ClimaTech Run 2022 Invites Green Innovators to Pitch at COP27 in Egypt

As the government of Egypt prepares to host the COP27 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Sharm El Sheikh, the Ministries of International Cooperation, Environment, and Communications and Information Technology have announced the launch of a global competition targeting tech entrepreneurs and digital artists. ClimaTech Run 2022 invites innovators and youth from around the world to either express their passion for sustainability or develop solutions to any of the mounting issues caused by climate change, with the aim of presenting these creations at COP27 this November.

The competition features two main tracks: ICT for Climate Action Track, for global tech entrepreneurs and pioneers, and DigitalArt4Climate, for digital artists to manifest their most engaging expressions of climate action. Through the competition's ClimaTech Run Innovation and Technology Platform, which has been developed with support from the United States Agency for International Development as well as key Egyptian ecosystem partners such as the Youth Entrepreneurs Network and Falak Startups, participants will be exposed to current challenges that demand timely solutions. During the first main phase of the competition - lasting until September 22nd - participants will have the opportunity to apply with a concept that addresses these challenges.

After the deadlines for submission passes, 10 finalists will be shortlisted to participate at COP27, where they will have the chance to engage in mentorship and networking activities before the global pitch event. A public vote will take place during the latter half of September to select the finalists for DigitalArt4Climate. The top three startups will then receive a cash reward of $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 for third place, second place and first place respectively. Additionally, five African startups will be invited to participate in the pitch event, with a special prize to be given to the top two startups.

After the pitch event at COP27, the third main phase will immediately begin, whereupon the finalists will be plugged into a curated network of mentors and advisors, with the support of ClimaTech Run's partners, which includes entrepreneurial giants from the private sector such as Google and Microsoft, as well as global and governmental organisations such as the World Food Bank, the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the US Embassy in Egypt, and the African Export-Import Bank.