In fall 2023, GIZ will launch the global "CATAL1.5°T Initiative" (pronounced "Catalyst") to encourage seed investments in promising early-stage climate ventures and to promote regional climate tech innovation networks from the Global South. The initiative is funded by the international Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) for an initial period of six years.
Through regional platforms, the initiative will provide technical and financial support to start-ups and young companies from West Africa and Latin America with innovative products, services and business models, that directly contribute to the net-zero transition until 2050.The initiative supports the decarbonization process in a broad range of sectors. Any venture with a transformative climate solution in the area of energy, food/agriculture & land-use, transportation, buildings and industry & manufacturing can apply for support. Diversity, equity and inclusion are strongly promoted throughout the initiative.