Applications are now open for the 2024 edition of ClimateLaunchpad, the international programme that seeks the best business ideas to combat climate change. In Portugal, the largest cleantech competition in the world is organized by UPTEC—Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto, OERN—Order of Engineers Northern Region, and Fórum Oceano/Hub Azul.

The European Union’s initiative wants to grow cleantech projects from around the world in the categories of agriculture, air and environment, clean energy, clean industry, energy storage, efficiency, transport and water. The three winners of the national final of ClimateLaunchpad will represent Portugal in the regional final of the competition and enjoy free incubation at UPTEC for four months, in addition to mentoring, training and other prizes awarded by the programme’s partners valued at 10 thousand euros.

Several entities in Portugal are associated with the largest cleantech competition. This edition has the support of 3xP Global, Câmara Municipal de Matosinhos, Crowe, Galp, Prio, Vieira de Almeida, Smart Waste Portugal and Pacto Português para os Plásticos.

Throughout the programme, all participants can participate in an online course and an intensive 3-day boot camp with a certified trainer from EIT Climate-KIC, the European Union’s leading initiative in climate-related innovation. In addition, participants will have access to pitch training and mentoring sessions with experts in environmental sustainability and circular economy, including professionals from the program’s organizing entities in Portugal: UPTEC, OERN and Fórum Oceano/Hub Azul.

Since the inception of this competition in 2014, nearly 15,000 business ideas from 60 countries worldwide have applied to ClimateLaunchpad. The 5,000 “green” companies that have passed the programme have already received more than 500 million euros in foreign investment.

In Portugal since 2016, the programme has received more than 150 applications and supported more than 80 teams and more than 150 participants. In addition, Portugal also has three international winners – Pavnext, Eco2blocks and Mudatuga, and the distinctions of **Windcredible**e and Build.ing, which both reached the regional final.

Applications for Portuguese ideas are open until May 5 and can be made here.