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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?

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News

Senegalese Startups Take on Climate Challenges with Scalable Innovation

22.04.2025Alex Calvin Gbetie / Nikolaus Wolff

Innovative ventures from Senegal have joined the second phase of the pre-acceleration program

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30 Climate Tech Startups Advance to Phase II of Pre-Acceleration Program in West Africa

15.04.2025Katherin Machalek

The CATAL1.5°T initiative announces the graduation of its first cohort of 30 Climate Tech Ventures into Phase II of its Pre-Acceleration Program in West Africa.

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Proving climate impact: a scientific method

28.03.2025Felipe Caballero, Climate KIC

CATAL1.5°T’s Climate Impact Assessment Framework helps ventures to scientifically prove and scale their impact.

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Women leading Latin America’s climate transition

28.03.2025Josué García, GIZ

CATAL1.5°T is closing the gender gap in Latin American climate tech with inclusive programmes and a new platform.

Whats App Image 2025 02 27 at 7 39 38 PM
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Spotlight on women: from words to action at FLII

28.03.2025Josué García, GIZ

At FLII 2025, CATAL1.5°T launched a platform for women in climate tech and promoted cross-sector collaboration.

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News

UX & community: women in West African climate tech

28.03.2025Benjamin Meier, GIZ

New cohort, new community: we support women in West African climate tech with training, mentorship & networks.

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.

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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.
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