Areas of Action

Based on a structured approach grounded in extensive research, scientific insights, and an understanding of global socio-economic and environmental trends, we derive the thematic focus for the RESPOND Accelerator – our Areas of Action. We’ve identified crucial leverage points where technologies can have the greatest impact on reducing emissions and building resilient economic systems. We’re looking for innovations across two strategic focus areas.

Energy Transition & Infrastructure

The energy transition is essential for achieving global net-zero targets. By 2050, global energy demand is expected to increase by 50%, while the world must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5°C, as outlined by the IPCC.

Meeting this challenge requires innovative deep-tech solutions that accelerate the decarbonization of energy systems and modernize infrastructure to align with the needs of a net-zero economy.

We are particularly focused on

Advanced renewable energy generation: Including geothermal, marine (tidal and wave), hydro, and bioenergy solutions that can expand clean energy capacity and diversity.
Energy storage: Including next-generation battery technologies, thermal energy storage, and other energy carriers such as hydrogen and ammonia that address the intermittency of renewable energy.
Energy efficiency solutions: Especially those targeting industrial processes, energy-intensive sectors, and the built environment to reduce energy consumption and optimize system performance.
Infrastructure innovations: Enhancing energy grids, smart infrastructure, and decentralized energy systems to support the transition to a resilient, low-carbon energy network.

Industry Decarbonization

Industrial processes contribute nearly 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with sectors like steel, cement, and chemicals particularly hard to decarbonize due to their reliance on high-temperature processes and fossil fuel inputs. Without innovative solutions, emissions from these industries could grow to over 60% by 2050. To meet the 1.5°C target, industrial emissions must be reduced by 93% by mid-century.

Deep-tech innovations are essential for transforming these hard-to-abate sectors. Additionally, carbon removal technologies will be crucial to offset residual emissions.

We are particularly interested in

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage: Capturing CO₂ from industrial processes, storing it in geological formations, or converting it into products such as synthetic fuels and carbon-based materials.
Electrification and Efficiency in Industrial Processes: Decarbonizing high-emission industries through electrification of heat, advanced energy efficiency technologies, and circular carbon processes that recycle emissions and reduce waste.
Carbon Removal Technologies: Including direct air capture, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, and tech-enabled nature-based solutions to enhance carbon sequestration.
Geological Sequestration: Long-term storage of captured CO₂ in stable underground reservoirs such as depleted oil and gas fields, ensuring permanent carbon removal.

<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/5cc00d5b-5af2-4de2-b814-63a43a9ba3c6/1246a6cd-64e5-4838-82ad-838e1891019b/RE_Icons_Small_Black_ArrowRight.png" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/5cc00d5b-5af2-4de2-b814-63a43a9ba3c6/1246a6cd-64e5-4838-82ad-838e1891019b/RE_Icons_Small_Black_ArrowRight.png" width="40px" /> Get ready to prepare your application - here. If you want to revisit some key information of the program, head to our value proposition, the program structure an timeline and how we select the startups. Don’t forget to hand in your application until November 30th.

If you still have questions, reach out to us and we will try our best to help.

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