LowCarbon.Earth Accelerator Program Finale 2023 Showcases Asia's Top Climate-Tech Startups

14 climate-tech startups from across Asia met to pitch their ideas to potential investors at the third edition of the LowCarbon.Earth Accelerator Program Finale 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand, held in May 2024.

This event, organized by the Massive Earth Foundation (MEF) in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Women, brought together leading climate tech investors, startups, and sustainability experts to provide mentorship, networking opportunities and explore possible funding opportunities.

The LowCarbon.Earth Accelerator Program Finale 2023 marked the culmination of a 12-week online workshop focused on scaling businesses. Among the 67 startups that participated, 14 finalists emerged, including seven women entrepreneurs from India, Thailand, Pakistan, Mongolia, and Bangladesh, showcasing the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the climate tech sector.

Opening remarks by Mushtaq Memon (UNEP) and Shailesh Vickram Singh (MEF) underscored the urgency of tackling climate challenges and fostering climate-positive solutions at a regional level. Industry leaders like Vasudha Madhavan (Ostara Advisors), Ms. April Vano (Quest Ventures), and Ms. Anisa Keeratiworanan (Fullerton Fund Management) shared their expertise on crafting compelling pitches, integrating ESG principles, as an opportunity to differentiate themselves in the market and attract socially responsible investors, and the role of private equity in decarbonizing Asia.

A highlight of the finale was the panel discussion on ‘Funding and Scaling Asset-Heavy Sustainable Ventures’, which explored topics like carbon accounting and the significant role played by climate accelerators in catalysing climate investments.

Day Two sessions tackled climate finance, generating revenue through carbon credits, scaling sustainable practices, and the evolving climate tech investment landscape. Experts like Mr. Ely Sandler (Harvard Kennedy School) and Ms. Paula Mariwala (Aureolis Ventures) highlighted the vast potential and growing market demand for sustainable solutions.

The 2023 LowCarbon.Earth Accelerator Program Finale concluded on a high note. Finalists lauded the program’s collaborative efforts, insightful mentorship, and diverse curriculum., “Bonding with other great Founders working towards a common goal and Investors Mentors along with UN officials was the highlight of the program,” said one of the finalists.

The LowCarbon.Earth Accelerator Program Finale 2023 was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Massive Earth Foundation, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) through the GO4SDGs initiative, along with the EmPower: Women for Climate-Resilient Societies Programme (EmPower), jointly implemented with UN Women.