Climate Response Sprint 2026
Accelerating solutions for a net-zero future.
A two-stage pathway from global solution discovery to UAE deployment, validation and global showcase — for established start-ups with a market-ready climate or environmental solution.
In partnership with
Applications close
5 October 2026
Registration opens 28 September 2026
Four priority innovation themes
AI, advanced analytics, digital twins, smart sensing and environmental intelligence act as cross-cutting enablers.
Decarbonization, Resource Efficiency & Carbon Management
Reduce emissions at source, improve energy and resource efficiency, and enable better carbon measurement and management.
Clean Air, Emissions Intelligence & Public Health Protection
Strengthen monitoring, forecasting, exposure intelligence and targeted emissions-reduction action.
Climate Resilience, Environmental Risk & Early Warning
Improve predictive capability, environmental-risk preparedness and proactive operational response.
Climate-Smart Agriculture, Land & Nature-Based Solutions
Advance resilient agriculture, efficient resource use, land restoration and nature-positive climate action.
The programme journey
- 1
Closes 5 Oct 2026
Open Registration
Eligible established start-ups apply. Registration opens 28 September.
- 2
Following closure
Evaluation & Top 10
Assessed for alignment, impact, readiness and team capability.
- 3
10-day bootcamp
Phase 1: Sprint Accelerator
Top 10 refine solutions, impact KPIs, business model and pitch.
- 4
Date to be confirmed
Top 10 Pitch Day
Teams pitch to government, industry and investment stakeholders.
- 5
Approx. six weeks
Phase 2: Advanced Accelerator
Top 3–5 advance to deployment planning, validation and partnerships.
- 6
Subject to confirmation
Final 3 & Global Showcase
Considered for platforms such as GITEX Global and ADSW.
Sprint Accelerator Bootcamp
- Challenge alignment and target-user validation
- Technical, data, integration and deployment-readiness review
- Environmental impact framework, baselines and measurable KPIs
- Business model, market fit and UAE deployment pathway
- Policy, regulatory and stakeholder considerations
- Investment readiness, pitch development and mock judging
Output
A refined proposition, impact KPIs, UAE pilot concept, updated business model, partnership map and pitch deck.
Advanced Deployment & Validation
- Pilot and validation planning, baselines and success measures
- Technical integration, data availability and cybersecurity readiness
- Policy, regulatory, standards and approvals pathway
- Environmental impact measurement, verification and reporting
- Commercial model, procurement pathway and partnership development
- Financial modelling, investment preparation and investor engagement
Output
A validated deployment case, partner commitments, investment brief and scale-up roadmap.
Who should apply
- An established company and operating team able to participate throughout the programme.
- A market-ready product already commercially available or being delivered to customers.
- Evidence of customers, deployments, contracts, revenue or other demonstrated traction.
- Clear potential to generate measurable climate or environmental impact.
- A scalable business model and credible pathway for implementation in the UAE.
Recognition & benefits
- Incubator membership with structured business and deployment-readiness support.
- Tailored deployment support including pilot planning, expert guidance and partner introductions.
- Curated access to relevant investors and strategic partners through facilitated introductions.
- Programme recognition and potential showcase opportunities.
No monetary award is offered. Funding, investment, procurement and deployment are not guaranteed and remain subject to readiness and partner assessment. Selection, pitch and showcase arrangements are subject to final confirmation.
Idea-stage concepts and prototype-only projects are not eligible. Applicants should already have an established, market-ready solution with evidence of commercial activity or market traction — customers, deployments, contracts, revenue or strategic partnerships.
Apply
Apply to the Climate Response Sprint
Open to established start-ups with a market-ready solution and demonstrated traction. Applications close 5 October 2026.
Climate Response Sprint 2026
Accelerating solutions for a net-zero future
Questions before you apply? The contact section has our details and a form for anything else.