within the framework of preparations for the COP27, which will be held in Sharm El-Sheikh in November.
Last day to register for the competition is on September 22.The website for information will be available in Arabic, English, and French, addressing all applicants globally.
The competition has 2 tracks: the ICT for Climate Action Track and the DigitalArt4Climate Track.
There will also be special awards to encourage startups in Africa, contributing to the green economy transition.
“ClimaTech Run” competition
The ClimaTech Run is a competition addressing startups from around the world, and digital artists, aiming to increase the role they can play in raising awareness on climate change, and also establishing innovative and sustainable solutions for climate action. This is through ideas presented in various fields such as in clean energy, smart transportation, and food security, as well as promoting circular economy efforts in Africa; the region most impacted by climate change. Moreover, this competition comes in light of Egypt’s preparations for the COP27.
Competition’s partners
The competition is organized by the Ministry of International Cooperation, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and is in partnership with the USAID, Afreximbank, World Food Programme, Google, the United Nations Population Fund, General Motors, and the Mansour Group. The event is also in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Development Programme Accelerator Labs (UNDP), Microsoft, AfriLabs, the Youth Entrepreneurs Network, the International Association for the Advancement of Innovative Approaches to Global Challenges, and Falak Startups.
Competition’s areas
The competition has two main tracks: startups working in the field of climate technology in the ICT for Climate Action Track, and digital art in the DigitalArt4Climate Track.
Competition’s stages
The first phase of the competition is the registration period which lasts for a month. The second phase starts during COP27, where the qualified applications will be given the opportunity to present their ideas and participate in the climate conference, alongside high-level officials from governments, development partners, and the private sector.
The third and final phase will begin after COP27 where a tailored support package will be offered to the finalists in this acceleration phase. This will include high-level consultants and international experts to support the startups in implementing their ideas on-ground.
Conditions for applying as a global tech startup
There are several conditions for applying as a global tech startup, including registered startup operating for over 2 years, has a team of at least 2 members. Their idea is sustainably driven, innovative and is supported by one or more emerging technologies. Not a spin-off or subsidiary of an existing company.
A functional prototype/MVP is a must.
The team applying must also have the ability to communicate, present and present the project in English. The winning teams will have a chance to win a number of prizes, including a grand prize of up to $100,000, a second prize of $50,000, and a third prize of $25,000.
Competition addresses the African continent
The Global ClimaTech Run competition spotlights special attention on the African continent, and its role in stimulating the green economy. Climate-focused African tech startups lag significantly in terms of investment inflow, receiving only 0.2% of venture dollars compared to 94% for the United States, Canada, China, and Europe.
To that end, the ClimaTech Run will award 2 startups from Africa, and the top 5 African startups will be invited to pitch their idea during the global pitch event at COP27. The best African startup will receive a prize of $50,000, and the second-place startup will receive a prize of $25,000.
Conditions for applying in the digital art track
Meanwhile, the conditions for applying in the digital art track includes, being of age 18 at the time of applying to the competition, Maximum entry by the artists is 3 pieces. Authentic and original work only must be submitted.
The first place prize is $5000, the second place prize is $3000, and third place is $2000.
Registration for the competition
The application starts on 22 August and will remain open until 22 September. People can apply through this website: https://climatechrun.com/.
