For innovators, disruptors and visionaries – the Hinterland of Things Conference is the central platform for those having a real impact on climate protection through innovation. Climate Tech will be a focus topic at this year’s conference. Partners from venture capital companies, Mittelstand companies from the region and across Germany as well as the latest promising climate tech startups will spend a whole day exchanging knowledge, inspiring each other, making connections for the future and more.
INNOVATING FOR A GREENER TOMORROW
Dive into the world of top notch technologies revolutionizing climate protection, from renewable energy breakthroughs to carbon-neutral transportation solutions. Join visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to explore the future of Climate Tech.
ENERGY INNOVATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
From solar farms to wind turbines, harnessing the power of nature not only reduces carbon emissions but also enhances energy security and resilience. Explore new energy solutions and circular business models that empower businesses to embrace sustainability, reduce costs, and shape a brighter tomorrow.
NAVIGATING TOWARDS A GREENER HORIZON
Mobility is the heartbeat of modern society, connecting people, goods, and ideas. The rise of electric vehicles, ride-sharing platforms, and autonomous technologies are revolutionizing the way we move. These are just some examples – climate protection should be an issue from every perspective.
CURRENT CLIMATE CHALLENGES TO BE SOLVED
The climate tech sector is huge, as climate-friendly measures can be implemented in almost all areas of life. From housing and construction to transportation, nutrition, industrial production and medicine:
According to a study by the Agora think tank, Germany is currently at a record low in terms of CO2 emissions. In theory, Germany has therefore achieved its climate target of reducing CO2 emissions by 65% by 2030 compared to 1990 and being climate-neutral by 2045. However, experts fear that these figures are not sustainable.
In the transport and building sectors, for example, there has been little improvement. Emissions fell from 148 to 145 million tons, missing the targets of the Climate Protection Act for the third time in a row.
Solutions could lie in increased research into alternative drive systems to the combustion engine, such as hydrogen. There are also startups that think beyond traditional road transportation.
Whether housing, clothing, food or electricity – the hunger for resources is insatiable, but there are climate-friendly models to counteract the waste. The circular economy could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 26 percent and raw material consumption by up to 27 percent by 2045, according to a spokesperson for the Öko-Institut. Last but not least, this model is also beneficial for startups and investors. This is because companies save on expensive materials and money. They become less dependent on rare raw materials, protect the environment and, best of all, they can offer their customers a lower price than with a traditional production model. In Germany, starTups and scale-ups such as rebuy, BioCellection and Recup are among the well-known circular economy startups.
According to an Agora study, there has also been little progress in the building sector. CO2 emissions fell by three to 109 million tons, which is nowhere near enough to achieve the climate targets. Startups now want to counteract this. Well-known solar startups such as 1Komma5 and Enpal have gained recognition in recent years. They offer photovoltaic systems for residential buildings and houses, including installation and full service, and their customers benefit financially by feeding surplus electricity back into the grid.
2024 CLIMATE TECH SPEAKERS
This year we have a curated selection of climate tech speakers that will rapidly change the world of education in Germany. Each of them, and more, are actively impacting the climate change.
BENEDIKT BÖSEL
Farmer & Managing Director @ Gut und Bösel
NINA MANNHEIMER
Co-Founder & CPO @ Klim
JAN PANNENBÄCKER
CEO & Co-Founder @ Metaloop
FOR WHOM CLIMATE TECH OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES
Investors
The burgeoning field of climate technology presents an unprecedented opportunity for investors aiming to contribute to global sustainability while seeking substantial returns. Climate tech encompasses innovations aimed at mitigating climate change impacts, from renewable energy to carbon capture and sustainable agriculture. As the urgency for climate action intensifies, investments in this sector are not just environmentally imperative, but also increasingly financially sound after a more investment-intensive early stage. The scalability of climate tech solutions, especially those that leverage digital platforms and advanced technologies, offers promising pathways to rapid market expansion and profitability. With startups entering the space and proving the viability of their solutions, like those in our Startup Exhibition, the investment risk is diminishing, positioning climate tech as a resilient and lucrative investment frontier.
Mittelstand & Corporates
Forward-thinking companies are integrating climate tech into their operations and product lines, recognizing the necessity to adapt to a low-carbon economy. This shift is not merely about corporate responsibility and reducing their environmental footprint but a strategic move to future-proof businesses, enhance operational efficiencies, and meet the growing consumer demand for sustainable practices and products. Also, companies are increasingly required to pay attention to climate-friendly business practices, not least due to an EU directive (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), which has been in force for some companies since January 2024 as part of the European Green Deal. An ideal opportunity to integrate start-ups and climate-innovative technologies into the company. Collaborating with climate tech startups, like those in our Startup Exhibition, and engaging in sustainability-focused events can provide companies early access to transformative technologies and partnerships.
Startups
Startups in the climate tech space are positioned at the forefront of one of the most critical challenges of our time: climate change. The demand for innovative solutions that can reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and promote sustainability is immense and growing. Climate tech startups are uniquely capable of driving significant environmental impact through cutting-edge innovations, from renewable energy systems to smart agriculture technologies. Despite the complexities of market entry and the need for substantial initial investment, the potential for growth and impact is enormous. The current climate crisis, coupled with the increasing societal and governmental push towards sustainability, creates a fertile ground for startups to innovate, scale, and lead the transition to a sustainable future.
CURATED OPPORTUNITIES FOR TECH enthusiasts!
A selected menu about topics that really matter
