SMARTLAB & EIT CLIMATE-KIC PARTNER TO LAUNCH ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE CLIMACCELERATOR PROGRAM

Larry Ayo, Business Director at SmartLab (left), seated next to Sophie White, Senior Programme Manager for Innovation and Emerging Markets at Climate-KIC (right), addressing media representatives to announce their partnership for launching the Adaptation and Resilience ClimAccelerator Program in Tanzania, 30th September 2024.

Dar es Salaam, 30th September 2024 - SmartLab and Climate-KIC, Europe’s leading innovation agency, have partnered to launch the second edition of the Adaptation and Resilience ClimAccelerator Program in Tanzania. ClimAccelerator is a global program for start-ups to innovate, catalyze and scale the potential of their climate solutions. The Adaptation & Resilience ClimAccelerator in Tanzania aims to support innovative, high impact climate adaptation solutions that help rural populations cope with current or future climate risks.

SmartLab joins as the implementation partner of the ClimAccelerator program to foster innovation and entrepreneurial solutions by offering extensive training, mentorship, and resources to Tanzanian startups who are developing solutions that help rural communities cope with the effects of climate change challenges. This strategic partnership was announced today at a press briefing at the SmartLab headquarters in Dar es Salaam.

This ClimAccelerator is part of the Adaptation Innovation Cluster, an initiative by Climate-KIC and funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland (‘Irish-Aid’). Climate-KIC has been active in Tanzania since 2019 through the ClimateLaunchpad business ideas competition. In 2022, Climate-KIC expanded it’s portfolio of climate innovation initiatives in Tanzania with the aim to enhance the climate resilience of rural communities through innovation and collaboration. Climate-KIC works with start-ups, NGOs, climate experts and accelerator partners and has supported over 300 innovators in Tanzania since 2019

“SmartLab, as a key implementation partner, will lead the execution of the program’s second edition in Tanzania. Our partnership with Climate-KIC is a crucial step toward bridging the skills and innovation gaps in climate adaptation and resilience solutions. By fostering entrepreneurship and supporting innovative businesses, we aim to drive impactful climate adaptation efforts, especially in rural communities where these solutions are needed the most. This program will not only empower local entrepreneurs but also ensure these innovations remain both profitable and sustainable, ultimately strengthening resilience at the grassroots level,” said Larry Ayo, Business Director at SmartLab.

Sophie White, Senior Programme Manager, Innovation and Emerging Markets for Climate-KIC, highlighted the importance of the program: “For the past 15 years, Climate-KIC has been working with climate innovators from all over the world, helping them build profitable and impactful businesses. Tanzania has a vibrant local ecosystem where innovative climate solutions are emerging, and we are excited to partner with SmartLab to nurture and scale these innovations, helping them reach their full potential.”

The ClimAccelerator will focus on supporting initiatives that address the impacts of climate change, with a special emphasis on rural communities.

Looking Ahead: "The Adaptation and Resilience ClimAccelerator Program will unlock the potential of Tanzanian entrepreneurs to scale their climate solutions across the region," said Larry Ayo. "We encourage all climate innovators to participate in this impact-driven initiative."

More updates on the program, including application details and next steps, will be announced in the coming weeks. Follow SmartLab social media and visit our website, www.smartlab.co.tz to stay informed and be part of this transformative journey.