Accelerating Clean-Tech founders to Scale Impact

The BMW Foundation and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are launching the RESPOND Scaleup program to accelerate the deployment of cleantech innovations. This initiative supports scaleups through capacity-building, curated networks, and international visibility, enabling growth across Europe and in emerging markets. The global transition to a net-zero economy is not progressing at the pace required, especially in hard-to-abate sectors such as energy and industry. Despite growing awareness and political commitments, Europe is at risk of falling behind in industrial innovation if cleantech solutions aren’t scaled quickly – particularly as regions like the U.S. and China are rapidly advancing their own capabilities.  At the same time, the momentum for scaling innovation has never been stronger. Rising climate urgency, investor interest, and global demand for clean technologies have opened a critical window of opportunity. By addressing key barriers such as fragmented regulations, cautious investments, and disconnected ecosystems, Europe can unlock the full potential of its cleantech pioneers. RESPOND Scaleup was created to close this scale-up gap – the gap between development and industrial deployment – and thus help advance the global clean energy transition.OUR MISSIONThe RESPOND Scaleup program supports founders and leaders of clean-tech startups in navigating the complexities of scaling to full commercialization. We provide:  

• strategic, founder-centered capacity building,

• access to a diverse, cross-sector network across Europe and beyond,

• global visibility,

• policy engagement, and

• access to capital.