Dec 3 2020
Our collective climate challenge calls for an innovative spirit and the means to turn it into concrete solutions. The newly launched Climate Innovators Network and the Solar Impulse Foundation are collaborating to accelerate tangible action to tackle climate change.
Curated by Kite Insights, a research and strategic engagement agency committed to supporting climate action by businesses, and hosted by Leading Edge Only (LEO), a matchmaking platform for innovators and leading companies, the Climate Innovators Network links corporates committed to leading the green transition with solutions that can support them in meeting their climate commitments.
To date, the Network has over 100 vetted climate innovators and experts, with global solutions ranging from AI-based reforestation techniques to novel recycling technologies to accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy. Remaining broad in scope, the network aims to be the leading platform for credible and scalable climate solutions, offering opportunities to scale corporate climate strategies in all sectors of the global economy.
This new ecosystem of climate experts, advisors, and innovators is strengthened by the strategic participation of the Solar Impulse Foundation. Founded by explorer Bertrand Piccard, who famously accomplished the first round-the-world solar-powered flight in 2016, the Solar Impulse Foundation’s mission is to identify 1000 efficient solutions which make economic and environmental sense. To date, it has identified and supported over 800 such solutions. Now, the two groups come together, with the Climate Innovators Network and the Solar Impulse Foundation pledging to share resources and expertise, providing opportunities for innovators to grow and make their unique contribution to the climate crisis.
This coalition recognises the shared perspectives of these organisations: their understanding of the opportunities, as well as the challenges, of the climate crisis; and the necessary alignment of ecological and economic concerns for corporates committed to climate action.
Scott Sharp, founder of Leading Edge Only explains, “Despite a tremendous amount of existing climate innovation, and the constant evolution of this landscape, there remains little collaboration between innovators themselves and those who are in a position to fund and scale their projects. Our partnership will harness this great opportunity, creating the right conditions for an ecosystem of innovation that is readily accessible for companies and capable of catalysing widespread climate action.”
Sophie Lambin, founder and CEO of Kite Insights, adds, “With our shared values and goals, the Climate Innovators Network and Solar Impulse Foundation commit to sharing our networks of innovators, providing these climate solutions with the opportunity to accelerate corporate climate action through innovation. Many large companies are recognising the opportunities for success that climate action brings; the Climate Innovators Network equips them with the solutions and innovative spirit that will make this possible.”
Bertrand Piccard, Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation says, “In recent years, the Solar Impulse Foundation has focused on finding, evaluating and labelling hundreds of innovative solutions to the climate crisis through the Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions Label.
This new collaboration between the Solar Impulse Foundation and the Climate Innovators Network marks a new step in the adventure: making sure that these solutions are applied at scale to deliver their full potential impact, both economic and environmental."
The Climate Innovation Network can be viewed here: https://www.leadingedgeonly.com/network/kite-climate-innovators