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Thank you for joining us in Tallinn for Cleantech Forum Europe!

Check back soon for more information on 2024 Cleantech Forum Europe, November 5-7, 2024 in Chantilly, France (near Paris).

 

2023 Cleantech Forum Europe, took place on 14-16 November in Tallinn, Estonia and was a great success. We hope to see you again in the fall in France!

Cleantech Forums offer insight, opportunity, networking and knowledge. Participants get easy access to start-ups, scale-ups, investors, and multinationals from across the region and beyond. Not only will you meet the future of Europe’s sustainable innovation ecosystem, but you’ll also discover the global connections that will fuel your next opportunity.

Register for a future Forum  to experience:

  • High quality networking opportunities with leaders in the sustainable innovation ecosystem—start-ups, scale-ups, investors, corporates, government and more.
  • A research-led agenda covering the most critical issues of today and the innovations needed to achieve net-zero.
  • Experts with big ideas and the power to deliver a cleaner, cooler world.
  • Meet the different companies featured on the 2023 Cleantech 50 to Watch which was just released.
  • A number of leading companies from outside Europe who will be present, and motivated to explore opportunities and partnerships for their innovations in the region.

What to expect when you participate:

Don’t miss this great opportunity to connect and learn from the world’s leading authority on cleantech innovation as we dive deep into topics like electrolyzers in green hydrogen, energy storage, alternative heating solutions, green steel, and many other timely and relevant mitigation, adaptation, and resilience topics.

In addition, there will be great social events like receptions, lunches, an Awards dinner, as well as many opportunities to network and have business development meetings with participants.

           

Who Participates

Cleantech Forum Europe connects the latest generation of start-ups with investors and corporates looking for new partners. You’ll meet 300+ forward-thinking colleagues who can take you in new and exciting directions. 

See the list of Cleantech Forum Europe Participants.

Cleantech 50 to Watch

Just Released! Every year, we unveil a new edition of the Cleantech 50 to Watch, a list of early-stage innovators taking action on the climate crisis. This report will introduce you to innovative companies with the dedication, technologies and business models that make it possible to fight the climate crisis and make a fair profit. Deployed at scale, their solutions could change our current destructive economy, and put us back on a climate positive path.

Participants of Cleantech Forum Europe will have the opportunity to connect with many of the companies on the list at the event.  

Contact

If you have any questions about Cleantech Forum Europe, please feel free to contact us at forums@cleantech.com.

Entrepreneurs

Why do so many entrepreneurs participate in Cleantech Forum Europe?

Join us in Tallinn on 14-16 November and get your start-up or scale-up in front of investors, corporates and other entrepreneurs who can help you take the next step. Whether you want investment, advice or there’s a technology gap you need to fill, you’ll meet the right people. The official deadline for companies to present at Cleantech Forum Europe to investors and corporates looking for successful start-ups and scale-ups is 29 September . If interested, please take the two minutes to apply to present at an Innovation Showcase. We will review applications on a rolling basis, so apply as soon as possible to be considered.

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Investors and Corporates

Why do investors and corporates participate?

Join us in Tallinn 14-16 November to build your network of cleantech leaders and top entrepreneurs. You can take advantage of a research-led agenda that includes presentations from investable companies and experts fueling the trends that are shaping the future of sustainable innovation. The speaker application form is now open. We appreciate your interest in speaking at our event. We typically receive a fair amount of responses and will not be able to place all applicants on the agenda. We will only contact you if you have been chosen to speak at the event.

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Agenda

November 14, 2023

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  • Cauldron Hall
    Registration and Help Desk

    Collect your badge and join us for the opening session of Cleantech Forum Europe starting at 5:00 pm.

     

  • Visit NEXPO

    Did you know that with your Cleantech Forum Europe badge you can access all NEXPO events and their Exhibition Hall? Visit more than 45 exhibitions and access the Greentech Week mainstage of programming to view several keynotes, pitch sessions, and deep dives on relevant topics.

