When Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg completed the first global circumnavigation in a solar-powered electric airplane (Solar Impulse) in mid-2016, Greenbackers was pivoting from an events organisation to one focused on mobilising capital for entrepreneurs to fulfil their ambitions within the cleantech world.
Now, Greenbackers is working closely with the Solar Impulse Foundation team, inspired and convinced that change is possible with both organisations determined to find innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
The Greenbackers Partners have joined 350 or so experts worldwide assessing solutions for their efficiency and profitability as well as impact on the environment and quality of life. Those meeting the criteria set by the Foundation are awarded the Solar Impulse label.
Solutions include renewable energy, and also products, services and processes that protect the environment and optimise the use of natural resources. They must make a positive contribution to at least one of five specified UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- Clean water and sanitation
- Affordable and clean energy
- Industry innovation and infrastructure
- Sustainable cities and communities
- Responsible production and consumption
The solution should also be commercialised or close to being so with pilot or demonstration of a minimum viable product (MVP) in real life conditions.
In April 2021, it was announced that a target of 1000 solutions had been met and this 1000+ Solution Guide is available to increase adoption and accelerate implementation at scale by both economic and political decision makers.
What’s next – our journey continues to 1500…..2000 solutions with increasing creativity and ingenuity in the tool kit for countries to follow their roadmap and reach net zero targets.
