Cleantech
A stronger industrial competitiveness through cleantech innovation
A stronger industrial competitiveness through cleantech innovation
Begun as a concept two decades ago, Cleantech was referred to as Greentech or eco-innovation. Today, it has a broader reach - generally including new technologies and business models, products, services, and processes that reduce or eliminate negative environmental impact, improve the productive and responsible use of natural resources, while providing superior performance at lower costs.
MOUSTADAMA fosters innovation and entrepreneurship in the emerging clean technology sector in Palestine. The Programme aims to support entrepreneurs and start-ups in developing new, locally driven clean energy products and clean technology solutions to be introduced as innovative businesses to the market. Energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water-energy nexus are the main fields of application targeted by MOUSTADAMA’s CleanTech Program.
Challenges and Opportunities for Cleantech Innovation in Palestine
Cleantech encompasses technologies that cut emissions, improve the environment, and reduce the consumption of natural resources. Clean technologies use renewable energy sources like wind, solar, as well as low-carbon fuels, together with water management and recycling technologies, waste management techniques, and environmentally friendly buildings and transportation.
Cleantech SMEs and start-ups contribute to green growth, allowing many businesses to prosper and create new jobs. The field is expanding: cleantech will represent a USD $6.4 trillion industry in developing countries over the next decade, and more than USD $1.7 trillion will be accessible to SMEs and start-ups. Even so, in those countries today that enormous potential for investment is largely untapped.
In Palestine, the development for clean solutions is not only a strategic opportunity to meet the unfulfilled demand for water and energy but is also driven by challenging economic circumstances. These include restrictions on imports and movement, an inadequate infrastructure, and limited technological development. In addition, local cleantech ventures have insufficient access to financing, which inhibits new ideas, the creation of innovative products and services, and the ability to access local and international markets and scale their growth.
However, unmet energy needs and limitations on access to materials and equipment make the case for Palestinian research and development facilities to identify innovative solutions for better resource use through local energy solutions.
MOUSTADAMA fosters innovation and entrepreneurship in the emerging clean technology sector in Palestine. The Programme aims to support entrepreneurs and start-ups in developing new, locally driven clean energy products and clean technology solutions to be introduced as innovative businesses to the market.
Boosting Cleantech Innovation in Palestine
As part of its efforts to develop and implement a national Program to nurture innovation in the clean technology sector, MOUSTADAMA provides opportunities for start-ups and entrepreneurs to develop their products and access investors and potential customers. As the first Program developed in Palestine for the cleantech industrial sector, MOUSTADAMA offers valuable networking opportunities through business forums, competitions, business workshops, and global expos. These events, combined with media exposure and visibility, provide important linkages to help local cleantech ventures grow and prosper.
In its efforts to boost new cleantech ideas and help bring those innovations to fruition despite intrinsic challenges in Palestine, MOUSTADAMA:
Provides access to technical know-how and mentorship for 90 entrepreneurs and startuppers
Offers entrepreneurs access to laboratories and tools to develop and prototype their energy efficiency and renewable energy ideas.
Creates platforms to exchange knowledge and gain open access to the latest technologies.
Provides support for the development of policies that foster a dynamic cleantech sector.
Helps create demand for and bring clean energy and clean technology solutions to local and international markets.
Provides mentorship in the commercialization of products and services related to RE and EE.
The Cleantech Hub
The main objective of the CleanTech Program from MOUSTADAMA is to help build a dynamic entrepreneurship community in Palestine focused on sustainable energy and clean technology solutions.
The Program has established three physical CleanTech Hubs in these targeted areas: East Jerusalem, Gaza Strip, and West Bank. These CleanTech Hubs will be instrumental in promoting clean technology innovation in Palestine by:
- Identifying and nurturing innovative local clean technologies for renewable energy and energy efficiency in targeted industries
- Connecting start-ups and innovators with mentors and potential local and international business advisory services and mentorship programs
- Networking with other national programmes, funds, and initiatives relating to similar technologies
Specifically, participants to the CleanTech Hubs will have access to research and development platforms, networking opportunities with researchers and experts, and access to a library of solutions and latest technologies. Industry clinics will link entrepreneurs with energy experts and testing labs. Training will include business and market skills development and technical education and certification. Finally, the accelerator process will facilitate access to business partners and investors who are key stakeholders in clean technology innovation. Attention will be given to the local context, tailored to Palestinian needs, throughout all facets of the CleanTech Innovation Hubs.
The Palestine CleanTech Innovation Competition
MOUSTADAMA supports an annual business innovation competition, the Palestine CleanTech Innovation Competition, focusing on clean energy solutions. Start-ups and entrepreneurs can participate and be selected for an intense mentoring and training programs in which they can further develop their clean energy and clean technology ideas. The 30 selected semifinalists will have access to a 10-day national academy and a 10-week acceleration phase that includes business clinics, webinars, continuous mentorship, mock judging, and a final pitching event. Assistance from local and international experts will provide advice and guidance to innovators on product design and prototyping, while business advisory services will help the entrepreneurs and start-ups to bring their products to local and international markets.
The competition is open to Palestinian innovators who have new cleantech business ideas, proof of concepts, protypes, and products. The three specific areas for product development include Energy Efficiency (EE), Renewable Energy (RE), and Water-Energy Nexus. Entrepreneurs with established companies, but limited funding, are encouraged to take part. The three best business ideas will be awarded up to 25,000 Euro and as many as three national winners will be selected to participate in the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) annual Global Business Forum to be held in Silicon Valley.
MOUSTADAMA's Cleantech Ideas
Discover the projects developed by the Cleantech Candidates during the course of the 1st Edition 2021 of the Palestine CleanTech Innovation Competition.
Discover the projects developed by the Cleantech Candidates during the course of the 2nd Edition 2022 of the Palestine CleanTech Innovation Competition.
The Palestine CleanTech Innovation Competition
The 3rd Edition is now closed.
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