     

  • Plenary Session
    Blackbox Hall
    Welcome to Cleantech Forum Europe and Meet the 2023 Cleantech 50 to Watch

    Join Richard Youngman, CEO of Cleantech Group, and Mayor Mayor Mihhail Kõlvart, as they welcome participants to Tallinn, this year’s green capital of Europe, and host city of the 19th annual Cleantech Forum Europe. In this session, expect us to set the stage for the rest of the Forum, with Cleantech For Estonia providing an introduction to the Estonian innovation ecosystem, and Cleantech Group introducing you to the 2023 Cleantech 50 to Watch, the trends they represent, and a few of the exciting early-stage innovators on this year’s list.

  • Networking Session
    Atrium 1 & Cauldron Hall
    Opening Reception Hosted by the Mayor of Tallinn's Office

    Take time to enjoy a cocktail and light hors d’oeuvres while building a connections. We will use the occasion to celebrate the relationship that we have built with the city of Tallinn over the last few month as we developed this Forum, and have a chance to welcome the Mayor of Tallinn, as well as other local dignitaries and Greentech Week participants.

  • NEXPO
    Blackbox Hall
    F$%@ Up Night: Learning Through Failing

    All Forum participants are invited to join the city of Tallinn and the Urban Futures team at F$%@ Up Night, an evening where professionals air out their mistakes and missteps and how they learned from them. Stories of businesses that go bust, partnership deals that fall apart, products that have to be recalled – hear it all!

    The green transformation of the world is led by passionate leaders, change makers, entrepreneurs, and people of all backgrounds who work, experiment, test and implement projects to bring us closer to the world’s sustainability goals. We tend to hear  the success stories most and the so-called “best practice cases” and we actually hear very little about the things that go wrong. Still – we all know- mistakes and failure happen. All the time. Everywhere.

    Here from three exceptional leaders as they share their very personal stories of disaster and how we can all learn from them. Join us for a great evening of sharing and building a bond with others over common failures, followed by a reception and networking.

    Please register for this event in advance.

     

November 15, 2023

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  • Networking Session
    Atrium 1
    Welcome Coffee

    Join us for networking over coffee as we kick off a full day of meetings and programming.

  • Cauldron Hall
    Registration and Help Desk
  • Plenary Session
    Blackbox Hall
    Setting the Stage: The Key Trends in Cleantech Today

    Cleantech Group will provide its customary tour of the innovation ecosystem, highlighting the key innovation topics and investment trends, as well as some of the key players and gaps to pay attention to in the year(s) ahead.

  • Plenary Session
    Blackbox Hall
    Mind the Gap – The Cleantech Investment Gap! How Can Public Finance Help?

    To achieve the EU’s goal of 55% GHG cuts by 2030, the EIB estimated an investment of €1 trillion a year is needed, across the whole capital stack. And however much stronger annual cleantech investment flows have become in the 2020s (vs the 2010s), they are not even 20% what is ultimately needed to meet our global targets for 2030. What is the EIB and EIF able to do today? What instruments and programs are they deploying to assist today? What role(s) can public finance realistically play to close the cleantech investment gap in the future?

  • Blackbox Hall
    The Role of Cleantech in Enabling European Economic Competitiveness

    The Estonian Climate Minister will provide some perspectives on how cleantech provides opportunities for Europe, not only to solve some of the big macro issues it is currently dealing with, but to strengthen its competitiveness for the future. Against this context, he will provide some examples of what Estonia is doing to contribute to the wider EU effort

  • Networking Session
    Atrium 1
    Networking Break
  • Panel Session
    Stalker Hall
    Sustainability in Critical Materials

    Critical materials like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth metals are key building blocks of the low carbon economy. Estonia is the largest producer in the EU of rare earths and several critical raw materials and is playing an increasingly critical role as a rare alternative in a space largely dominated by China. Technologies across mining, refining, and recycling can unlock new and alternative sources of critical materials at lower prices and with lower environmental footprints. Join us to learn how organizations are seeking to improve critical material sustainability and scale Europe’s critical material infrastructure. 

