Spark Festival’s Post

Well, tickets are evaporating like Spring snow in the sun and we are busy setting the stage for the first CPH Townhall of 2024 in a few weeks. 💃 💚 Let’s welcome one of our newest full-year community partners, who are helping us make CPH Townhall a permanent fixture in the CPH tech calendar 👉 Agreena! Agreena is Europe’s leading soil carbon platform, working in close collaboration with partner farmers across 18 European markets and growing. Combined with market-leading satellite monitoring technologies, Agreena’s solutions support farmers, companies, and governments on the road to net zero. 🚜 Agreena believes CPH Townhall is important because it lets founders connect, learn from each other, and feel supported as they navigate the startup world. It's an important platform for collaboration and inspiration, helping to build a strong tech community in Denmark. 👌 They support CPH Townhall because, “As a Danish scale-up, Agreena believes in giving back to the community that helped us so many times. We understand the challenges startups face, so by supporting Townhall, we hope to inspire future founders, share insights from our own journey, and contribute to the collective success of the Danish tech scene.” 💯 Spoken like a true community-builder! Huge shout out to Agreena for supporting CPH Townhall for all of 2024! We can’t make it happen without community partners like you! 🫱🏼🫲🏼 If you too would like to support Townhall as a community partner, please write to Maria at team@techstartup.dk. 📧 🎟️Tickets! https://lnkd.in/d7JEbSGP See you soon! Team Townhall Esben Gadsbøll Sarah Gill Ishita Sinha Inês Araújo P.S. 📲 Want some nice SoMe assets to tell everyone you're going to CPH Townhall on 17th April at KU? We have you covered. Check them out here 👉  https://lnkd.in/dnVh44UV 

Sometimes we stumble, but that’s part of the journey. I set out on a 30-day marathon challenge and, unfortunately, I missed yesterday's post. But this isn’t the end of the road – it's just a detour. I’m picking up right where I left off and pushing forward with even more determination. Every setback is an opportunity to come back stronger! 🚀 Day 4 of 30 | #30DaysMarathon Looking forward to StartupSouth 9, where innovation meets purpose. This event has always been a breeding ground for transformative ideas, especially in addressing SDG Goal 2: Zero Hunger. Startups have the unique power to revolutionize food security and sustainable agriculture. The upcoming event promises to be a catalyst for fresh solutions and impactful collaborations. I'm excited to see how this year's participants will rise to the challenge, bringing us closer to a world where hunger is a thing of the past. Stay tuned as I share more insights and inspirations from StartupSouth 9 in the coming days! #StartupSouth9 #SDG2 #ZeroHunger #InnovationForGood #SustainableFuture

📢 Seaworthy Collective is unveiling one of the biggest evolutionary steps in our history; our new community and network platform, The Shoreline. 🏖 Just as shorelines across our blue planet connect us to our ocean, Seaworthy's new platform enables current and aspiring ocean and climate impact founders to wade into the global #BlueTech ecosystem. Leveraging ecosystem mapping, regenerative frameworks, and AI, to enable more entrepreneurs to access support. Our platform provides automations for matchmaking network connections, tailored industry insights, and relevant resources and curricula, while still delivering the 1-on-1 support (by humans) Seaworthy is known for on a less intensive basis. This new platform not only augments Seaworthy's existing startup programs to scale up the number of entrepreneurs we support, but also broadens the possibilities of who Seaworthy can support and how we can more effectively collaborate by providing the infrastructure for our network, resources, and opportunities to be easily navigated all in one place. The Shoreline enables us to provide access to many of the components of our proven startup programs, and meets founders where they're at - whether they're working up to taking the dive into our formal 12-week Startup Studio & Incubator, or are coming off participating in another accelerator and just looking to continue building momentum without having to make another time-intensive commitment. We're now officially taking applications for the first beta users of The Shoreline through 10/31, with initial 3 month subscriptions running from November through January, with beta subscribers getting a sweet 40% discount! Read our press release below for more details and the link to apply. This is the culmination of nearly a year of work and partnership with Catalist and Vincent Arena through Phase 2 of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Growth Accelerator Fund Competition. I also want to give a huge shoutout to Tamara Kahn and Jason Abrams, passed CFA Exam Level III who have helped get The Shoreline to this point. We're continuing to grow our ambitions for building the most founder-centered designed programs and tools out there for anyone looking to dive into #BlueTech. We're doubling down on our mission of making BlueTech accessible and inclusive, and have finally built true infrastructure to scale up our vision. Altogether, this allows us to continue growing the pipeline of Blue startups needed to achieve the scale of innovation necessary to collectively reverse climate change & marine degradation. And don't miss Tamara Kahn leading the charge for Seaworthy at our collab event at #ClimateWeekNYC this morning (see one of my last posts for last minute tickets) and ask her all about The Shoreline! #BlueTech #ClimateTech #Ocean #Climate #Innovation #Startups https://lnkd.in/eQnGnvfK

