The Accelerator is another way in which Ninety One expresses its commitment to driving climate-related solutions.
The Earthshot Prize was launched by Prince William in 2020 to search for and scale game-changing innovations that will help us repair our planet.
The Ninety One Accelerator leverages the reach and expertise of The Earthshot Prize, with the skills and networks of Ninety One in South Africa and beyond, to create a programme that equips Earthshot solutions to take the next step in their journey.
The Accelerator will provide customised support, including an appropriate blend of funding, technical assistance and strategic guidance to enable growth and mobilise funding into the early stage climate innovation ecosystem. It will initially focus on innovative young Earthshot solutions which are primarily South Africa-focused with global ambitions, so that they are investment ready and better positioned to scale their businesses.
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What is its aim? The Accelerator aims to develop a pipeline of innovations for investors in climate-related solutions, thus strengthening and enabling the growth of the sustainability ecosystem across the region. This will stimulate the creation of green jobs, drive innovation, and mobilise capital. |
How are the recipients chosen? Candidates will be screened and selected annually from The Earthshot Prize nominations. The initial focus will be on companies operating in South Africa, or which target the country as a current or potential market but ultimately have global ambitions. The Accelerator may also be extended to support companies across the African continent where appropriate. |
What will the Accelerator do? The Accelerator will work with partners to deliver a 9-month programme to up to 30 innovators between 2025 and 2030. The estimated total value of support, including direct funding and in-kind programmatic contribution, is c. R45 million / $2.5m over the 6-year period. |
A global network Ninety One is also a member of the Undaunted Accelerator Network, launched during Earthshot Week. Undaunted, a partnership between Imperial College London and the Royal Institution, aims to speed 10,000 eco-innovations to scale in this decade. The global network, with 17 initial members, will foster collaboration between accelerators, incubators and other organisations around the world as they support and accelerate early-stage start-ups to tackle the most pressing environmental challenges facing the world. |
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