  • Showcase Session
    Terrace Hall
    Innovation Showcase: Meet Some of the 2023 Cleantech 50 to Watch

    In early October, Cleantech Group released the 2023 edition of our Cleantech 50 to Watch. This list highlights 50 early-stage innovators with potential high-impact solutions to fight the climate crisis. We will hear from four of them as they share their solutions and introduce you to their companies.

  • Workshop Session
    Woodblock Hall
    Venture Capital and Term Sheet Clinic for Investors and Startups

    Whether you are an investor looking to deploy capital in Europe, or a company looking to raise money from investors, this legal clinic is for you. Three partners from a leading international law firm will set the scene and stand ready to answer your questions. 

    Co-hosted by: Taylor Wessing 

  • Networking Session
    Atrium 1
    Networking Lunch

    As a part of our sustainability efforts, we serve a plant-based menu at all forum meals to help reduce our environmental footprint while highlighting local produce and in season products.

  • Lunch Workshop
    Lunch Workshop: Insuring Climate Tech: How Insurance Can Add Value for Investors

    This roundtable session hosted by Chubb Insurance, will explore the role of insurance in the climate tech industry and how it is a critical consideration for investors to protect and unlock investment value. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about and discuss the latest trends, strategies, and tools for insuring climate tech companies, and protecting investments in this dynamic and rapidly-evolving sector.

    Please email forums@cleantech.com to request a seat at this lunch. Space is limited.

    Co-hosted by Chubb Insurance

  • Panel Session
    Stalker Hall
    Capital Strategies for Scaling Cleantech

    Collaboration with financial institutions is a step that all founders take sooner or later. It is especially relevant in the cleantech sector, where unique capital requirements for commercialization disrupt the traditional software startup financing journey. To succeed as a cleantech company, it is necessary to start focusing on capitalization strategy in the early stages and to look beyond venture backing. Speakers will provide an overview of fundraising cycles and phases, and then dive into how start-ups can get enough capital to build production capacity – they will also look at the roles of project financing and debt. This session is must-attend for anyone interested in financing cleantech to learn about the plethora of opportunities in the space, and for startups on their own capital raising journey.

    Co-hosted by: Sunly

  • Showcase Session
    Terrace Hall
    Innovation Showcase: Meet Innovation Companies Looking for Capital and Partners

    Four companies, looking for capital and partners, will present their solutions and companies.

  • Interactive Briefing
    Woodblock Hall
    Alternative Heating Solutions: Breaking the Dependency on Natural Gas

    Natural gas accounts for around half of Europe’s heating, but recent price volatility and supply issues resulting from the war on Ukraine have forced the region to rethink their dependence on fossil fuel-based heating. It has become even more apparent that finding alternatives to natural gas in power and heating sectors is crucial for the future. 

  • Panel Session
    Stalker Hall
    Electricity Market Design for Flexibility and Innovation

    The last year and a half of turbulence in the electricity market has put the spotlight on market design, high and fluctuating prices on the day-ahead market, as well as the impact on long term price contracts. Significant challenges and opportunities have come to head for actors and underlying factors include disruptions in gas deliveries due to the Ukraine war, low generation from nuclear fleets, high pace in renewable energy introduction, and new types of loads coming into the system. Against that backdrop, speakers will examine how flexibility resources can take advantage of the situation and thereby create balance in both the energy market, as well as in the physical grid.

    Co-hosted by: InnoEnergy

  • Showcase Session
    Terrace Hall
    Innovation Showcase: Meet Innovation Companies Looking for Capital and Partners

    Four companies, looking for capital and partners, will present their solutions and companies.

  • Workshop Session
    Woodblock Hall
    The Plight (And Opportunity) of Lithium Batteries: Powering Up the Circular Potential

    On average, an electric car may require anywhere from 4,000 to 8,000 individual lithium-ion cells, yet only 5% of the world’s lithium-ion batteries are thought to be recycled across the globe. These batteries play a crucial role in decarbonizing transportation, but their end-of-life management presents complex challenges that demand our attention.

