Get to know the CATAL1.5°T Initiative team

The CATAL1.5°T Initiative is driven by a dedicated team of professionals from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared vision to combat climate change through innovation and technology. Despite and because of their varied experiences, the team members collectively embody one hope for the future: to make significant contributions in addressing climate change through technology and innovation.

Benjamin Meier, CATAL1.5°T Coordinator for West Africa at GIZ Ghana, emphasizes the role of climate tech start-ups are essential for addressing the visible impacts of climate change, particularly in the regions of Latin America and West Africa, "We believe that climate tech start-ups are pivotal for a net-zero future."

The CATAL1.5°T Initiative serves as a catalyst for change, accelerating the development of sustainable solutions in emerging markets. Christian Daube, Climate Innovation Lead for Latin America at EIT Climate KIC, explains the role of the initiative in the ecosystem, “We also want to work and influence the ecosystem strongly and really help them to drive climate innovations in the future a lot more and give them the right tools, resources and expertise and knowledge.”

Additionally, Valeria Alejandra Parra Vargas, Pre-Acceleration Lead at CATAL1.5°T Latin America - Tec de Monterrey, expresses optimism for the future, saying, "I anticipate great entrepreneurs and groundbreaking ideas that can change the world. Perhaps we can even witness the birth of the next green unicorn."

Looking ahead, the team hopes CATAL1.5°T to expand its reach to more regions. Sofia Abid, CATAL1.5°T Innovation Lead in West Africa at EIT Climate KIC, shares her vision, stating, "In the future, I see CATAL1.5°T as the reference point for climate innovations and climate venturing."

The initiative is a testament to the importance of participation from all groups and backgrounds. Rosina Naab, Advisor, GIZ Digital Transformation Centre G12 Ghana, notes, "Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of our initiative, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table." Usama Tariq, Monitoring and Evaluation at CATAL1.5°T Global, adds, "The most enjoyable part of the CATAL1.5°T initiative is collaborating with multiple stakeholders from diverse backgrounds." Christian Davila, Acceleration Lead CATAL1.5°T Latin America at Tec de Monterrey, reiterates this value, sharing, "CATAL1.5°T is the best platform to bring together key actors and boost the climate tech ecosystem in the Global South."

Through CATAL1.5°T, the team is not only driving innovation but also demonstrating that business can be a force for good in the fight against climate change. This global programme is dedicated to supporting 180 climate ventures across Latin America and West Africa, underscoring the importance of local start-ups in achieving a net-zero future. They also emphasize the urgency of action, as Barbara Adolehoume, Programme Manager of I&P, underscores, “The impacts of climate change are already visible and present.The moment to make a change and impact is now.”