Going green

building bridges for a sustainable future

Climate tech is taking off in California, emphasized by the goal of a net zero economy by 2045. With rising global awareness, growing consumer demand, shifts in investor risk assessments, ambitious political priorities and technological advancements, climate solutions represent a growing market - with an opportunity to do profitable business while making an impact.

Against the backdrop of Danish climate strategies, Innovation Centre Denmark in Silicon Valley in 2020 set out to uncover trends, research, networks, initiatives, models and technologies in the thriving ecosystem of Silicon Valley and California of relevance to the green transition. Findings point to an increasing focus on climate tech across the ecosystem of research, startups, corporates, investors and accelerators offering exciting opportunities for Danish stakeholders with global climate and business ambitions.

World class research institutions in the Bay Area are zooming in on climate research, and resources are devoted to green incubators, facilitating the leap across the ‘valley of death’ for new climate startups.

Specialized green accelerators have emerged together with a new wave of green venture capitalists and investors with patient capital, ready to invest in climate tech.

Corporate venture capital units are present in large numbers in Silicon Valley looking for their next strategic investment in sustainable solutions that will meet consumer demand and mitigate climate risk.

Silicon Valley and California present a unique capacity to develop, innovate and scale technologies that contribute to decarbonization in many forms, and opportunities to be inspired by a visionary mindset as well as business and innovation models are many. The ecosystem has a world-renowned track record of producing ground-breaking technologies within information and communication technologies, which will be also playing a key role in driving sustainability and decarbonization efforts. At the same time, California presents business opportunities within areas such as zero-emission vehicles, energy storage and conversion (e.g. green hydrogen), energy efficiency, water technology, circular economy, and much more.

To get insights, dive deeper into topics within green innovation and to get to know our wide network of stakeholders better, please check out our insights below.