Cleantech Camp

Cleantech camp is a programme to support the creation of startups in the cleantech field.

What is/was the challenge?

Reducing levels of pollution, producing renewable energy, and minimising the impact of urban mobility are some of the most significant challenges that many cities are currently struggling with in pursuit of a sustainable city
model.

Cleantech entrepreneurs and startups have a leading role in the transition to economies that integrate environmental capital as an asset for sustainable development, taking advantage of new technologies and business models that are not only profitable but also create environmental and social value.However, the uncertainty linked to the process of starting a new business often implies assuming high risks as an entrepreneur. Lacking economic resources, incorrect market fit analysis, not being able to attract talent, and lacking business knowledge are some of the factors that influence business survival rate. How can the City of Barcelona support cleantech entrepreneurs in succeeding and therefore also contributing to a greener planet?

However, the uncertainty linked to the process of starting a new business often implies assuming high risks as an entrepreneur. Lacking economic resources, incorrect market fit analysis, not being able to attract talent, and lacking business knowledge are some of the factors that influence business survival rate. How can the City of Barcelona support cleantech entrepreneurs in succeeding and therefore also contributing to a greener planet?

What is the project?

The City of Barcelona decided eight years ago (2011) to carry out a programme in collaboration with the private sector to support the creation of startups in the cleantech field. That programme, named EcoEmprenedorXXI, was the seed of Cleantech Camp.

The first edition of Cleantech camp took place in 2016, after five years of EcoEmprenedorXXI. It has since been active until today, working with one batch of entrepreneurs per year. Its main aim is to provide tools to entrepreneurs that enable business projects to become real. Cleantech camp consists of boosting the entrepreneurial spirit, providing the right training in business management, guidance actions to analyse the feasibility of business ideas, training to acquire entrepreneurial skills and behaviours, connecting startups with stakeholders in the sector and facilitating access to capital.

The first edition of Cleantech camp took place in 2016, after five years of EcoEmprenedorXXI. It has since been active until today, working with one batch of entrepreneurs per year. Its main aim is to provide tools to entrepreneurs that enable business projects to become real. Cleantech camp consists of boosting the entrepreneurial spirit, providing the right training in business management, guidance actions to analyse the feasibility of business ideas, training to acquire entrepreneurial skills and behaviours, connecting startups with stakeholders in the sector and facilitating access to capital.

The programme targets startups in the fields of energy-efficient and smart cities, renewable energy, sustainable mobility, smart grids, IoT and AI energy, cybersecurity and blockchain energy throughout Spain and Portugal.

Full Version of the article is accessible via our Portfolio – SCALE.CITIES Handbook