MEF and UNEP Partner on Program Empowering Startups Tackling Environmental Challenges
The Massive Earth Foundation (MEF), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), announced the launch of the fourth edition of its Low Carbon Earth Accelerator (LCE) program, Low Carbon.Earth ‘24, during a recent event focused on air quality management in Asia.
This initiative empowers climate tech startups in the Asia-Pacific region to tackle pressing environmental challenges like climate change, nature loss, and pollution. LCE is seeking applications from startups working in six key areas: clean air, agri-food, sustainable mobility, digital innovation, renewable energy, and plastic pollution. The program particularly encourages applications from women-led startups and those focused on empowering women and underserved communities.
“LCE provides early-stage entrepreneurs with invaluable resources, including mentorship, industry connections, financial support, and the opportunity to collaborate with established players in the climate action space,” said Shailesh Vickram Singh, Founder of Massive Earth Foundation. “This program fosters innovation and helps startups scale their sustainable business models.”
LCE equips participating startups with the tools and networks needed for growth. The program offers virtual training workshops, bootcamps, mentorship sessions, networking events, and seminars. Finalists receive the chance to pitch their ventures to potential investors and gain one-on-one mentorship from industry leaders during a culminating demo day.
The 2023 edition of LCE saw impressive participation with 67 startups, 14 of which reached the final stage. Notably, seven of the finalists were women-led ventures.
The LCE program is a collaborative effort involving four UNEP initiatives: GO4SDGs, EmPower: Women for Climate-Resilient Societies Programme, the Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership, and the Mekong Plastics Project.
“Investing in climate tech innovation is a powerful driver of economic growth and job creation,” said Adriana Zacarias Farah, Head and Global Coordinator of the GO4SDGs initiative. “This aligns perfectly with our mission to support the transition to a low-carbon, circular economy while ensuring an inclusive and sustainable future for all. We’re proud to partner with LCE and empower young people through entrepreneurship and job creation.”