From 2016 NGO Cleantech ForEst has invested over 1mln€ in more than 50 cleantech startups, they have raised over 18mln€ afterwards. Now the umbrella organisation of Estonia’s cleantech startups is launching together with cleantech investors Sunly a new Beamline Accelerator for ambitious startups.
Cleantech startup scene has seen a massive growth in recent years for what a more focused approach is needed in order to provide a competitive advantage for startups. Novel accelerator’s perspective is to focus on specific industries per batch, such as Energy and Smart Cities, Circular Economy, Food and Agriculture etc. The startups will receive cash investments, international industry mentors and piloting possibilities with corporations, as well as a fast-paced accelerator programme itself.
During the past few years Sustainability and Green Transition topics have received close attention by the whole society. Cleantech startups have come to spotlight compared to the IT sector that has dominated startup scene for the past decade or two. Today we can say that most of the startups have to be partly cleantech. When some politicians and thought leaders are talking about the need to consume and pollute less, without proposing solid solutions, then Cleantech ForEst is convinced that in order to have efficient use of resources and circularity, minimised environmental impact and at the same time a rising standard of living, we need to have Clean Innovations and Technologies to pave the way.
„Cleantech ForEst has been from its inception solely focused on finding, developing and investing in these solutions. Seeing and feeling firsthand the fast development of cleantech sector and startups, it is increasingly important to address the sector’s development in a strategic and systemic way. Our team and partners stand for the positive economic, social and environmental developments in Estonia through our activities and programmes.“ Erki Ani, CEO of Cleantech ForEst.
Over the years the team has gained a wealth of knowledge that is going to be put in use in the Beamline Accelerator. In addition, there is a wide network of international mentors, investors and industries involved who are eager to kick start the next success stories.
Beamline Accelerator’s first batch will focus on Energy and Smart Cities. Priit Lepassepp, the CEO of Sunly and main funder of the accelerator states that „Estonia is in a really good position to roll out new businesses in the Energy sector coming from our strenght in the IT sector and the availability of relevant data since Estonia is one of firsts to digitize its grid. Based on this, Estonia can be seen as an incubator where you can test your products and services, and create a splendid reference to enter new markets.“
The applications are open from today and the chosen teams will start in the Beamline from 1st of June 2021. There are dozens of international experts and indrustry related corporations, who are ready to offer their knowledge and collaboration possibilities. Keep an eye out for batch 2 as well since the preparations have already begun.