Extreme Tech Challenge joins the U.S. Department of State Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship public-private partnership
Left, Young Sohn, Chairman of Semiconductor Advisory Board, Samsung Electronics; Chairman of HARMAN Board of Directors; Former Corporate President and Chief Strategy Officer, Samsung Electronics; Founding Managing Partner, Walden Catalyst Ventures; Co-Founder, Extreme Tech Challenge; and right, Thomas Debass, Chief Partnerships Officer, Managing Director, Office of Global Partnerships, U.S. Department of State.
In an agreement aimed at driving innovative climate solutions, the U.S. Department of State and Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for XTC to join the Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship (CCE) public-private partnership. This strategic partnership will amplify the efforts of climate-focused entrepreneurs worldwide by providing unparalleled access to expertise, resources, and networking opportunities.
Joining Forces with Industry Leaders
XTC now joins an esteemed cohort of CCE partners, including Google, LinkedIn, Salesforce, Microsoft, Good Machine, General Electric, NVIDIA, and over 20 other industry leaders. These organizations bring a wealth of subject-matter expertise, resources, and convening power, crucial for driving forward the CCE’s programming and initiatives. XTC looks forward to contributing its expertise on advancing tech innovations to CCE’s standing focus on offering access to capital, technical support, mentorship, and networking for early and growth-stage startups.
Empowering Climate Entrepreneurs Globally
The Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship (CCE) is a public-private partnership designed to catalyze climate innovation in developing economies by nurturing emerging and market-viable climate solutions. The U.S. Department of State works together with CCE partners, including academia, accelerators, investors, nonprofits, and corporations to support climate-focused startups and bolster sustainable investment to confront climate change and advance economic security.
This mission is accomplished through partner-led initiatives such as accelerators, pitch competitions, and specialized maker spaces known as “CCE Hubs.” There are currently nine CCE hubs around the world. CCE hubs support climate-focused entrepreneurs to launch and scale marketable climate solutions, and in doing so, deepen and strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems. Through strategic partnerships with global and local entities, CCE Hubs offer accelerator programs, technical training, mentorship, and increased access to capital. CCE partners committed $2 in private sector funds to support CCE hubs for every $1 from the Department of State’s Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship Fund (CCEF).
Extreme Tech Challenge: Fueling Startup Innovation
Extreme Tech Challenge is globally recognized for its commitment to addressing the world’s most urgent issues through startup innovation, inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. By hosting a diverse range of competitions, thought leadership initiatives, and networking events, it creates pathways for impactful partnerships, venture investments, and mentorship. These efforts empower startup founders and drive sustainable change across various sectors.
Its extensive ecosystem connects startups with valuable opportunities for mentorship, exposure, and investment, thereby accelerating technological advancements that build a better world.
Launching the Extreme Tech Challenge Startup Cup
The first initiative under this new partnership is the Extreme Tech Challenge Startup Cup for semiconductor and AI innovations addressing climate challenges. This startup competition will accelerate technologies that foster a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. The Startup Cup will promote innovations that reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and minimize waste.
The competition will culminate in two high-profile events featuring speakers from the XTC ecosystem, live startup pitches, and ample networking opportunities. The semi finals event to be held during TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 (Oct 30) and the finals event to be held during CES 2025 are poised to spotlight groundbreaking innovations and catalyze further investment and support for climate tech entrepreneurs, particularly those in the CCE strategic regions.
Looking Forward
The MOU signing marks the beginning of a dynamic partnership that promises to accelerate the pace of climate innovation. By incorporating the strengths of XTC into the CCE partnership, this collaboration will provide climate tech entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need to scale their solutions and make a lasting environmental change for generations to come.
For more information, please visit the Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship and Extreme Tech Challenge websites.
Left, Stephen Ozoigbo, Head of Government Partnerships and Ecosystems and Senior Director, Emerging Economics, Arm; and Victoria Slivkoff, Executive Managing Director, Extreme Tech Challenge.
Left, Justin Bryant, Lead, Global Sandboxes Forum and Founder and Principal, Geode LLC; middle, Victoria Slivkoff, Executive Managing Director, Extreme Tech Challenge; and right, Thomas Debass, Chief Partnerships Officer, Managing Director, Office of Global Partnerships, U.S. Department of State.