The Climate Innovation Exchange (CLIX) 2019 commenced today on the sidelines of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), a key enabler of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2019. Running until 17 January 2019, the second edition of the unique global platform that connects entrepreneurs and investors to deliver sustainable climate solutions is hosted by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) in strategic partnership with the UAE Space Agency.
His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, His Excellency Masagos Zulkifli bin Masagos Mohamad, Singapore’s Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, and Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, attended the inauguration ceremony.
The sustainability marketplace gathering has drawn the participation of over 3,000 entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, industry experts, young professionals and students.
Speaking on the launch of CLIX 2019, His Excellency Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, said: “In the UAE, we firmly believe young people are the greatest change agents and the strongest citizen diplomats, therefore we place particular emphasis on youth engagement. Through platforms such as CLIX, we empower youth to step up, to innovate, and to harness the power of technology to address current and future sustainability challenges.”
He added: “The responsibility of providing guidance and financial support to young entrepreneurs rests with the public and private sectors in any nation. Only through concerted efforts can we match the looming climate change challenges with opportunities for progress and sustainable development.”
In line with the Ministry’s strategy to seamlessly enable the sourcing, funding and monetization of climate solutions and technologies, CLIX 2019 provides a viable opportunity for young entrepreneurs to develop innovative and winning environmental concepts through leveraging cutting-edge tech for the greater good of the planet.
CLIX 2019 invited global entrepreneurs – concepts, startups and innovative companies in different stages of funding – to submit applications in three categories: Sustainability in Space, the Future of Energy and the Future of Food & Agriculture. The 48 semi-finalists, selected from a total of 800 applicants, include nine Emiratis, testifying to the steadfast commitment of the UAE to creating a conducive environment for the young generation to innovate. Over the first three days, the entrepreneurs exhibit their solutions, and pitch their conceptual ideas, new products or transformative business models to an audience of potential investors, followed by the announcement of the winners on day four.
In addition to the pitch platform, the event space features an engaging presentation area that serves as the centerpiece of the CLIX experience. Enabling lively discussions among the participants on their cutting-edge innovations, the initiative highlights the value they bring to the community, the environment and the economy. Furthermore, established entrepreneurs and experts in the three domains under the spotlight take the stage to share their success stories and insights on sustainability and entrepreneurship.
CLIX 2019 offers visitors a preview of some of the latest concepts and solutions in sustainability. The platform is open to ADSW attendees free of charge.
Through its focus on innovation, WFES demonstrates its commitment to channeling the energies of young entrepreneurs with the support of key stakeholders to help achieve global sustainable development targets and minimize environmental degradation.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, WFES is a global industry platform connecting business and innovation in energy, clean technology and efficiency for a sustainable future. Organized by Reed Exhibitions and running at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the event’s theme, ‘Embracing the Future, Welcoming Disruption’, reflects its mission to serve as a global sustainability catalyst.
