As part of EGYPES 2024, activities of the CLIMATECH Challenge have been held for the first time as a global platform for start-ups to pitch their technological solutions and business models in front of a panel of influential judging committee.

The event spotlighted pioneering start-ups with cutting-edge solutions to expedite the energy transition and amplify the role of undiscovered energy innovators in advancing global net-zero targets.

During the conference, sponsored by Petrojet and Enppi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El Molla awarded Turkish PikARE Water and Energy Technologies Inc. and Indian Golu Hydrogen Technologies Inc. for their innovative approach to reaching low-carbon energy sources and means of combating climate change.

PiKARE Water and Energy Technology Inc. won the CLIMATECH Challenge Award for its AWEG groundbreaking solution to the masses, leveraging extensive R&D activities carried out over ten years. The AWEG System harnesses the energy required for its operation from the sun’s radiation, storing heat for use during periods of limited solar energy availability.

Meanwhile, Golu Hydrogen Technologies Inc. won the People’s Choice Award for innovating energy from a chemical perspective. Golu-H2 is a modular hydrogen generator solving hurdles to widespread hydrogen adoption.

“When we talk about climate change and how to combat it, we look for non-traditional ways, and of course, AI technologies, biotech technologies, and hydrogen technologies are all game changers,” Hossam Eldin Osama, Ministry Advisor of Communication and Information Technology, stated in his opening speech.

“We understand that startups are at the forefront of coming up with innovative solutions and new technologies to address such challenges,” Osama added.

The CLIMATECH Challenge featured two-panel discussions on how to attract capital for climate tech start-ups as well as how to enhance collaboration between energy corporations and climate tech startups.

Notably, the CLIMATECH Challenge is open to start-ups worldwide serving the energy transition with technologies that aim to address climate change and support the shift to clean and sustainable energy sources, including but not limited to CCUS, hydrogen, circular economy, energy storage, and energy efficiency.