Innovation30 Climate X: Climate Innovation Acceleration Programme (UNICEF)

A screenshot of all the smiling faces of the Climate X cohort as they meet online for their programme launch session

This is a startup accelerator programme in partnership with UNICEF Office of Innovation, continuing our work on the impactful Innovation30 initiative.

From October to December, we will host six engaging masterclass sessions, bringing together over 60 participants,including 14 climate innovators and 28+ UNICEF country office staff from 20 global south countries. This truly global cohort will explore broad sustainability topics, enriching the learning experience for all involved.

A map showing all the global south locations of the country office representatives and innovation30 startups taking part in the Climate X programme

Applications have now closed.

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Who’s it for?

This programme is bringing together over 60 participants, including 14 climate innovators and 28+ UNICEF country office staff from 20 global south countries. 

Format

We are hosting weekly masterclass sessions build on subjects based of participant feedback and the needs of UNICEF country offices and the young innovators.

The masterclass sessions

The masterclass sessions will focus on specific subject areas highlighted by participants in a pre-programme survey, and designed by CISL's expert subject matter team:

  • 8th Oct: Leading Sustainability: High Impact Leadership​

  • 15th Oct: Innovation for Climate Resilient Built Environment​

  • 22nd Oct: Innovation in Renewable Energy Systems​

  • 29th Oct: Radical Innovation with emerging tech (AI)​

  • 5th Nov: Financing Innovation Scale-ups​

  • 12th Nov: Innovation Impact & Measurement

What else?!

Additionally, we’re thrilled to provide:

  • 1-2-1 Mentorship 

  • Expert Guidance​

  • Networking Opportunities 

  • Peer Learning​

  • Being part of CISL Global network​

  • Demo Day Event in December​

The Delivery Team

Jie Zhou

Jie Zhou

Jie is a sustainability expert with over 15 years of experience in circular economy, systems thinking, and innovation. At the CISL, she helped launch The Canopy, CISL’s incubator and innovation hub, and leads the Sino-UK Centre for Sustainability Innovation.

Sam Laakkonen

Sam Laakkonen

Senior Programme Director of the Canopy & Accelerator Team at CISL, Sam started his career as a management consultant in the City of London.

Zoe Loughlin

Zoë Loughlin

Zoë manages the Canopy, CISL’s Cambridge workspace and global community for impact-driven startups, small businesses and entrepreneurs. Zoë has over 10 years experience working in sustainability across the public and third sector and in the innovation ecosystem.

James Cole

James Cole - Chief Innovation Officer

James has spent over 15 years working at the intersection of business, sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship. As part of CISL’s senior leadership team he works across business policy and finance initiatives.