Tech4Regen 2024 Ceremony: Highlights

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Celebrating Innovation and Collaboration: Highlights of the Tech4Regen 2024 Closing Ceremony

On November 25, 2024, the EPFL Forum Rolex came alive with energy and vision as we celebrated the culmination of the first year of the Tech4Regen Accelerator Program. As the first edition of this initiative, it marked an important milestone—a foundational step towards a larger vision. As we have now better defined the direction we should take,  we are already looking forward to implementing improvements and complementary actions in the years to come. This year’s cohort of cleantech startups already showcased they can bring viable solutions to the sustainability challenges faced be industries. We need not to scale those solutions and also address complex, inter-sectoral issues.

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A Showcase of Cleantech Excellence

The event featured 20 pioneering cleantech startups, each presenting their groundbreaking solutions contributing to the regenerative economy. From green materials innovations to advanced digital solutions for regenerative finance and agriculture, these entrepreneurs demonstrated the critical role startups play in reimagining industrial processes and resource management.

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Our Partners' Vision and Needs

The Tech4Regen partners — Canton de Vaud (SPEI), Logitech, Romande Energie, and Fondation Valery— shared their vision for a more sustainable industry and the key actions needed to achieve it. Their openness about challenges and commitment to supporting startups have been invaluable in driving solutions for a greener, circular economy.

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Rosenfield Awards: Honoring Excellence

One of the evening's highlights was the distribution of the Rosenfield Awards, recognizing exceptional achievements in purpose-driven ventures.

• Databaum: awarded for AI-based farming technology that helps farmers to secure yields, harvest quality and save on pesticides.
• Open Forest Protocol: awarded for their blockchain-based platform connecting stakeholders in reforestation projects to accelerate global afforestation efforts.

Both winners exemplify how startups can catalyze tangible environmental change with scalable, impactful solutions.

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Acknowledging Excellence in Coaching

Cara Tobin was nominated Mentor/Coach of the Year by the Tech4Regen startups. Cara has been a cornerstone of our program, offering unparalleled support to startups by:

•  Guiding business and fundraising strategies.
•  Facilitating key partnerships with investors, industry, and research.
•  Driving successful applications for collaborative projects
• Actively promotingTech4Regen on the international stage.

 We sincerely thank our exceptional coaches—Eric Favre, Vincent Bieri, KatiaGutknecht-Botti, and Caroline Co.Ko.—for their dedication and expertise. As highly experienced seasoned leaders in startups and corporates, their guidance was pivotal in shaping the success of this year’s cohort.

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Fostering Dialogue and Collaboration

The event followed a dynamic forum co-organized with EPFL, which fostered dialogues between researchers, industry leaders, and startups. The day concluded with an inspiring exhibition of startups and labs, showcasing cutting-edge innovations, and a vibrant networking cocktail, where connections and ideas flourished.

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The Tech4Regen Annual Report Is Out!

You missed the ceremony and want to learn all about the program's achievements, as well as its 20 supported startups? Check out the annual report here.