The seventh edition of VDS is less than two weeks away. On October 23rd and 24th, entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, academics, and international experts will gather at Valencia’s iconic City of Arts and Sciences to discuss key global topics, with a particular focus on sustainability.
As the future of the planet hangs in the balance, there is no better venue than Valencia—the 2024 European Green Capital—to demonstrate how urban development can be a driving force for green living. At this year’s VDS, the summit will feature a dedicated Green Stage, where experts from around the world will address crucial sustainability topics.
Sustainability: A market in continuous growth
Entrepreneurship thrives on addressing pressing problems with disruptive solutions, and few challenges are more urgent than those related to how we produce, move, and live. Investors recognize both the opportunity and the urgency. This is why investment in sustainability startups has seen remarkable growth in recent years.
Despite a general decline in startup funding across industries in 2023, sustainability-focused sectors have remained resilient, continuing to attract significant capital. In 2023 alone, global investment in sustainability startups reached an impressive $13.9 billion. Investors are likely to continue directing funds toward climate solutions, recognizing the long-term potential in this critical area.
Dealroom reports that there are ‘75 Sustainable Urban Tech Unicorns’, including Spain’s Wallbox, which specializes in smart charging and energy management solutions to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
Sustainability verticals: Key niches and industries
In addition to entrepreneurs and investors, policymakers play a crucial role in accelerating the ecological transition. Regulatory frameworks such as the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the European Union’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outline clear objectives to address economic, social, and environmental challenges. These 17 goals include:
– No Poverty: Eradicating all forms of poverty.
– Zero Hunger: Ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture.
– No Poverty: Eradicating all forms of poverty.
– Good Health and Well-being: Promoting well-being for all.
– Quality Education: Providing inclusive and equitable quality education.
– Gender Equality: Empowering women and achieving gender equality.
– Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensuring sustainable management of water resources.
– Affordable and Clean Energy: Expanding access to sustainable energy.
– Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promoting sustained economic growth and decent work for all.
– Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Fostering innovation and resilient infrastructure.
– Reduced Inequality: Reducing inequality within and between nations.
– Sustainable Cities and Communities: Building inclusive and sustainable urban environments.
– Responsible Consumption and Production: Shifting toward sustainable consumption and production practices.
– Climate Action: Urgently addressing climate change.
– Life Below Water: Conserving oceans and marine resources.
– Life on Land: Protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems.
– Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Promoting peaceful, inclusive societies.
– Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthening global partnerships to achieve sustainability.
Looking at the EU’s SDGs, it becomes clear that sustainability impacts a broad range of industries:
– Energy: From renewable energy production (solar, wind) to storage solutions (batteries, panels), the race is on to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.
– Mobility & Transportation: A new generation of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles is transforming how we travel, while concepts like carpooling and bike-sharing are reshaping urban mobility.
– Agriculture & Food Tech: Feeding a growing global population sustainably requires innovations like vertical farming and lab-grown food.
– Water & Waste Management: Technologies such as recycling, composting, and the circular economy are driving more efficient use of resources.
– Construction: Sustainable materials, smart buildings, and eco-friendly architecture are key to reducing the environmental impact of urban development.
– New Materials: Innovations in bioplastics, biodegradable packaging, and organic alternatives are helping reduce plastic waste.
– Climate Tech & Software: Tools for climate prediction, emissions tracking, and environmental data analysis are becoming essential for tackling climate challenges.
Sustainability at VDS: Speakers and agenda
The VDS agenda on sustainability is packed with dynamic discussions. Panels will cover critical topics such as the future of the planet, sustainable food systems, and how to create more eco-friendly cities. Additionally, a business perspective will be explored through roundtables on scaling impact-driven companies and fostering the growth of sustainability-focused projects across Europe.
At the Green Stage of VDS2024, sponsored primarily by the Ayuntamiento de Valencia and Valencia Innovation Capital, with support from Universitat de Valencia, HP, Boehringer Ingelheim, Caixa Popular, and Zubi Group, attendees will explore Valencia’s cutting-edge environmental initiatives, aligning with its role as the 2024 European Green Capital. This stage serves as a platform where international experts will discuss the future of sustainable urban development, clean energy, and eco-friendly technologies. It’s a must-see for anyone looking to understand how cities can lead in sustainability and innovation while highlighting the powerful collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Among the experts and thought leaders taking the stage, attendees will be inspired by prominent figures such as Paula Llobet (Valencia’s City Councillor for Tourism, Innovation and Investment); Karl-Filip Coenegrachts (Chair of the Governing Body and Executive Director, Open & Agile Smart Cities); Margot Roose (Deputy Mayor, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, City of Tallinn); Bianca Dragomir (Director, Cleantech for Iberia); Julia Zhou (Co-Founder, Tidal Impact – President, Sigma Squared Society, Tidal Impact & Sigma Squared Society); Francisco Benedito (CEO ClimeTrade); Beatriz Jacoste (Director, KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub).
Here is our selection of main events at VDS covering sustainability:
The Role of Goverments to Transforming Cities for the Future. Experts will discuss how government policies and initiatives can shape future urban environments, focusing on innovative strategies for sustainable development, smart infrastructure, and community engagement. The panel will also highlight successful case studies from around the world, demonstrating how proactive governance can create resilient and inclusive cities.
The Development and Growth of Sustainable-Focused Projects in Europe. This panel will feature leaders from Unicorn Factory Lisboa, Bandora, and Goparity – Impact Finance, discussing the growth of sustainability projects in Europe. They will explore innovations in clean energy and finance, challenges faced, and key opportunities, offering insights into Europe’s green transition and its environmental and economic impact.
Green Tech Revolution: Leading the Way to a Sustainable World. Join innovators as they showcase groundbreaking green technologies that are shaping a sustainable future. Explore how to implement eco-friendly solutions while balancing business profitability with environmental responsibility.
Profit, Purpose, and Planet: How to Scale an Impact-Led Business. Learn from leaders of impact-driven enterprises about balancing profit with purpose. This panel will examine models for sustainable growth that prioritize social and environmental impact alongside financial success.
Creating a Sustainable Tomorrow. Focus on innovative solutions that promote sustainability across industries. Panelists will discuss actionable strategies for businesses to integrate sustainable practices, reduce environmental impact, and maintain profitability in a competitive landscape.
Enhancing Sustainability Through Technology and Climate Action. This panel will explore how technology and climate action can enhance sustainability across various sectors. Experts will discuss innovative solutions and tools that drive environmental stewardship, promote resource efficiency, and foster resilient practices, highlighting the vital role of tech in addressing climate challenges and advancing sustainable development.
Accelerating Foodtech Solutions for a Healthy World. Explore innovative Foodtech solutions for healthier lifestyles. Panelists will discuss how technology enhances food production, distribution, and consumption, creating a sustainable and nutritious eating environment for all.
Additionally, with sustainability being a key focus of this edition, VDS has collaborated with ClimateTrade to measure and reduce its carbon footprint. Through this collaboration, blockchain technology is utilized to ensure transparency and traceability in carbon offsetting. ClimateTrade calculates the event’s emissions and compensates for them by creating carbon credits, known as Climatecoins, which are generated by supporting sustainable projects. This approach allows VDS to not only minimize its environmental impact but also drive innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.
Don’t miss the action during this seventh edition of VDS.
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