GreenTech start-ups to compete for top-idea prizes at SVG Boot Camp

Green start-ups in the CARICOM region are converging in Arnos Vale, St Vincent for the latest Caribbean GreenTech Start-Up Boot Camp, from November 28 to December 2.

Organized by the Caribbean Climate Innovation Centre (CCIC) in collaboration with Constructive Solutions Inc, the 54-hour event is expected to provide inspiration and the resources required for developing viable, scalable companies in the cleantech/climate space. The event begins with an idea-generation session on November 28.

The boot camp will challenge participating start-ups to hone their skills in an intense, high-pressure weekend, and is one of the flagship CCIC programmes that focuses on identifying and supporting new Caribbean ventures developing locally appropriate solutions to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

To date, the boot camps have attracted over 300 attendees, presented over 30 new business ideas, awarded prizes worth tens of thousands of dollars and drawn the attention of regional investors investigating involvement with the top ideas.

Through the Caribbean GreenTech Start-Up Boot Camps, start-ups focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, water/waste management, sustainable agriculture/agribusiness, and resource use efficiency will receive opportunities for further development.

Start-ups will also have the opportunity to network with like-minded young start-up companies, industry experts, and mentors, as well as gain invaluable insights and lessons for developing a successful cleantech business. The Centre’s regional hubs will also be provided training at the boot camps to equip them with the know-how needed to better conduct such CCIC programmes in their respective countries.

The objective of the boot camp series is to identify, build capacity and provide a supportive ecosystem for a pipeline of clean technology entrepreneurs in the region. With over 200 entrepreneurs already trained in the new business knowledge, this three-day event will bring together climate-related experts to drive discussions to inspire more participants to generate climate change-related solutions.

At the boot camps, start-ups will be exposed to the rudiments of developing a start-up team and will be provided mentorship from business and cleantech experts to improve their business concepts. At the end of the event, each team will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges who will select the top three start-ups. The first-placed idea will win USD 1,000, while the second and third-placed winners will receive USD 500 and USD 250, respectively.

Registration fee per person for Caribbean GreenTech Start-up Boot Camp SVG is XCD 20. Applications for CGSB Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are open through Tuesday, Nov. 21. Apply now at http://www.caribbeancic.org/bootcamp or https://ccic.typeform.com/to/k3bKIj

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