In a move to highlight the contributions of grassroots green technology companies, more than 20 climate-focused startups will have the opportunity to share their innovative solutions at the upcoming COP28 conference in Dubai. The Expo City Dubai, the venue for the conference, will select these companies from among the finalists of the Expo Live Innovation program, which awarded $50,000 each to 36 entrepreneurs working on energy transition projects.
The chosen startups, hailing from countries such as South America and Australia, will have a platform to discuss how climate change affects communities and present their solutions for a sustainable future. Expo City Dubai aims to provide these organizations with a microphone to showcase their work and call for support.
During the two-week conference, the entrepreneurs will participate in workshops and discussions, engaging with potential partners and investors interested in environmental solutions. The organizers believe that giving these startups the opportunity to express the reality of their home countries and discuss the challenges they face in a positive manner will facilitate meaningful connections and collaborations.
The presence of these grassroots companies at COP28 aims to demonstrate the impact that small-scale initiatives can have on addressing climate change. By showcasing their work in areas such as solar energy accessibility, waste recycling, and ocean restoration, these startups hope to secure partnerships, meet climate funds, and expand their reach.
For example, Tetra, a Bangladesh-based startup that received Expo Live funding, will use the COP28 platform to gain government attention and explore collaboration opportunities with NGOs. Their solar-powered desalination devices provide safe drinking water to communities in Bangladesh affected by acute salinity. Another startup from Sierra Leone recycles plastic waste into useful products like television antennae, providing access to information for families in the region.
The COP28 conference will discuss various themes, including technology and innovation, inclusion, frontline communities, and finance, addressing topics such as agriculture, oceans, food, health, energy, youth, and children. Preparations are underway at Expo City Dubai to mark out the buildings and pavilions, with designated zones for different conference activities.
With the participation of more than 70,000 people, including over 140 heads of state and government leaders, COP28 is expected to provide a significant platform for these startups to share their stories, form partnerships, and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.
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