    Join us in this fireside chat where we will examine challenges and opportunities that intersect the realm of digitization and circularity, and identify innovative solutions that are driving transformative change in waste management practices for batteries and other key supply chains around the world.

    Co-hosted by: Foresight Canada

  • Networking Session
    Atrium 1
    Networking Break

    Take time to network with other participants and have meetings in Black Box. If you have extra time before the next session starts, head next door to NEXPO to visit the exhibition hall and main stage. Your forum badge gives you access.

  • Interactive Briefing
    Terrace Hall
    Intelligent Micromobility: Moving Beyond Electric Scooters and Bike Sharing

    The conventional concept of micromobility has been facing a wave of criticism as several high-profile innovators announce financial difficulties and electric scooters come under fire for safety and questionable sustainability impact. This panel session will examine the link between micro mobility and smart cities, highlighting technologies making urban mobility more efficient and sustainable, linking public transport with urban mobility needs, and innovation addressing urban congestion, pollution, and resilience. 

  • Workshop Session
    Woodblock Hall
    Venture Investing for the Long Haul; Achieving 2050 Net Zero Goals in Japan and Europe

    30-minute side session hosted by Acario, the venture arm of the Tokyo Gas Group and NordicNinja the largest Japanese VC in Europe.  Acario and NN will be discussing key innovation challenges and startup collaboration in transforming the gas and electricity value chains. We will also explore and contextualize how the combination of power, industry and mobility decarbonization will help Japan and Europe meet similar carbon net zero goals by 2050. 

    Co-hosted by: Acario Innovation

  • Workshop Session
    Stalker Hall
    Funding Cleantech Projects with EIB Financial Advisory

    Corporate finance services play a key role in funding cleantech projects and giving innovators access to EU or EIB funding. The interactive workshop will give concrete examples of how EIB Advisory make projects funding-ready: from choosing the right instruments and financial structure to in-depth guidance with business plan and financial model development. The session will also provide two case studies of advisory service beneficiaries. Participants will then have ample time to ask questions during an open discussion round. All are welcome, but participants from innovative low carbon technology projects that are ready for commercial roll out, such as in hydrogen, renewable energy, CCUS, energy storage, innovative transport and general industrial decarbonization will benefit greatly from this discussion.

    Co-hosted by: European Investment Bank (EIB)

  • Showcase Session
    Terrace Hall
    Innovation Showcase: Meet Innovation Companies Looking for Capital and Partners

    Four companies, looking for capital and partners, will present their solutions and companies.

  • Discussion Session
    Stalker Hall
    AI in Cleantech: Where Will Operational Leaps Occur?

    The next generation of AI has arrived, but while general uses are dominating the headlines, sustainability outcomes will require specialized tools for the coming years, and demonstration of practical applications will separate the future’s winners from today’s hype. 

    Estonia has a well-known talent base in software engineering that is already being leveraged for practical sustainability applications of AI, including energy management of the Baltics’ largest business park. Hear perspectives from a regional innovator, corporate open innovation, and investors to map the region’s potential to compete in the decade of cleantech AI. 

  • Networking Session
    Seaplane Harbour Museum
    The 19th Annual Cleantech Forum Europe Reception, Dinner & Awards (Pre-Registration required)

    Cleantech Group and the city of Tallinn invite you to join us at Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour for the Cleantech Forum Europe Dinner & Awards event—a special evening in a special location. The evening starts with drinks on arrival at the Estonian Maritime Museum followed by a seated dinner, as well as the presentation of the 2023 European Cleantech Awards. Join us as we honour award winners, reconnect with acquaintances, and make new connections.  

    A shuttle will be provided from the Culture Hub to the museum and will return participants to Old Town (Vanalinn) after dinner. 

    The Seaplane Harbour is located at Vesilennuki 6 in Kalamaja neighborhood. 

     

November 16, 2023

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  • Networking Session
    Atrium 1
    Welcome Coffee

    Join us for networking over coffee as we kick off a full day of meetings and programming.

