Georges Schaaf, Head of Sector Development – Cleantech & Manufacturing Industry and Laurent Federspiel, Director Sector Development & Cluster Initiative, both from Luxinnovation, are currently attending the 16th annual Cleantech Forum in San Francisco 2018, January 22-24, 2018. Their main goals are to network towards building up future business in Luxembourg, discover the latest innovations in cleantech and meet the players who are shaping the industry and often the world for the better.
Next generation of cleantech technologies
For the 16th #CleantechSF Forum, the theme touches on the idea of “next generations.” Participants are sharing insights on where the next generation of technologies might take the industrial landscape, hearing from the newest generation of investment vehicles, and getting the opportunity to meet CEOs who are representing how the next generation of entrepreneurs are shaping up. This annual gathering of the global cleantech innovation community offers a comprehensive, three-day programme along with exclusive opportunities to network, learn, and hopefully see some deals realised.
Sustainability and circular economy
George Schaff tells us, “With 660 attendees this is the biggest forum ever. It is very important, especially as Luxembourg’s cleantech sector is still at a relatively early stage, that we go to these events to meet the players in cleantech, to network and to be informed on the latest developments in the sector. The world is waking up to the fact that climate change is real and that sustainability and circular economy are the only way forward so these topics are really becoming central to any development strategy be it economic or infrastructure etc.”
One of the most visible events there so far has been filmmaker James Redford (Robert Redford’s son) special appearance and talk about his new HBO film, HAPPENING: A Clean Energy Revolution on Monday Jan 22.
James Redford calls for a clean energy revolution
According to the official statement: “James’ film embarks on a colourful personal journey into the dawn of the clean energy era as it creates jobs, turns profits, and makes communities stronger and healthier across the US. Unlikely entrepreneurs in communities from Georgetown, TX to Buffalo, NY reveal pioneering clean energy solutions while James’ discovery of how clean energy works, and what it means at a personal level, becomes the audiences’ discovery too. Reaching well beyond a great story of technology and innovation, “Happening” explores issues of human resilience, social justice, embracing the future, and finding hope for our survival.
Global cleantech 100 Report
The other highlight, also on January 22, 2018, was the annual reveal of the Global Cleantech 100 Report that highlights the mega-trends of the next 5-10 years. This year’s list was collated by combining proprietary Cleantech Group research data, with over 12,000 nominations and specific input from our expert panel. These companies represent the most innovative and promising ideas in cleantech and those which are best positioned to solve tomorrow’s clean technology challenges.”