Today marks the inauguration of Innovate47, a new initiative that will enable Pakistani business owners to address climate change.The goal of the three-month virtual program is to provide participants with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to design and implement environmentally beneficial projects.
Orbit Startups’ Managing General Partner William Bao Bean emphasized the significance of sustainable economic transformation: Pakistan’s economy is undergoing a technological revolution. In order to protect the environment even while the economy grows, it is imperative that we implement this shift in a sustainable manner. The CEO of Invest2Innovate (i2i), Sarah Munir, stressed the importance of regional climate solutions: It is imperative to develop climate solutions that are both sustainable and tailored to the specific needs of Pakistan and programs such as these are essential for identifying and developing the nation’s future generation of climate leaders.”
The harsh effects of climate change are already being felt in Pakistan, where there is a shortage of water due to melting Himalayan glaciers, increased frequency of heatwaves, and rising temperatures. By giving entrepreneurs the tools they need to create creative solutions specifically suited to Pakistan’s climate difficulties, Innovate47 seeks to address these problems.
A network of organizations, including Orbit Startups, Invest2Innovate, National Incubation Center Faisalabad, Change Mechanics, and the National Incubation Center Islamabad, support the program. Workshops on clean technologies, sustainable business models, mitigating the effects of climate change, and adaption tactics will be provided by Innovate47. In addition to peer-to-peer learning opportunities and money, participants will receive professional mentoring, legal support as well as business relationships.
For corporate workers who are enthusiastic about sustainability, Innovate47 also provides a “Intrapreneurship Program” that gives them advice on how to create and execute eco-friendly solutions inside their companies.
The deadline to apply for the first cohort of Innovate47 is July 31, 2024. Entrepreneurs with a variety of concepts are encouraged to apply; these ideas can include disaster management, sustainable fashion, emission reduction, renewable energy, and waste reduction techniques.Umair Sheikh, Managing Director of Innovate47 and a director at the Founder Institute, said, “We are excited to launch Innovate47 and create a platform where innovative ideas can flourish.” “We are dedicated to empowering Pakistan’s next generation of climate leaders, and we firmly believe that entrepreneurship holds enormous potential for combating climate change.”
