In the opening ceremony of the Greentech Festival 2022, we will launch discussions off with deep insights into the future of sustainable business and global policy. To build a better world we need brave voices calling for change and leaders willing to take risks in order to correct the collision course we are heading on. ‘Business as usual’ is dead and in our brave new world, sustainability must become synonymous with good business. The market, customers and investors have clearly show that they will reward those who stand behind inclusive, sustainable and ethical values so let’s start the conversation, unafraid to take on the challenges before us.

In an exciting format developed by the GREENTECH FESTIVAL, three outstanding startups will be asked to pitch their concept in a gruelling 1-minute flash keynote. After they’ve outlined their basic concept, they will be challenged with one question from GTF founder and sustainable startup afficianado Nico Rosberg, and one question from you, our lucky audience members.

Making up 99.9% of all US companies and employing a staggering 60 million workers, Small and Medium Enterprises truly are the powerhouses and backbones of the US economy. Yet despite the majority of SMEs wanting to tackle climate change, a recent survey from the UN SME Climate Hub shows that most feel under supported, lack the knowledge to get started and desperately require financial assistance. So come and hear and learn from those who do the heavily lifting of the US economy and discover how you can become part of their journey towards becoming sustainable SMEs.

How do we build for tomorrow? How do we achieve change that lasts? With 75 percent of global emissions influenced by the industrial world, the transformation of industry, infrastructure and transportation is essential, putting our communities at the center of initiatives for sustainable change. The good news is that innovative technologies for our buildings, our power systems and the future of electric mobility are ready to meet this moment – giving us an enormous opportunity to address climate change, strengthen local economies and create a better quality of life, for everyone.

What are the ingredience for lasting sustainable change in business? The truth is, there is no one perfect recipe, and that the elements of trusted insights, expert knowledge and vision need to be applied in unique ways for every business case. And the results: studies and experience show that sustainable transformation will make your business more resilient and attract loyal employees and customers to help you build a better future. Come and be inspired by sustainable leaders from diverse industries as they talk deep change and what this means for you.

We are in the midst of a severe energy crisis with flow-on effects that touch all aspects of business and life. With the war dragging on and the current volatility tipped to increase into the winter, it’s time we face a new and uncertain energy future. Within the current climate, what things can we do to ease pressure on the market; how quickly can the growing trend of renewables and electromobility influence demand; and is the current crisis going to speed up or slow down decarbonisation? Hear from leaders in Energy, Mobility and Transport as we map out a path for sustainable energy futures.

“Money makes the world go around” and now more than ever the powerful mechanisms of green finance need to be activated in the fight against climate change. But what can you do, on a personal level, as an investor, as business leaders and as a business community to have lasting impact? What is the current state of play in finance markets, what certainties can business bet on and what’s the role of green bonds and other incentives in shaping better practice?

Participants are divided into 3 equal groups and distributed amongst 3 moderated and themed workshop tables. Each group spends 45 minutes working with their moderator on the theme/challenge/concept at their table and then the groups change. After three rounds every participant has engaged with every topic area and the moderators have ‘harvested’ the collective knowledge of the entire group.

As the closing sessions of the GTF conference in New York, participants will hear the take-home messages and key learnings from the Bootcamp workshops, panels and keynote sessions that have been running through the day. After feedback from moderators and participants, the day will close with an inspiring keynote from a changemaker who’s made a lasting impact business, society and our world.