  • Cauldron Hall
    Registration and Help Desk
  • Blackbox Hall
    Perspectives on Hydrogen: Cleantech Group's Viewpoints

    Hydrogen remains a subject of high interest, a sector which has seen heavy investment activity in recent years but where debate rages as to which solutions have highest potential, how big the final markets will be, and where exactly they will find their place in the future decarbonized economy’s value chains. To open our last day, Cleantech Group will provide its perspectives across the landscape, as good context for the second talk on a specific opportunity-set

  • Blackbox Hall
    Hydrogen as Large-Scale Energy Storage Solution: opportunities and regulatory challenges

    In this part of the session, a former French Minister of the Environment will look at the midstream infrastructure and the rise of Power-to-X for producing green hydrogen, including the opportunities and current regulatory challenges for Europe

  • Transition Break
  • Showcase Session
    Terrace Hall
    Innovation Showcase: Meet Innovation Companies Looking for Capital and Partners

    Four companies, looking for capital and partners, will present their solutions and companies.

  • Panel Session
    Stalker Hall
    Packaging and Circularity: Solutions for Europe

    In Europe, packaging design and waste management are transforming. Corporate commitments and EU regulations are banning plastics, waste exports, and promoting alternative materials, advanced recycling, and circularity. However, the transition isn’t without risks of greenwashing and new environmental challenges created by alternative materials. And those challenges are occurring even before we work out who is paying for this transition, how to clean up existing packaging pollution, and how to reduce the growing use of plastics. This panel will bring together innovators, investors, and corporates to discuss these challenges and showcase how they are navigating this transition in Europe. 

  • Discussion Session
    Woodblock Hall
    Expanding Access to Affordable, Sustainable and Reliable Batteries to Accelerate the Energy Revolution

    Battery technologies play a crucial role in enabling the integration of renewable energy, electrification of transportation, and overall energy optimization. Speakers will explore breakthrough innovations in battery materials, as well as the challenges and opportunities of onshoring manufacturing capabilities which are poised to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions at scale. 

    Co-hosted By: Capricorn Partners 

  • Networking Session
    Atrium 1
    Networking Break
  • Panel Session
    Stalker Hall
    Green Steel: Can Production Scale in the EU?

    Transitioning to low carbon steel production has become a critical imperative for the industry. Green steel holds significant importance globally, and specifically within Europe, there is a strong emphasis on sustainable industrial practices and meeting ambitious carbon reduction targets. Speakers will explore the latest innovations, challenges, and opportunities in low carbon steel production. 

  • Interactive Briefing
    Woodblock Hall
    Nuclear Fusion: Betting on an Emerging Industry

    Nuclear fusion has the potential to provide limitless, virtually carbon-free baseload power and avoids many of the hazards of nuclear fission. Private companies have been making significant progress overcoming key scientific and technical challenges, encouraging further investment into the sector that will bring us one step closer to achieving net energy gain and reaching commercial scale. Panelists will discuss why investors have the confidence to back this emerging sector and the state of nuclear fusion today. 

  • Networking Session
    Atrium 1
    Networking Lunch
  • Panel Session
    Stalker Hall
    Energy Storage: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle for 24/7 Renewable Power

    Energy security issues coupled with high carbon price make fossil fuel alternatives very attractive in Europe. Different grid storage solutions are now ready to hit the market, unlocking unseen opportunities in clean energy supply and use. Speakers will discuss the different technological breakthroughs and business model innovations that are making new forms of thermal energy, electrochemical, and mechanical energy storage a commercial reality.

  • Discussion Session
    Woodblock Hall
    Cleantech Innovation in the Baltics: Where will Regional Champions Win Globally?

    A 2022 Cleantech for Baltics report captured the spirit of cleantech potential in the region stating, “The Baltic countries are small, agile and ready to trial innovative solutions, creating an attractive testbed for both local and foreign start-ups wishing to validate their product before scaling to larger markets.” 

    Developing Baltic-founded and Baltic-based cleantech companies into global players will require a dynamic ecosystem that can launch and sustain innovation, and the good news is that the ecosystem is already taking shape today.  

