Orange Silicon Valley has launched a Deep Tech for Decarbonization Challenge, in a bid to connect startups with corporations and investors seeking climate solution
The Decarbonization Challenge builds on Orange’s ambitious Net Zero Carbon by 2040 environmental strategy. This new initiative sees one of the French telecom group’s divisions, Orange Silicon Valley, matchmaking startups with the Orange Group and the broader ecosystem of corporations and investors.
Orange says that converging technologies like artificial intelligence AI, the Internet of Things IoT and 5G are creating an opportunity to measure and control industrial carbon emissions for the first time, using deep tech. There is an urgent need to ensure these solutions are rapidly adopted at scale.
Technology partners in this scheme include Delfingen and NVIDIA, investors include EDF and Clean Energy Ventures and collaborating partner Business France. The next step of the challenge is to find start up applicants and corporate/investor participants.
Applicants will be evaluated on their use of digital technologies, readiness for commercial engagement and their ‘decarbonization potential’, as quantified by a tool developed by Clean Energy Ventures. Admitted startups will get access to a series of pitch sessions with launch partners and participants, with additional follow-on opportunities for select startups to formally connect with relevant business units at Orange and partners.
The Challenge complements Orange’s commitment to becoming Net Zero by 2040 for the three phases described by the Greenhouse Gas GHG Protocol, a target the Orange Group has spent several years working towards by cutting its CO2 emissions. Measures have included an energy efficiency policy, adoption of renewable energy and a number of circular economy programmes. Most recently, the group launched Orange Nature, committing €50 million to create the carbon credits required to capture a significant part of the Group’s residual CO2 emissions.
“Supporting digital innovation to tackle the climate crisis is a key element of the Group’s approach, “said Elizabeth Tchoungui, executive director of CSR, Diversity and Philanthropy at Orange, “We are convinced that collaboration with startups and with other corporations is critical to deliver impactful solutions for the environment.”
Gabriel Sidhom, CEO at Orange Silicon Valley, said there is an emerging ClimateTech ecosystem that OSV is targeting in support of the Group’s Net Zero Carbon strategy.
Interested startups, corporations, or investors can apply to join here by April 7th, 2022.