Team for the Planet Opens €1 Million Global Search for Climate Tech

The organization, which has raised €41 million through Europe’s largest crowdfunding campaign, pairs winners with seasoned executives to co-lead new ventures. Beyond capital, successful applicants gain access to a 133,000-strong shareholder network and are encouraged to adopt an open-licence model. This strategy aims to accelerate growth across sectors including energy, agriculture, and construction. Former IPCC vice-chair Jean Jouzel emphasizes that while many critical decarbonization technologies already exist, they often fail to reach the necessary scale to impact the global economy.

Applicants face a rigorous multi-stage vetting process involving 10,000 volunteer evaluators, a scientific committee of 14 experts from institutions like CNRS and École Polytechnique, and a final vote by shareholders. Since its 2020 inception, the firm has backed 14 companies, with a long-term goal of supporting 100. Founder Mehdi Coly notes that the funding structure is unique: financial gains are recognized only when specific climate targets are met. By treating a tonne of avoided CO₂ as an economic asset, the firm attempts to prove that decarbonization can function as a profitable business model for investors and inventors alike.