On October 29, 2024, cleantech innovators gathered at a unique hybrid event, organized by Wilco and Expertise France, at the Wilco Accelerator headquarters in Paris. The goal of the event was to introduce the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator’s opportunities to key players in the cleantech ecosystem, spotlighting how the matching platform and its services can support promising clean technology business partnerships.

The event was held both in-person and virtually to maximize accessibility for an international audience. Attendees included startups, industry representatives, and members of the French eco-business network, who all shared a common interest: leveraging the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator to foster impactful cleantech innovation.

With a legacy of supporting over 1,500 teams, Wilco is one of Paris’s foremost accelerators, guiding transformation projects across three critical sectors: industry, healthcare, and digital. This background gives Wilco a unique perspective on the acceleration needs of cleantech startups and emerging businesses.

Highlights from the Webinar

Throughout the session, the PEXE networkThe French Cleantech network—was actively engaged in discussions. Their presence underscored the national and international relevance of fostering cleantech innovations through accelerator programs like the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator.

After an insightful presentation on the accelerator’s objectives and resources by Clemént Lafargue, two promising cleantech startups had the chance to discuss directly with the Wilco and Expertise France teams to outline and refine their own acceleration strategies. This personalized engagement reflects the hands-on approach of the accelerator program, which tailors its support to the specific needs of each participant.

The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator is uniquely positioned to bridge European, Latin American, and Caribbean ecosystems, supporting cleantech startups as they address global environmental issues. The event provided a collaborative platform where ecosystem stakeholders could exchange ideas, voice challenges, and identify ways to leverage the accelerator’s resources to amplify their impact.

As part of the EU-LAC initiative, Expertise France and Wilco look forward to continuing to foster innovation in the cleantech space, welcoming new partners and participants who share a commitment to sustainable transformation.