We're thrilled to celebrate the journeys of two innovative Latvian startups, BeeSage and Bruntor, as they participate in the Baltic Impact Accelerator (BIA) programme! 🚀 BeeSage is revolutionizing sustainable beekeeping by bridging the gap between bees and humans through real-time data, increasing honey yields by 20%, and enhancing environmental protection. 🌍🐝 Bruntor is transforming last-mile deliveries with their innovative electric 4-wheel kick-scooters, making deliveries faster, safer, and more efficient. 📦⚡ Both startups have benefited tremendously from the BIA programme, gaining insights into sustainability, negotiation, and international collaboration. 🌟 Through the BIA programme, 96 companies will be supported, 480 training sessions will be provided, and at least 720 companies will be reached. This initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in driving sustainable business practices across the Baltic region. 🌍🤝 Interreg Europe · ANI | Agência Nacional de Inovação · Grenoble-Alpes Métropole · Donostia Sustapena - Fomento San Sebastián · Città metropolitana di Torino · Pannon Business Network · Latvijas Tirdzniecības un rūpniecības kamera · Ekonomikas ministrija/ Ministry of Economics · SERN - Startup Europe Regions Network

🌳 Nature Tech founders—you have one month to apply (deadline February 14th) for our next Western Australia Nature Tech Accelerator. For those interested in applying, here’s a brief FAQ of the program 👇 What does the Nature Tech Accelerator involve? ➡️ The Nature Tech Accelerator backs early stage startups with capital combined with a four-month hybrid program designed to support the development and validation of new environmental technologies. The program includes a number tracks designed at helping startups achieve operational excellence, commercialisation, and customer and investor readiness, delivered across a hybrid program of masterclasses, workshops, and 1-2-1 mentoring. When & where does the program take place? ➡️ The four month-program is delivered largely online. It ends with a residential fortnight in Perth, bringing together founders from our other WA programs for two weeks of in-person programming and networking, culminating in a Showcase where founders are invited to pitch to a room of investors and industry leaders. The next Nature Tech Accelerator kicks off in mid-March, culminating in July. What type of startups are you looking for? ➡️ We invest in six companies per cohort, aimed at supporting business across the breadth of nature and biodiversity. Key investment themes include water & oceans, land & forest, nature positive industry, and social & community impact. Our first cohort included SeaStock, Call to Country, AGRA Farming Technologies, X-Centric, Ocean Hex, and Nitronic. Why is the program based in Western Australia? ➡️ The Nature Tech Accelerator is backed by the Government of Western Australia, who are highly engaged in protecting the State’s unique ecosystem and natural capital. Founders on the program will get access to a rich network of government and industry partners, in Western Australia and beyond, to help them validate and potentially scale their technologies. You can find out more & apply here: https://lnkd.in/eXb6jW-8 Recommend a startup here: https://lnkd.in/e_CYcBhx Charlotta Kemp | Tamryn Barker | Claire Mongeau | Olivia Brooks | George Northcott | Stephen Dawson | Rebecca Davidson GAICD | Linda Dawson | James Yuen | Sandra Draper | Ivana Deng | Simon Lovick #naturetech #biotech #climatetech #startups

What an honour it has been to support the Brainforest team as jury member, representing maze impact, during their amazing Grande Finale day in Zurich. Key take away is that nature-based solutions like reforestation and biodiversity restoration offer immense potential but face significant challenges. 1️⃣ Valuing Ecosystem Services: Quantifying the economic value of ecosystem benefits remains a critical hurdle. It’s exciting to see innovative tools emerging to measure and monetize impact, paving the way for increased investments. 2️⃣ Implementation Barriers: Issues like seed shortages and low seedling survival rates persist. Disruptive technologies are now stepping in to solve these bottlenecks—hopefully a positive change for the future of reforestation. I am glad a player like Brainforest is leading the way and supporting nature-based solutions in a market where many remain cautious about the complexities of these projects. 👏 Kudos to the Brainforest team and all the founders for their dedication to creating real impact. Keep it up!

