The first European Accelerator Program for startups that focus on Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) from the atmosphere, has started. The Carbon Removal Accelerator offers help to early stage startups. The program is aimed at accelerating startups engaged in natural, hybrid or technological solutions for CDR.
Climate neutral in 2050
CDR will make an important contribution to the European Union (EU) goal of becoming climate-neutral in 2050. Only focussing on removing and avoiding emissions is not expected to have sufficient effect fast enough. EIT-Climate-Kic, an EU initiative that focuses on sharing knowledge and connecting the right partners to fight climate change in an innovative way, is one of the sponsors of the accelerator program.
Paul Althuis, Director Innovation & Impact Centre TU Delft: “For the first time, a European accelerator program has been launched that focuses entirely on accelerating climate entrepreneurs that are working on revolutionary and promising CDR solutions. As TU Delft, we are proud to contribute with our knowledge and network to the development of these innovations that we believe can have a significant impact tackling climate change.”
Enter before September 1st
Participants go through a virtual three-staged program in 12 months in which knowledge sharing, business coaching and validating the climate impact that the innovation can make, are important parts. The participating startups receive €25,000 funding when they meet the criteria and are invited to participate. Startups from Europe that offer innovative solutions for CDR are called upon to register before 1 September 2021.
The programme is led by ETH Zurich. TU Delft is involved as a partner. Other partners include Climate-KIC, Munich Re and ERGO Group, Project Together and Climateworks Foundation.
