CATAL1.5°T Initiative in Latin America Launches the First Bootcamp for its Pre-Accelerator Program
Empowering climate start-ups: training, mentorship, and support through the first pre-accelerator bootcamp
From July 29th to 31st, the winners of the first call for applications of the CATAL1.5°T initiative's Pre-Accelerator Program gathered for a bootcamp in Monterrey, Mexico, marking the beginning of the program's activities. This program targets emerging climate start-ups that may not yet have a prototype of their product or solution, but demonstrate significant potential for growth, innovation, and greenhouse gas mitigation.
Following a rigorous selection process for the applicants, 20 start-ups were chosen to participate in the program, making them eligible for funding of 15,000 euros, in addition to access to courses, training, and mentorship to enhance their development. On this occasion, eleven of the selected start-ups are from Mexico, three from Colombia, two from Argentina, two from Peru, one from Costa Rica, and one from Honduras.
Within the framework of the Pre-Accelerator Program, the bootcamp served not only as a space where the selected start-ups could meet for the first time, but also as the intensive start of the initial training sessions, mentorship, and lectures on climate impact, ESG criteria, and business strengthening.
In this regard, the bootcamp featured speakers such as Jamil Wyne, Co-Founder of Riffle Ventures, who, drawing from his expertise in climate technology, addressed the main challenges facing the ecosystem in the region and the emerging opportunities in climate finance that can help overcome these challenges. He also offered valuable insights on the importance of developing climate technology to mitigate climate change through an inclusive approach that benefits everyone.
“We are all at risk, but some are at greater risk than others, and unlike other tech products, climate tech needs to reach everyone.”
-Jamil Wyne
In addition, other speakers included Stella Jiménez, Hans Villa, and Raúl Maldonado, prominent entrepreneurs in the technology sector, who presented a panel on their challenges, lessons learned, and advice. A valuable Q&A (Questions & Answers) session followed, where the entrepreneurs could express their particular concerns.
Thus begins the first cohort of the Pre-Accelerator Program. Two more cohorts remain, with more calls for applications forthcoming. If you are interested in learning more about the selected start-ups, discovering new opportunities, or learning more about the activities of the CATAL1.5°T initiative, stay tuned to our social media channels!