    Speakers from venture builders, VCs, and corporate accelerators will have a forward-looking discussion on where the Baltic cleantech innovation ecosystem will go next, and what the world can expect to see. 

  • Networking Session
    Atrium 1
    Networking Break
  • Panel Session
    Stalker Hall
    Electrolyzers: Revving up the Green Hydrogen Race

    Electrolyzers are a key component to green hydrogen production. Join experts as they discuss what is necessary to get to $1/kg, as well as regional initiatives to scale up production and EU regulatory challenges.

  • Networking Session
    Atrium 1
    Closing Reception

    Take advantage of one last chance to network and spend time with colleagues, while having a cocktail and enjoying hors d’oeuvres, before you head off to enjoy your last night in Tallinn.

  • Visit NEXPO

    The Forum may be over, but there is still time to visit NEXPO. Use your forum badge to access the exhibition hall and the Greentech Week mainstage of events.

Venue/Tallinn

Forum Main Venue

The majority of forum events will be held at Kultuurikatel (Culture Hub), one of the most unique event spaces in Northern Europe. The Creative Hub was built for the Tallinn City Central Power Station in 1913. After a long hiatus, the stunning industrial complex was re-opened in 2015 as a renovated universal creative and event center, blending the old with the new.

This year’s forum will be co-located with Tallinn Greentech Week, which includes NEXPO and several affiliate events focused on progressive and fresh ideas in green innovation, taking place at the host venue and around the city.

Address: Põhja pst 27a, 10415 Tallinn, Estonia

Cleantech Forum Europe Reception, Dinner & Awards

Dinner is planned for Wednesday, 15 November at 6:30 pm at The Seaplane Harbour Museum, located at Vesilennuki 6 in Kalamaja neighborhood. Participants are encouraged to pre-register for dinner when they register for the forum.  A limited shuttle will be provided for participants from Kultuurikatel to dinner and then back to Tallinn Old Town after dinner. Check the event app for more details. 

Getting to Main Venue

The Creative Hub is located in the heart of Tallinn within walking distance from the Old Town on the border of Kalamaja. Viru Gate and the Port of Tallinn are only a few hundred metres away. The distance to the airport is 6.5 kilometres.

You can easily reach the Creative Hub via public transport or taxi and Cleantech Group will provide a limited shuttle each evening to bring participants back to Tallinn Old Town.

Evening Shuttle

  • There is a limited shuttle each evening to bring participants back to Tallinn Old Town. Shuttle schedule will be available on the event app.

Free Public Transport Provided by the City of Tallinn- Thanks to our strategic partner, the City of Tallinn, forum participants can ride all public transportation for free during the week. Look on the mobile app for the QR you need to scan when boarding. It is located under the side menu, the tab says Free Public Transport.

  • You can reach the Creative Hub by taking tram no. 1 (Kopli–Kadriorg–Kopli) or 2 (Kopli–Suur-Paala–Kopli) and getting off at the Linnahall stop.
  • Buses no. 3 (Veerenni–Randla–Veerenni), 21 (Balti jaam–Landi), 21B (Balti jaam–Kakumäe), 41 (Balti jaam–Landi), 41B (Balti jaam–Kakumäe), 66 (Priisle–Pelguranna–Priisle) and 73 (Veerenni–Tööstuse–Veerenni) also stop here.

Places to Stay

There are many affordable hotel options around the city of Tallinn. The hotel block at the Hotel Telegraff is now sold out, but there are other options you can explore.

Name Distance to Main Venue  Kultuurikatel
Swissôtel Tallinn 20 min walk
10 min public transport
5 min cab
Hilton Tallinn Park 24 min walk
12 min public transport
5 min cab
Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel 5 min walk
Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn 18 min walk
9 min public transport
5 min cab

Speakers

Thank you to all of our speakers!

Sponsors

Sponsorship Increases Your Visibility

Our sponsors and partners benefit from increased visibility and global networking opportunities. Every sponsorship package is bespoke to make the most of your organization’s goals.

Interested in sponsoring this event? Please contact us at forums@cleantech.com to discuss opportunities.