In 2020, COVID-19 cast a dark pall over nearly every sector of the global economy. The one exception? Cleantech. Year over year, all top cleantech index funds saw 100% returns or more. If anything, the pandemic catalyzed a greater sense of urgency to address the impacts of climate change on humans and the planet. This is especially true in traditionally marginalized communities, where climate impacts are exacerbating longstanding economic and health disparities.
Now, as the world’s largest economies renew legislative focus on reducing greenhouse gases and funding cleantech innovation, potential startup founders have fresh opportunities. For diverse founders — including women and BIPOC — the timing is particularly ripe. With the expansion of designated venture funds, accelerators, and mentorship programs, diverse founders have a firmer foundation for launching and growing successful cleantech startups. Most importantly, diverse founders are ready to incorporate underserved communities into their innovation, ensuring that all people benefit from cleantech solutions.
In this session, you will hear from our panel of Cornell faculty and experienced startup founders about fast-moving opportunities in cleantech. They will dive deep into several specific initiatives focused on developing and supporting diverse founders in the industry.
