Global Impact Challenge scouts the planet for net-zero agrarian heroes

16 Jun 2022 --- SVG Ventures and ICL Planet Start-up Hub are on the prowl for global companies making a noteworthy impact toward a net-zero future for agriculture with the launch of the Thrive Global Impact Challenge. 

As the climate crisis closes in on society and denial is no longer an option in light of several other environmentally induced crises such as the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, food shortages and supply chain disruptions due to conflict and inflation, the need for creative thinkers to brainstorm climate solutions has gained importance.

Six companies will be selected to attend the Thrive Forbes Global Sustainability Summit in November and pitch their solution for the opportunity to secure a spot in the Global Accelerator Program.

“Climate action is a task for all of us and disruptive innovation is key to accelerating global efforts toward a net-zero future for agriculture. We believe entrepreneurs hold the key to a sustainable future,” says John Hartnett, founder and CEO, SVG Ventures Thrive. 

Innovators of change 
With the inception of the Global Impact Challenge, Thrive advocates for ways to tackle the climate crisis and forge an equitable future.

The key themes of the challenge are soil health and biodiversity, increasing food security and reducing/offsetting GHG emissions. The themes are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Global Impact Challenge themes are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.    

The launch event is hosted in Tel Aviv, Israel, in partnership with ICL Planet Startup Hub, Thrive’s headline partner in the challenge. Other partners include Bayer, BASF, Driscoll’s, Kubota and Valmont. Applications will be accepted until September 15. 

How many challenges does it take to change the climate?
A host of challenges have been initiated recently to find young talent who can innovate climate solutions.  

For example, the Institute of Food Technologists hosts the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge, which aims to scale solutions to help transform the food system while supporting healthier diets and planetary health.

Funded by the Seeding The Future Foundation, the Challenge offers three levels of awards totaling up to US$1 million annually.

Wageningen University & Research estimates that by 2050, 30% to 40% more protein will be needed to feed the world. To tackle this conundrum, WUR launched the second edition of its ReThink Protein Challenge, a student competition to find more sustainable solutions for the protein transition.

Unilever and a host of industry partners created Paragon, an open platform to combine their market research forces in addressing key global development and sustainability challenges.

In addition, Tetra Pak hosts several research collaborations and programs to accelerate efforts to address global food systems challenges. The initiative is part of the company’s drive to nurture an “innovation ecosystem” to open new opportunities in food availability, safety and environmental sustainability. 

Edited by Inga de Jong

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