Touted as Europe’s biggest pitch and scale opportunity for green and environmental innovators, the BE100 competition is free and open to business of all sizes.
The organisers of the Blue Earth Summit anticipate applications from startups and scaleups in climate technology, clean energy, air and water but want to hear from all emerging business solutions in planet health. Registrations are open here.
BE100 forms a central part of the summit’s manifesto, Inspire. Connect. Act., as Blue Earth co-founder, Guy Hayler explains.
“BE100 is our own direct action to find and fund businesses that are driving systemic change within their respective industries.
“To date we have raised over £125m for 42 businesses and expect to play a role in raising £100m for businesses that are part of the Blue Earth community this year.”
Formal applications opened in June during London Climate Action Week.
Once applications are reviewed, a shortlist of 30 will be drawn up, with the opportunity to pitch to investors at the next Blue Earth Summit taking place between 16 and 18 October, at Woolwich Works.
Now in its fourth year, the event attracts 5,000 innovators, startups, scale-ups, global corporations, politicians, adventurers, academics, celebrities and campaigners under one roof.
The event covers three days and 10 stages, with 300 speakers including Dragons Den’s Deborah Meaden, Ecotricity founder Dale Vince OBE, Iceland CEO, Richard Walker, former Minister and Trustee of the Climate Group, Amber Rudd, and Arctic Explorer and Investor, Ben Saunders.
They all join representatives from organisations such as Virgin, Diageo, British Business Bank, Rewilding Britain and Blue Marine Foundation.
A spokesman says every significant climate impact sector will be represented, with talks, workshops, clinics and networking opportunities to optimise learning and inspire action.
What a winner
One of last year’s winners, Waterhaul, clinched £981,390 from investors to expand its fight against plastic pollution.
The Cornwall firm already turns discarded fishing nets into stylish sunglasses and aims to grow its collection capacity and continue innovation in sustainable product development.
Founder Harry Dennis said, Presenting at Blue Earth Summit was not merely an opportunity; it was a critical moment of validation for our methods and mission.
“This event connected us with our first major investor, sparking a wave of support that has been essential for our growth.”
The summit also solidified Warerhaul’s partnership with Kia, which has boosted visibility and networking. Blue Earth’s Ventures team played a pivotal role in supporting Waterhaul’s successful funding round, attracting backing from a combination of strategic angel investors, institutional funds, and public contributions.
“We are now exceptionally well-positioned to execute our growth plan, backed by solid funding, strategic support, and a heightened awareness of our initiatives.”
