Strategic Partners
العربية
Climate Response Sprint 2026
Accelerating solutions for a net zero future.
A programme in two stages for established startups whose climate or environmental solution is already ready for market. It takes them from global solution discovery to deployment and validation in the UAE, with opportunities to showcase the strongest solutions.
Applications close
5 October 2026
Registration opens 28 September 2026
Four priority innovation themes
AI, advanced analytics, digital twins, smart sensing and environmental intelligence act as enablers across all four themes.
Decarbonization, Resource Efficiency & Carbon Management
Reduce emissions at source, improve energy and resource efficiency, and enable better carbon measurement and management.
Clean Air, Emissions Intelligence & Public Health Protection
Strengthen monitoring, forecasting, exposure intelligence and targeted action to reduce emissions.
Climate Resilience, Environmental Risk & Early Warning
Improve predictive capability, readiness for environmental risk and proactive operational response.
Climate-Smart Agriculture, Land & Nature-Based Solutions
Advance resilient agriculture, efficient resource use, land restoration and climate action that restores nature.
The programme journey
Showcase participation depends on event timing, organiser approval, space availability and how ready the project is.
- 1
21 to 30 Sep
Launch & applications
National and global open call.
- 2
1 Oct
Top 10 selection
Multidisciplinary evaluation.
- 3
5 to 14 Oct
Sprint bootcamp
Ten days of intensive refinement.
- 4
15 Oct
Top 10 pitch
Proposed Forbes event.
- 5
Mid Oct to Nov
Advanced accelerator
Validation track for the top 3 to 5.
- 6
Dec to Jan
Final 3 showcase
GITEX and ADSW, subject to the note below.
Sprint Accelerator Bootcamp
- Challenge alignment and validation with target users
- Technical, data, integration and deployment readiness review
- Environmental impact framework, baselines and measurable KPIs
- Business model, market fit and UAE deployment pathway
- Policy, regulatory and stakeholder considerations
- Investment readiness, pitch development and mock judging
Output
A refined proposition, impact KPIs, UAE pilot concept, updated business model, partnership map and pitch deck.
Advanced Deployment & Validation
- Pilot and validation planning, baselines and success measures
- Technical integration, data availability and cybersecurity readiness
- Policy, regulatory, standards and approvals pathway
- Environmental impact measurement, verification and reporting
- Commercial model, procurement pathway and partnership development
- Financial modelling, investment preparation and investor engagement
Output
A validated deployment case, partner commitments, investment brief and a roadmap for scaling.
Who should apply
- An established company and operating team able to participate throughout the programme.
- A product already commercially available or being delivered to customers.
- Evidence of customers, deployments, contracts, revenue or other demonstrated traction.
- Clear potential to generate measurable climate or environmental impact.
- A scalable business model and credible pathway for implementation in the UAE.
Recognition & benefits
- Incubator membership with structured business and deployment readiness support.
- Tailored deployment support including pilot planning, expert guidance and partner introductions.
- Curated access to relevant investors and strategic partners through facilitated introductions.
- Programme recognition and opportunities to showcase selected solutions at leading national and international events.
Concepts at idea stage, and projects that exist only as a prototype, are not eligible. Applicants should already have an established solution in the market, with evidence of commercial activity or traction, such as customers, deployments, contracts, revenue or strategic partnerships.
Programme Participation Format
- Phase 1, the Sprint Accelerator Bootcamp, will be delivered in a hybrid format, allowing international participants to attend online.
- Physical attendance at the Pitch Day is mandatory for all selected participants.
- Applicants should confirm their availability and commitment to meet these participation requirements when submitting their applications.
Apply
Apply to the Climate Response Sprint
Open to established startups with a solution already in the market and demonstrated traction. Applications close 5 October 2026.
Climate Response Sprint 2026
Accelerating solutions for a net zero future
Questions before you apply? The contact section has our details and a form for anything else.