US: SVG Ventures Thrive and ICL Planet Start-up Hub launch Global Impact Challenge

SVG Ventures Thrive and ICL Planet Start-up Hub have launched the Global Impact Challenge which is on the lookout for innovative start-ups advancing a net-zero future for agriculture.

SVG Ventures Thrive is an agrifood investment and innovation platform headquartered in Silicon Valley and ICL Group is a specialty minerals company based in Israel.

The Challenge themes, which align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, are focused on the three areas: soil health and biodiversity, increasing food security, and reducing and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.

Partners for the Challenge include Bayer, BASF, Driscoll’s, Kubota and Valmont.

John Hartnett, founder and chief executive of SVG Ventures Thrive, said: “Climate action is a task for all of us and disruptive innovation is key to accelerating global efforts towards a net-zero future for agriculture. We believe entrepreneurs hold the key to a sustainable future.”

Hadar Sutovsky, ICL’s vice-president of external innovation and general manager of ICL Planet, commented: “At ICL Planet, we are committed to creating responsible solutions for humanity’s sustainability challenges in the global food and agriculture markets. By partnering on this challenge, we can create sustainable solutions and a secure future for communities around the world.”

Applications are now open and will be accepted until 15 September. Six companies will be selected to attend the Thrive Forbes Global Sustainability Summit in November in Silicon Valley and invited to pitch their solution for the opportunity to secure a spot in the programme.