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Net Zero Startups from 32 Countries Compete for the Inaugural LeZero Innovation Prize

December 21, 2023

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Announcement made at Mobility Futures Forum at the University of Birmingham Dubai, UAE.

GEN UK Chair, Marc Ortmans, revealed five finalists and the winner of the LeZero Innovation Prize global awards at a special awards ceremony recently held at GEN UK’s Mobility Futures Forum co-hosted with the University of Birmingham Dubai on their campus during COP28.

LeZero is a global competition for entrepreneurs to present solutions that deliver net zero or zero carbon transportation modes and/or supporting infrastructure that is efficient, clean, sustainable and adhere to the UN’s Social Development Goals.

Over 60 startups from 32 countries across the GEN network took part. 16 submissions from 12 countries were selected to go forward to Stage 2, announced at the GEC in Melbourne, where their business plans were judged by two further international juries. Following the Stage 2 jury, 5 finalists were selected and confirmed by Professor Moreno (Paris), Babita Devi (Cambridge), Claudia Pignata (Venice) and Chairman of the Jury Robert Clarke (London). The five finalists selected come from New Zealand, Congo, Hungary, UK and Spain.

The winner of the inaugural LeZero Innovation Prize, Drift Energy, was awarded the LeZero at a ceremony held on the last day of Mobility Futures Forum, during COP28, in front of an international audience. Founder Ben Medland collected his award in person and will receive mentorship, publicity, and support to develop and grow their venture in 2024. Drift Energy uses carbon negative yachts to harvest green hydrogen from ocean winds.

‘We were delighted to receive such enthusiastic support for the inaugural LeZero Innovation Prize from the GEN community and see some extraordinary and exciting solutions from net zero startups’, said Marc Ortmans, Chair GEN UK.

LeZero Finalists: