Q&A on Everything You Need to Know* for the Global “ClimaTech Run 2022” Competition for Startups & Digital Artists in Climate Technology

The Ministry of International Cooperation, in partnership with the Ministry of  Environment and Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, has launched the global “ClimaTech Run 2022”, for startups working within the field of climate action and technology. This is within the framework of preparations for the COP27, which will be held in Sharm El-Sheikh in November. 

What is the “ClimaTech Run” competition? 

The ClimaTech Run is a competition addressing startups from around the world, and digital artists, aiming to increase the role they can play in raising awareness on climate change, and also establishing innovative and sustainable solutions for climate action. This is through ideas presented in various fields such as in clean energy, smart transportation, and food security, as well as promoting circular economy efforts in Africa; the region most impacted by climate change. Moreover, this competition comes in light of Egypt’s preparations for the COP27. 

Who are the competition’s partners?

The competition is organized by the Ministry of International Cooperation, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and is in partnership with the USAID, Afreximbank, World Food Programme, Google, the United Nations Population Fund, General Motors, and the Mansour Group. The event is also in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Development Programme Accelerator Labs (UNDP), Microsoft, AfriLabs, the Youth Entrepreneurs Network, the International Association for the Advancement of Innovative Approaches to Global Challenges, and Falak Startups. 

What are  the competition’s areas?

The competition has two main tracks: startups working in the field of climate technology in the ICT for Climate Action Track, and digital art in the DigitalArt4Climate Track. 

What are the competition’s stages?

The first phase of the competition is the registration period which lasts for a month. The second phase starts during COP27, where the qualified applications will be given the opportunity to present their ideas and participate in the climate conference, alongside high-level officials from governments, development partners, and the private sector. 

The third and final phase will begin after COP27 where a tailored support package will be offered to the finalists in this acceleration phase. This will include high-level consultants and international experts to support the startups in implementing their ideas on-ground. 

What are the conditions for applying as a global tech startup?

There are several conditions for applying: 

Registered startup operating for over 2 years.

Has a team of at least 2 members.

Their idea is sustainably driven, innovative and is supported by one or more emerging technologies.

Not a spin-off or subsidiary of an existing company.

A functional prototype/MVP is a must.

The team applying must also have the ability to communicate, present and present the project in English. The winning teams will have a chance to win a number of prizes, including a grand prize of up to $100,000, a  second prize of $50,000, and a  third prize of $25,000.

How does the competition address the African continent?

The Global ClimaTech Run competition spotlights special attention on the African continent, and its role in stimulating the green economy. Climate-focused African tech startups lag significantly in terms of investment inflow, receiving only 0.2% of venture dollars compared to 94% for the United States, Canada, China, and Europe.

To that end, the ClimaTech Run will award 2 startups from Africa, and the top 5 African startups will be invited to pitch their idea during the global pitch event at COP27. The best African startup will receive a prize of $50,000, and  the second-place startup will receive a prize of $25,000.

What are the conditions for applying in the digital art track?

Be of age 18 at the time of applying to the competition.

Maximum entry by the artists is 3 pieces. 

Authentic and original work only must be submitted.

The first place prize is $5000, the second place prize is $3000, and third place is $2000.

When does registration for the competition start and how can people apply?

The application starts on August 22 and will remain open until September 22. People can apply through this website: https://climatechrun.com/.