#decarbonization #France #Lyon #Climate Innovation #Team for the Planet

Global Call for Climate Innovation from Team for the Planet

In a groundbreaking initiative, Team for the Planet has launched a global appeal for innovation, inviting researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs to present their climate-friendly technologies. The organization, based in Lyon, France, aims to award €1 million to selected winners, providing them not only with funds but also with the necessary support to scale their impactful solutions to an industrial level.

Founded in 2020, Team for the Planet operates under the conviction that decarbonization can be a profitable venture for both investors and innovators. According to Jean Jouzel, former vice-chair of the IPCC, the urgent need for large-scale innovations to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions is paramount. While many solutions already exist, the primary challenge lies in scaling these technologies effectively.

More Than Just Funding

The initiative goes beyond simple financial support. Winners of the competition will benefit from:

• - Partnership with an experienced executive who will help lead the venture.
• - Access to a vast network of 133,000 shareholders who can provide valuable insights and support.
• - An open-licensing model that has reportedly increased the profitability of previous projects by tenfold.

Eligibility for this award is universal—any innovator, regardless of nationality or legal structure, can submit their projects as long as they demonstrate a measurable impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, targeting reductions of several million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent annually.

A Unique Selection Process

What sets this initiative apart is its rigorous selection process. Each application is meticulously evaluated by:

• - 10,000 trained volunteers
• - An independent scientific committee comprised of 14 experts from renowned institutions such as CNRS and École Polytechnique
• - Feedback from 13 private-equity professionals
• - A final vote by shareholders

Since its inception, over 1,700 proposals have been submitted, leading to the establishment of 14 companies across various sectors, including energy, transport, agriculture, and construction.

Financial Returns for Climate Efforts

As of January 1, 2026, the initiative has revalued shares annually against the portfolio's actual worth, marking a first in the industry. In this unique model, gains from investments are only recognized when specific climate targets are met. With €41 million raised over five years, the campaign stands as Europe’s largest crowdfunding effort in its space. This success has attracted further interest from venture capital and institutional investors.

“A tonne of CO₂ avoided is now seen as an economic asset,” explains Mehdi Coly, the founder of Team for the Planet. Instead of a traditional prize, winning innovators will effectively kickstart the first funding round for what could become a leading force in global decarbonization.

For those interested, applications can be submitted via their website, with the winners to be announced in December. The awards entail €1 million in equity, as well as ongoing entrepreneurial support to ensure that the most promising technologies can flourish and help combat climate change effectively.

About Team for the Planet

Team for the Planet is a non-profit limited partnership established in Lyon, France, with backing from the French government and influential investors, including the Mulliez family and Duval Group. Currently, the organization aims to assist 100 companies** in achieving their decarbonization goals, measuring success in Climate Dividends, where one dividend is equivalent to one tonne of CO₂ avoided.

For more details on the application process and eligibility, visit Team for the Planet's official website.