THE Adaptation and Resilience ClimAccelerator programme, a transformative climate innovation initiative has officially been launched, in a collaborative effort between EIT Climate-KIC, Europe’s leading climate innovation agency, and SmartLab, Tanzania’s top innovation hub.

ClimAccelerator is a global programme for start-ups to innovate, catalyse and scale the potential of their climate solutions. In Tanzania, the initiative aims to support innovative, high impact climate adaptation solutions that help rural populations cope with current or future climate risks.

During the launch event in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, Larry Ayo, Business Lab Director at SmartLab, emphasized the significance of the collaboration. 

“Our partnership with EIT Climate-KIC equips Tanzanian entrepreneurs with the tools to develop scalable climate solutions that address pressing environmental challenges while empowering communities in need,” Ayo said.

He said launch of the programme’s second cohort is aimed to empower local start-ups with climate adaptation solutions that strengthen resilience across rural and urban communities.

He said the programme has already received 170 applications from innovators across Tanzania, including Iringa, Arusha, Dodoma, Zanzibar, Mwanza and Singida regions. 

After a rigorous selection process, 10 promising start-ups were chosen to join the programme. These include Tanzania Viable Farms, HERVeg.05, Ndugunamiti Enterprises Limited, Kilimomax Solutions, insectUp, Rada 360 Limited, Thorntsorn, Kesho Technologies Company Limited, DMA Ltd and Addrone Digital. 

The selected start-ups will now benefit from mentorship, tailored resources, and access to key networks to scale their innovative solutions and drive long-term resilience against climate change.

Gerald David, Programe Lead at the Global Resilience Partnership said: “The Adaptation and Resilience ClimAccelerator demonstrates how partnerships can be leveraged to tackle climate risks effectively.”

“Programmes like this provide local innovators with the support they need to confront global challenges’” David said.

The 10 selected start-ups, working across sectors such as agriculture, water management, land use, coastal areas, and human settlements, were given the opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions to the audience. These projects aim to address critical climate challenges while improving livelihoods in vulnerable communities.

Edwin Bruno, CEO of Smart Africa Group highlighted the collective effort behind the launch. “Today’s event reflects the commitment of all our partners. We thank EIT Climate-KIC and Irish Aid for their continued support as we work together to build a more resilient future for Tanzania,” said Bruno.

The Adaptation and Resilience ClimAccelerator is part of the broader Adaptation Innovation Cluster, led by EIT Climate-KIC and funded by Irish Aid. Since its inception in 2019, EIT Climate-KIC has supported over 300 Tanzanian innovators through ideation, education, and acceleration programs, creating a robust network for climate innovation across the country. The next phase of the accelerator will begin in early 2025, providing ongoing support for the selected start-ups as they continue to develop and scale their climate resilience solutions.

The ClimAccelerator programme is a global initiative designed to support start-ups in developing innovative climate solutions. Powered by EIT Climate-KIC, it connects entrepreneurs with a global network of resources and expertise, providing tailored support to help them scale their solutions. In Tanzania, the programme is implemented in partnership with SmartLab, a subsidiary of Smart Africa Group, and aims to drive innovation that helps cities, regions, and communities meet their climate goals and build resilience.