More than half the world’s GDP is generated in industries dependent on biodiversity and ecosystem services, such as construction, agriculture and food & beverage. As nature declines, businesses face significant risk. Nature-positive solutions not only aim to minimize the negative impact on business but want to also actively contribute to the restoration and enhancement of biodiversity.

Innovate 4 Nature (I4N) was launched in 2021 as an accelerator for early-stage and growth-stage businesses, SMEs and nonprofits offering nature-positive products and services. It aims to match these with strategic partners such as corporates, VCs, family offices and foundations. The goal is to accelerate, by 2030, more than 100 solutions focusing on sustainable management of ecosystems, nature as infrastructure and planet-compatible cities, productive and regenerative agriculture, and circular-nature positive solutions.

In order to drive change in the way business and society interact with nature, I4N focuses its interventions on 3 strategic pillars. First, through the call for the Innovate4Nature Prize, the organization builds a portfolio with start-ups that have a high potential for impact and a viable business case. The selected solutions will then be awarded with small grants and human capital-building support in the form of mentoring, education & training. Second, the accelerator will foster an ecosystem through an online platform and exclusive networking events where companies, foundations and family offices will meet. Finally, I4N provides thought leadership by showcasing best practices and success stories to highlight and teach about the potential benefits from these solutions.