ClimateLaunchpad 2025: Applications open for the world’s largest cleantech competition

The 2025 edition of ClimateLaunchpad, the world’s largest cleantech competition, is already accepting applications in Portugal. The programme seeks the most innovative business ideas to tackle climate change and will select up to 10 projects. Winners will secure a spot in the European Regional Final, receive incubation at UPTEC, and the first-place winner will earn a trip to the global final in Vienna, Austria.

In Portugal, the competition is organized by UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto, Ordem dos Engenheiros, and Fórum Oceano/Hub Azul, who will be involved in the selection process and serve as judges in the national final. ClimateLaunchpad is promoted by EIT Climate-KIC, a European Union initiative focused on climate innovation and welcomes projects in cleantech fields such as blue economy, food systems, sustainable mobility, circular economies, clean energy, adaptability and resilience, next big thing, and urban solutions.

The programme begins with an online introduction event on May 8, where the selected projects will be announced. From May 19 to 21, participants will take part in an intensive online bootcamp led by international experts. The national final will take place in person on June 26, where the top three projects will be awarded.

In addition to competing in the European Regional Final and benefiting from a four-month incubation period at UPTEC, winners will receive mentorship and an exclusive interview to promote their projects. The first-place winner will also receive a trip to Vienna in November to represent Portugal in the global final.

The initiative is supported by key partners such as Vieira de Almeida, Associação Smart Waste Portugal, Prio, Galp, and Fundação Repsol, all of whom will provide mentorship and specialized support throughout the programme. Since its launch, ClimateLaunchpad has supported over 5,000 startups worldwide and helped raise more than €500 million in investments.

Applications are open until May 4 and can be submitted via the official platform. Eligible applicants must reside in Portugal, have an innovative idea, and not have a company older than two years or have received more than €200,000 in funding.

Among the standout Portuguese alumni is Seedsight, a startup developing sustainable solutions for the cereal value chain. Gonçalo Ramos, CEO of Seedsight, shared his experience:

“ClimateLaunchpad was crucial for validating our solution in a competitive and international environment. The programme helped us refine our value proposition and strengthen our market approach. The media visibility and credibility of the competition were key to attracting interest from the agri-food sector and impact investors.”