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Get ready to dive into the latest ekonews featuring updates on grants, venture capital and private equity in Latam, and how ESG is becoming the new norm. Plus, meet our featured EkoHero of the week!

🔥 Wildfire Tech

🌍 SSS

💰 ESG Investment

🤑 Government Grants

🌿 EkoHero

$3 Million Call for Wildfire Management Tech Solutions 🔥

The British Columbia (BC) Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) is launching a funding initiative aimed at advancing technologies designed to help communities adapt to, prevent, and mitigate the impact of wildfires.

This marks a significant effort to address the growing wildfire challenges in Canada, with applications open until August 7, 2024. Winners will be announced by November 1, 2024.

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A Call for Wildfire Innovation

With wildfires becoming increasingly frequent, large, and intense across Canada, CICE is spearheading “Canada’s first call for innovation focused on wildfire technologies.” Up to $3 million in non-dilutive funding will be awarded to British Columbia-based innovators who are developing technologies to combat wildfires. This initiative is critical as it aims to support the commercialization of technologies that can significantly impact wildfire management.

Categories of Eligible Technologies

CICE is seeking solutions across three primary areas: prevention, mitigation, and adaptation.

• Prevention: Technologies such as predictive modeling tools, proactive land management practices, and fire-resistant materials.

• Mitigation: Innovations including early wildfire detection systems, advanced communication technologies, firefighting tools, spread halting methods, sustainable fire retardants, and specialized equipment.

• Adaptation: Technologies that enhance forest and community resilience, facilitate post-fire recovery, and incorporate climate-conscious business model innovations.

How to Apply

CICE will be accepting applications until August 7, 2024. Interested innovators can apply here.

Sustainability Sentiment Score (SSS)

The SSS has dipped downwards in the last week. While the Growth Climate and Mature Climate markets have since recovered nicely coming into June 20th, June 14th saw dips for both indices.

In particular, the Growth Climate market took a steep drop as ambiguous signals regarding interest rate cuts are still creating uncertainty among investors, leading to market volatility. Additionally, fluctuating global commodity prices, particularly in the energy and metals sectors, contributed to the market's instability.

The Regulated Carbon market also saw a steep drop-off on the 14th as disappointing economic data was released. Reports indicated a slower pace in job growth and manufacturing output, raising concerns about the overall economic health and demand for commodities that impact this index.

🌱 ESG and Impact: The Future of Investing 🌱

ClimateDoor was honored to be invited by Global Affairs Canada to participate in ABVCAP—the largest Private Equity and Venture Capital event in Latin America—held from June 10 to 12 in São Paulo, Brazil.

With over 1,000 attendees, the event was a hub of inspiring talks and valuable networking opportunities with key Brazilian LPs and GPs. It provided a unique chance to delve into the Latin American investment industry and to understand the rising demand for climate tech companies.

One standout panel, "ESG and Impact: Where are we and where are we going?" highlighted a significant shift in the investment landscape. It became evident that ESG principles are no longer confined to niche funds; instead, all investment funds will soon need to integrate ESG into their theses to remain relevant and responsible.

A big thank you to the ABVCAP team for organizing such a pivotal congress and to Global Affairs Canada for the invitation.

We look forward to continuing our mission of bridging the international climate ecosystems. 🌍💚

Receive funding for your venture

ClimateDoor find grants and government funding available for climate ventures.

If your company is ineligible to apply for the wildfire tech grant, don't worry. Reach out to us, and we can assist you in exploring government grants tailored for climate initiatives.

Receive funding to support your venture and uncover opportunities crafted for companies advancing the climate agenda.

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EkoHero🌿📖

JAMES IRUNGU MWANGI

James Irungu Mwangi refuses to accept Africa as merely a victim of climate change, defined by the actions of wealthier nations. Instead, he envisions Africa as a potential powerhouse for climate action. With 40% of the world's solar power potential and a youthful population where 70% are under 30, he sees vast opportunities.

In 2021, James launched the Climate Action Platform-Africa (CAP-A) during his tenure as a Yale World Fellow. His goal: to harness Africa's renewable energy potential, abundant land, and young workforce to drive "climate-positive" growth. This ambitious initiative aims not only to lead in carbon removal but also to revolutionize clean industrial production on a global scale.

Recognizing the enormity of the task, James secured the 2022 Climate Breakthrough Award, the largest investment yet for CAP-A. As the second African and Kenyan recipient after Mohamed Adow in 2020, James is determined to prove Africa's potential in climate mitigation. Complementing CAP-A, he has founded Africa Climate Ventures to mobilize private investment in climate-smart businesses across the continent.

James Mwangi's vision is clear: by seizing this opportunity, Africa can reshape its economic future, empower its youth, and fundamentally alter the global climate trajectory for the better.

THOUGHTS ON TODAY’S ISSUE?

Closing EkoFriends 🌿

Don't forget, Eko is here to keep you informed with the latest climate updates and help you on your sustainability journey!

Stay eko-powered until next Thursday... 🌱💚

– Eko