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Let's keep global warming close to 1.5 °C – by supporting & funding climate start-ups

We catalyse exceptional start-ups and young companies to scale climate technologies sustainably in developing and emerging markets.

The CATAL1.5°T [ˈkætəlɪst] Initiative’s ambition is to boost investments in promising early-stage climate ventures from the Global South.

Climate tech alone won’t save the world, but without tech solutions, we don’t stand a chance. That’s why we promote climate tech innovations by providing grant funding, know-how and access to networks of domain experts, mentors and investors.

To ensure long-lasting impact, we also strengthen regional climate tech innovation ecosystems. In all of what we do, we promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). And we pay close attention to the environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts of the climate tech solutions we support.

We start in Latin America and West Africa.

What’s new at CATAL1.5°T?

Impactdays
News

CATAL1.5°T Initiative present at Impact Days in Mexico City

15.07.2024Josué García, GIZ

On June 20 Erika Sanchez from the CATAL1.5°T Initiative took part in the panel "Are Social and Economic Development at Odds?", which was held during the Impact Days – an event organized by Impact Hub in Mexico City. The panel looked at different perspectives on challenges and opportunities identified in green economy businesses, climate financing, and climate and technology entrepreneurship. The CATAL1.5°T Initiative also confirmed future calls for its Accelerator and Pre-Accelerator programs, along with a series of 'climathons' (climate hackathons) in Latin America.

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Event
West Africa

ESG Training for West African Venture Capital Investors

18.07.2024 - 07:00 UTC-7

The West African CATAL1.5°T platform will offer an intensive two-day training on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in Senegal to which selected West African Venture Capital (VC) investors have been invited.

Participants from the first Bootcamp for the Acceleration Program of the CATAL1.5°T Initiative
News

First CATAL1.5°T Bootcamp for the Accelerator Program Bootcamp held in Latin America

25.05.2024Josué García Pérez, GIZ

Ten Climate Tech start-ups from four Latin American countries have begun their acceleration process with the first CATAL1.5°T Acceleration Bootcamp. During the program they will have access to funding of 100K euros, mentoring and networking sessions to enhance their development.

Radiant smiles light up the Global Workshop of the CATAL1.5°T Initiative as participants come together in a spirit of collaboration and innovation.
News

Empowering Climate-Tech Start-ups: Insights from the CATAL1.5°T Global Workshop 

28.05.2024Angeli Regala, GIZ

CATAL1.5°T Initiative to advance efforts in supporting climate tech start-ups

a group of men discussing their climate tech solutions in the field, showing their commitment to sustainability
News

CATAL1.5°T launches its acceleration program dedicated to SMEs and start-ups in West Africa

24.04.2024Morgane Awu, Communication Officer, Investisseurs & Partenaires

The CATAL1.5°T acceleration program is officially launched in West Africa. 30 companies in the climate sector will benefit from technical and financial support to accelerate their growth.

Cover Image for the CATAL1.5°T Explainer Video
News

Launch of the CATAL1.5°T video

26.10.2023The catalist-Team

This video explains the CATAL1.5°T Initiative's purpose in less than three minutes

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News

CATAL1.5°T at the UNCCC Climate week in Panama

01.11.2023Milena Stolz, GIZ

The CATAL1.5°T Latin American platform hosted a one-hour panel discussion on opportunities & challenges for Climate Tech entrepreneurship promotion in Latin America on October 23rd, 2023.

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News

Launch of CATAL1.5°T Acceleration program for Latin American climate-tech startups

01.11.2023Milena Stolz, GIZ

Start-ups can now apply to receive access to workshops, experts, and the opportunity to receive funding up to €100,000 euros.

News teaser 06
Event

Launch of the CATAL1.5°T Platform West Africa

23.11.2023 - 13:00 UTC+1

GIZ and Climate-KIC present CATAL1.5°T at the Africa Start-up Connect Week in Berlin

CATAL1.5°T for start-ups

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Climathons

You've got an innovative idea to tackle climate change? Develop it at our Climathons (climate hackathons) – together with other innovators and entrepreneurs from your region!

Pre-accelerator

Your climate solution needs a boost to hit the market? No problem with our pre-accelerator programme: Get from early stage to market readiness with technical support and grants!

Accelerator

You already have a MVP and first users? Our accelerator programme provides you with tailored coaching and mentoring and repayable grants. Let's find a way through the "valley of death" and scale your business!
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For incubators & accelerators

Your organisation is interested in a deep dive into climate tech and sustainability? We have the know-how and tools for you: learn more about climate tech, ESG and DEI in start-up programmes and strengthen your network. Be part of our trainings and dialogues with other incubators and accelerators, the VC community and policymakers.
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For investors

We connect you with investment-ready climate ventures, that take ESG seriously and have expert-validated impact forecasts. So no worries about greenwashing. You can also take part in pioneering trainings on climate performance projections and ESG in venture capital. Join our network and add climate tech to your portfolio.

Applications are open!

We're looking for founders with transformative ideas, solutions and business models that tackle global warming. With our Climathons and pre-accelerator and accelerator programmes, you get the financial, technical and mentoring support you need.

About the CATAL1.5°T Initiative

The Initiative is is funded by the international Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in cooperation with top-tier global and regional partners.

Learn about us
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Get insights and inspiration

Dive into insights from our ongoing and completed programmes, best practices and lessons learned as we work together to build climate ventures for a net-zero world.
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The network behind the Initiative

Where is CATAL1.5°T active?

The CATAL1.5°T Initiative is operated by a network of global and regional partners. Latin America and West Africa are the first markets where we’re starting.

  • Map peru

    Peru

    Map dominican republic

    Dominican Republic

    Map togo

    Togo

    Map guinea

    Guinea

  • Map mexico

    Mexico

    Map costa rica

    Costa Rica

    Senegal

    Senegal

    Map cote d ivoire

    Côte d’Ivoire

  • Map honduras

    Honduras

    Map colombia

    Colombia

    Map niger

    Niger

    Map burkina faso

    Burkina Faso

  • Map el salvador

    El Salvador

    Map argentina

    Argentina

    Map mauretanien

    Mauritania

    Map benin

    Benin

Frequently asked questions

You’ve got questions? Here you can find answers. If you have further questions, contact us via the contact form below.
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Get all the facts and numbers

Find information on our regional platforms and programmes, as well as insightful reports and publications about our impact and more in our download section.
Go to downloads