We’re so happy to partner up with other startup-ecosystem organizations as we often have the same goal – to help boost the economy, support the best startups and to provide investors with high quality information and networking opportunities. Please get to know our new partner since the beginning of 2024 – Beamline Accelerator – a forward-thinking cleantech focused accelerator based in Estonia and operating internationally. We were curious and asked Jana Budkovskaja, CEO at Beamline Accelerator to talk a bit about cleantech startups.
Tell us a bit about Beamline Accelerator – what kind of startups are you looking for?
We have portfolio startups from 17 countries, from Europe and beyond. Our mission is to develop cleantech sector and we are particularly interested in pre-seed cleantech startups that demonstrate substantial potential for sustainable growth and breakthrough in various cleantech topics, for instance, innovative solutions for energy production and storage, waste management, transport, food industry and construction.
With a solid track record, Beamline has provided €1.7 million in investments and our alumni have attracted over €35 million in subsequent funding, while demonstrating positive impact for the climate. We offer a tailored acceleration program that includes workshops, intensive mentorship and investment to ensure our startups are fully prepared to be investor ready and to be successful in the competitive market.
Why is it important for Beamline to partner up with EstBAN?
Partnering with EstBAN is crucial for Beamline as it provides access to a broad network of experienced investors, industry professionals and experienced entrepreneurs within Estonia and beyond. EstBAN’s members offer valuable expertise and financial resources that can help Beamline’s startups to scale up and achieve their business goals. Beamline’s mission is to bring cleantech activities in front of EstBAN investors through organizing Demo Days with our portfolio startups. Additionally, this collaboration can facilitate more strategic cleantech investment opportunities, enhance the overall support ecosystem for emerging cleantech and greentech ventures.
Are there bright stars baking in Beamline at the moment that you see making an impact for the future?
Beamline Accelerator has nurtured a diverse range of startups, each chosen for their potential to significantly impact the cleantech landscape and it’s cool to note the remarkable survival rate of our startups, which stands at 90%! Each batch features true stars that are already shaping the future. Such innovators are ÄIO revolutionising the food industry by producing oils and fats from byproducts (Äio Tech also received EstBAN syndicate investment at Latitue59 in 2023) and Naco Technologies, creators of advanced solutions for producing green hydrogen. Renewcast stands out with its approach to forecasting renewable energy sources using artificial intelligence, having secured substantial initial funding and aiming to enhance the efficiency of wind energy production. Our current special Deeptech Batch is also noteworthy as startups are pushing the boundaries of sustainable innovations. From ProtiumTech, which enables lossless hydrogen storage, to Smagry, which helps farmers to optimize fertilizer costs and improve soil fertility.
These examples reflect Beamline’s commitment to supporting startups that are strategically positioned to make a substantial impact on the future of our planet.
Please enlighten us about cleantech area in general.
Cleantech refers to any process, product, or service that reduces negative environmental impacts through more efficient use of resources, minimization of waste, or the reduction of emissions. Broadly speaking, cleantech has 6 vertices: agriculture & food, renewable energy & power, materials & chemicals, transport & logistics, resources & environment, enabling technologies. Beamline hasn’t set a narrow focus on each vertical as we have previously had mainly generic batches to foster peer-to-peer learning from different verticals too. With our current program we’re focusing on deeptech startups in the cleantech area in three topics: novel materials, resource efficiency and green chemistry.
How is cleantech sector doing in numbers?
The cleantech sector in 2024 is experiencing significant momentum, underpinned by an expected 10%-20% increase in investments over the previous year, reaching nearly $800 billion. This surge is driven by major advancements in renewable energy technologies and a strong push towards decarbonization across all sectors. The cleantech landscape is particularly focused on expanding renewable energy capacities like solar and wind, alongside innovations in energy storage and green hydrogen, which are pivotal for ensuring a sustainable energy transition. Furthermore, the industry is witnessing substantial growth in clean energy technologies such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), set to transform industrial and environmental landscapes profoundly.
- Read more about Beamline Accelerator;
- Want to partner up with EstBAN? – read more on our Partners page.
