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ClimateLaunchpad (Africa edition) | MsingiLab

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ClimateLaunchpad (Africa edition)

€10,000 grand prize at Global Grand Final. Additional prizes at national and regional levels.

RollingWebsiteEst. 2014

Office SpaceNetworkCommunityDigitalTechSeedEarly-stage

Strong Gender LensStrong Climate Lens

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The world's largest green business ideas competition, offering a free programme that guides early-stage climate innovators through building and testing a climate venture. National winners advance through regional finals to a Global Grand Final. Expanding to 50 countries in 2026 with 11 African countries participating.

What You Get

Free 3-day boot camp on green business fundamentals

Mentoring from cleantech and business experts

Free access to online green start-up mini-course (for all applicants)

National and regional competition finals

Cash prizes at global level (€10,000 grand prize)

Fully funded trip to Global Grand Final (2026: Singapore)

Access to EIT Climate-KIC investor and partner network

Connection to global community of climate entrepreneurs

How to Apply

Visit climatelaunchpad.org and select your country to find the local application form and deadline. Applications are country-specific. No business plan required — early ideas welcome. Free to apply and participate.

Warm Intro

Recommended but not required

Geographic Focus

Global with 11 African countries: Angola, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda

Decision Timeline

National competition cycle: 2-3 months from application to national final. Full cycle to Global Grand Final: ~6 months.

Eligibility

Individuals or teams with early-stage cleantech/green business ideas
Must apply in country of residence and reside there for duration of competition
Companies incorporated for no more than 2 years at time of application
Must have attracted less than €200,000 in total external investment
Idea or concept stage welcome — no business plan required
African countries participating in 2026: Angola, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda

Traction Required

Minimal — idea-stage welcome. Must have a green business concept with climate impact potential.

Team Requirements

Individuals or teams. No formal incorporation required at application stage.

Selection Criteria

Climate impact potential of the green business idea
Innovation and uniqueness of approach
Scalability and market potential
Team capability and commitment
Feasibility of the business model
Quality of pitch presentation (competition rounds)

Focus Areas

Any green/cleantech business idea with measurable climate impact. Past winners have covered areas including renewable energy, clean water, sustainable agriculture, waste management, green building, clean transportation, carbon capture, and circular economy solutions.

What They Look For

Entrepreneurs across African innovation hubs

Post-Investment Support

Boot camp training, ongoing mentorship, access to EIT Climate-KIC network and investors, alumni community of global climate entrepreneurs, media visibility

Insider Tip

South African startup SeaH4 won the 2025 Global Grand Final in Vienna, beating finalists from 40 countries. Africa is well-represented and competitive. The free boot camp and mentoring are valuable even if you don't win the final prize. Apply in the country where you have the strongest local network. €200K investment cap means this is truly for early-stage ventures.

2014

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Opportunities

ClimateLaunchpad (Africa edition)

What You Get

Application Details

Fit Criteria

Eligibility

Selection Criteria

Focus Areas

Insights

What They Look For

Post-Investment Support

Insider Tip

About ClimateLaunchpad (Africa edition)

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