This Caribbean Heritage Month, RTPark is proud to spotlight the incredible innovation that stems from our members with Caribbean-American backgrounds. Their rich heritage brings a unique perspective and a wealth of cultural knowledge that fuels groundbreaking ideas. Here are some examples of how Caribbean-American ingenuity is shaping the future: ♻️ Sustainable Solutions: Caribbean communities have a deep connection to their environment. This fosters innovation in areas like renewable energy, sustainable waste management, and climate-resilient infrastructure – all crucial for the Virgin Islands. 🏝️ Tech with a Tropical Twist: Caribbean-American entrepreneurs are developing tech solutions tailored to the specific needs of island communities. Imagine apps for ecotourism, disaster preparedness, or even preserving cultural traditions through digital storytelling. 🍲 Culinary Creativity: The Virgin Islands' rich culinary heritage is a breeding ground for innovation. We can expect to see exciting fusions of traditional island flavors with modern techniques, or the development of new food products inspired by local ingredients. How RTPark Supports the Virgin Islands: ___ RTPark is committed to empowering Caribbean-American innovators in the Virgin Islands: 👩🏽💻 Mentorship and Workshops: We offer programs like Accelerate VI that connect aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced mentors, many of whom share a Caribbean heritage. These mentors provide invaluable guidance and support. 💰 Access to Resources: Entrepreneurs gain access to essential resources like co-working spaces, technology infrastructure, and funding opportunities, helping them turn their ideas into reality. 🙋🏾♂️ Building a Network: RTPark fosters a collaborative environment where Virgin Islands entrepreneurs can connect with peers, share knowledge, and build a strong support system within the Caribbean-American community. This month, and all year round, RTPark celebrates the ingenuity and resilience of the Caribbean-American community. We're excited to be a catalyst for innovation in the Virgin Islands, empowering Caribbean-American entrepreneurs to build a brighter future for their islands! #caribbeanamericanheritagemonth #RTPark #caribbeantechies #sustainability

🎄🌳 Wrapping Up 2024: A Year of Growth at New Dawn Bio 🌳 🎄 As this year draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on an extraordinary time with amazing progress and incredible connections. What a journey it’s been! We started 2024 dreaming of a future where the world's wood gets grown without cutting down a single tree. Thanks to the help from so many extraordinary supporters, here are some of the milestones we now get to celebrate: 🛠 Prototype Progress: We built an early prototype, showing that cultured wood is no longer just an idea—it’s happening! 📰 Making Headlines: Seeing our mission featured by New Scientist and other media was a surreal moment of validation. 🧑🔬 Building an Expert Advisory Board: We’re now guided by some of the world’s leading minds in wood formation and plant cell science—how cool is that? 🌱 Joining the StartLife Accelerator: This experience helped us sharpen our story & focus, build our network, and superb non-dilutive funding. 🌍 Market Validation: Chats with leaders of some of the world's biggest wood product manufacturers gave crucial insights and helped uncover perfect beachhead markets. 🎓 Collaborative Research: A team of 6 brilliant Wageningen University & Research MSc students explored the potential of cultured wood in a research project that brought a wave of fresh insights. 🚀 Loading rocket fuel: Getting selected for the 4TU.Federation mission to Slush with 3,500 attending investors built some of the best connections we've made so far. Huge thanks to everyone who helped out after getting inspired by our mission to build a world where forests thrive untouched. Your awesome intros, insider industry info, advice, and feedback made all the difference. 🙏 Wishing you all joyful holidays and an impactful New Year! 🌳🚀 #sustainability #startups #future #innovation #wood

❗ ❗ In November 2024, Aldo Soto will be on the stage at this fantastic event in Bilbao (Spain) by Impact Europe. Aldo will share insights from our investments in 32 impact-linked loans to producers' organisations and SMEs across the Amazon regions of Peru, Colombia and Ecuador.  💡 How do you think impact investing can shape our planet's future? Share your thoughts below: 💡 #ImpactWeek #BlendedFinance #CatalyticInvestment #Entrepreneurship #Environment #ClimateChange

🏔️ Great analogy by Michiel Scheffer 🟥 Scheffer about startup journeys and mountaineering! Let me add another layer: innovation, like mountaineering, is deeply territorial. Some "base camps" are better equipped than others to support ambitious expeditions. 🎯 Just as mountaineers carefully choose their starting point and support infrastructure, startups need to consider their innovation ecosystem. Having climbed my own startup peaks from different starting points, I've experienced how some territories can either propel you forward or hold you back. 🚀 Take Italy, for instance. In my experience, it often feels like climbing with unnecessary weights. 🎒 The ecosystem tends to continuously question your capabilities with a persistent "you aren't good enough" mindset, making the ascent far more challenging than necessary. This isn't about avoiding risk - it's about unnecessary friction that drains energy better spent on actual innovation challenges. ⚡What we need isn't fewer ropes (as suggested in the original post's comment), but better base camps and support systems. The most successful innovation hubs globally don't succeed by encouraging reckless solo climbs, but by providing better equipment, experienced guides, and a mindset that balances ambition with smart risk management. 🌟The real challenge isn't about taking blind risks or playing it too safe - it's about building ecosystems that empower teams to tackle the right mountains, with the right support, at the right time. 🎯 --- Hi 🤙 I'm Andrea, a tech-entrepreneur that try to revolutionize marine biodiversity conservation through innovative robotics and AI, blending cutting-edge technology with a passion for our oceans. 🌊🤖🌿 #Innovation #StartupLife #Entrepreneurship #TechStartup #BigIdeas2025 #Innovation #StartupEcosystem #Leadership European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA)