Global Entrepreneurship Centre aims to promote sustainable start-ups

Deeptechs with a focus on climate action can apply for funding until January 29.

The Global Entrepreneurship Centre (GEC) is launching a call for sustainable startups. Companies from the construction, housing, textiles, energy, and agriculture and food sectors can apply. The entire scale-up program includes funding of up to 200,000 euros in the form of convertible loans and in-kind contributions. The application period runs until January 29.

The program is designed to support founders in developing their start-ups into scalable companies. Initially, 20 young companies are to receive funding each year. In the funding, the start-ups first go through the Catalyst program. After successful completion, they can qualify for the Scaling Factory. In the program, the founders will learn expertise in sustainability management.

The GEC is a transformation hub that addresses scaling barriers for deeptechs. The hub, based in Meerbusch, Germany, supports national and international companies that meet certain sustainability criteria. The goal of the hub, he said, is to drive structural change in the Rhineland in line with sustainable development goals. The GEC is supported by the Rhine district of Neuss and by the "STARK Program" to support transformation in the Rhineland mining area.