Building climate resilience in Tanzania
Supporting innovative solutions that protect people, livelihoods and landscapes from the impacts of climate change.
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About the Adaptation and Resilience ClimAccelerator

The Adaptation and Resilience ClimAccelerator aims to support innovative, high impact climate adaptation solutions that help protect people, livelihoods and landscapes from the effects of climate change.

Tanzania, like many countries around the world, is grappling with the impacts of climate change, which are disrupting the daily lives and futures of many, particularly those in rural areas

Adapting to these impacts is essential for protecting people, homes, livelihoods, businesses, infrastructure and natural ecosystems, both now and in the future.

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Our Mission

Our mission is to enhance the climate resilience of rural communities and landscapes in Tanzania through collaboration and innovation.

We believe entrepreneurs play a key role in driving innovative climate solutions. That's why this ClimAccelerator is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs to develop businesses that strengthen communities and ecosystems against the impact of the changing climate.

We offer a range of support including business development training, technical assistance, mentorship, financial support and connections to networks of investors and industry experts. This ClimAccelerator will help startups refine' & in the Join our Community section - 'Calling all startups'.

Adaptation and Resilience Innovations
What do we mean by adaptation and resilience innovations?

Adaptation and resilience innovations refer to solutions that protect people, livelihoods and landscapes from the effects of climate change. The ClimAccelerator is looking for solutions that help communities prepare for, cope with and recover from climate change-related threats.

Tanzania is experiencing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and extreme weather events such as heatwaves, heavy rainfall, droughts and floods, which are creating the following climate change-related impacts:

  • food insecurity and land degradation,
  • water scarcity,
  • loss of natural capital and biodiversity,
  • damage to buildings or infrastructure, and
  • health-related threats or diseases.

These climatic shifts pose significant challenges to key sectors in Tanzania, including:

  • agriculture and livestock,
  • water management,
  • forests and land use,
  • coastal areas, and
  • human settlements (infrastructure and urban planning).
The Adaptation and Resilience ClimAccelerator will support business solutions that help people living in rural areas prepare for, cope with, or recover from these climate-related impacts. Solutions can include products or services, for example:
Prepare
  • Early warning systems
  • Weather forecasting tools for farmers
  • Flood defences
  • Retrofitting of infrastructure (stronger defences for bridges)
  • Risk preparedness
Cope
  • New crop varieties such as drought tolerant or short season crops
  • Soil and crop health management
  • Irrigation and water storage techniques
  • Rainwater harvesting
  • Desalination technology
  • Cooling technologies to help with rising temperatures
Recover
  • Weather based insurance products (crop and livestock)
  • Decision support tools
  • Mangrove restoration
  • Agroforestry
  • Land restoration
Please note the above set provides a few examples and is not meant to be an exhaustive list.
How is climate adaptation and resilience different from climate mitigation?
ADAPTATION

Preparing for and dealing with the effects of climate change to protect people and livelihoods. This involves changing how we live, work, and interact with our environment.

RESILIENCE

Looking ahead to ensure communities are ready to face future challenges by building strength and flexibility for whatever may come.

MITIGATION

Tackling the root causes of climate change by focussing on reducing or preventing greenhouse gas emissions. Examples of mitigation are - but not limited to - solar panels, carbon sinking or electric/hybrid vehicles.

Who are we looking to support?
  • Startup must be registered in Tanzania
  • MVP or post-MVP
  • Must have an adaptation and resilience focus
  • Demonstrate a willingness to grow the business and scale the solution
  • Innovative solutions and visionary approaches to strengthening communities, livelihoods and landscapes
What does the programme offer?

Mentorship and expert guidance

Receive mentorship from experienced professionals in business development and climate adaptation solutions.

Networking and partnerships

Connect with industry experts, potential collaborators, and other startups in the same sector for partnerships and knowledge exchange.

Access to resources

Get access to research, data, and infrastructure resources essential for developing and implementing climate adaptation solutions.

Funding opportunities

Get access to funding through grants, equity investment, or financial support to develop and scale your climate solutions through the programme and our partners.

Tailored support

Get specific support tailored to each startup's unique needs and challenges, recognising that your business may require different assistance.

Programme structure
PHASE 1
Application

Call for applications to technology startups in Tanzania.

 
Application deadline:
8th November 2024
PHASE 2
Selection

The program team filters the applicants to select the top 10 startups to join the Accelerator.

Selection ends:
12th December 2024
PHASE 3
Acceleration

The selected startups go through the 13-week acceleration program culminating in a demo day.

Acceleration begins:
13th January 2025
PHASE 4
Validation

The 4 winning startups from Demo Day are further supported to amplify their solution's impact in rural communities.

Validation begins:
1st April 2025
Join our community

Calling all startups passionate about climate adaptation solutions and supporting rural communities! Join our vibrant community to supercharge your growth. With us, you'll receive invaluable mentorship, funding opportunities, and connections to propel your climate-focused venture forward. Take the chance to realise your vision and be part of a dynamic ecosystem committed to shaping a sustainable world.

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Investors make a meaningful impact by becoming part of our community. We offer access to a curated selection of high-potential startups focused on adaptation and resilience solutions. By joining us, you can diversify your portfolio with purpose-driven investments while supporting innovation that addresses global climate challenges. Be a catalyst for change and profit from transitioning to a sustainable economy.

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Join our community of forward-thinking partners and play a pivotal role in driving innovation and sustainability. Collaborate with us to tap into cutting-edge research, access disruptive technologies, and harness the creativity of startups. Together, we can co-create solutions, align with global sustainability goals, and shape a better future for our planet and society

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Implementing Partners
Frequently Asked Question

Yes, the Adaptation & Resilience ClimAccelerator is looking for startups that are fully registered in Tanzania.

We are looking for solutions that have been developed and or tested in the market. MVP (Minimum Viable Product) refers to the simplest version of a product that allows a startup to test its core idea with customers and gather feedback. While Post-MVP refers to the stage after the initial MVP has been built and tested. At this point, the product is being further developed and refined based on customer feedback and is likely generating early revenue or seeing initial market traction.

The Adaptation & Resilience ClimAccelerator provides support services, including funding opportunities, mentorship from industry experts, access to resources and infrastructure, networking events, and educational programmes to help startups refine their business models

Startups with unique and impactful solutions addressing Climate issues through Adaptation & Resilience will apply through our website before the deadline. After the deadline a team of experts will carefully filter the applications to come out with the best 10 solutions to join the accelerator

Startups are selected based on factors such as the uniqueness and potential impact of their climate solutions, the competence of their founding team, and their readiness to receive support and funding.

The Adaptation &Resilience ClimAccelerator is an 8 - month multi-stage programme. It begins with an application and selection process, followed by the acceleration phase dedicated to build startup capacity, skills and networks for 10 startups for 3 months. Finally, the program ends with a validation phase which will see 4 startups receive market growth support. The duration of each stage may vary, but the entire programme is designed to guide startups through their growth journey.

You can contact us through info@smartlab.co.tz for any queries about the application process. Alternatively, you can join us on one of our allocated info sessions catered to provide more information on the program.

There are various ways to get involved as a partner with a passion for driving climate-focused innovation and seeking entry to groundbreaking opportunities. You can become mentors, share your expertise as advisors, share your resources and network or become essential funding partners. We invite you to connect with us to learn more about exciting collaboration prospects that align with your vision.
Ready to make impact?

Apply now to join the Adaptation and Resilience ClimAccelerator and help transform Tanzania's resilience to climate change.

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