Now more than ever, data is central to both business operations and climate resilience. But a major challenge remains: we are generating vast amounts of information, but oftentimes it is not leveraged to its full potential to inform real-world climate action.

In the hands of startups, this data can be a powerful tool for aligning and orienting the development of new innovations that can have scalable nature and climate impacts, while addressing real business challenges.

In this episode, hosts Isabelle and Laura are joined by Gideon Blaauw, Regional Lead for CleantechHUB Latin America. Together, they discuss the work CleantechHUB is doing to train startups in responsible data and AI integration, and the role that ecosystem actors have in creating the foundation for a climate-resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Key Topics:

• The Data Gap: Why startups in emerging markets must be data- and AI-ready in order to maximize their climate impact.

• Ecosystem Orchestration: How CleantechHUB is leaning into data training for their climate startup cohorts to promote investable solutions.

• The COP30 Vision: The reality of translating international goals for climate action to on the ground implementation in LAC.

• Global South Synergies: The role that global platforms and collaboration initiatives can have for accelerating climate solutions in the Global South.

Guest Bio:

Gideon Blaauw is an ecosystem orchestrator and the Regional Lead for CleantechHUB LAC. Based in Bogota, he works at the intersection of the private sector and impact space, helping climate startups navigate the journey from ideation to capital markets.

Follow the series:

• Catalytzing Climate Conversations (C3): here

Credits:

• Hosts: Isabelle Foster and Laura Simmons-Stern

• Music: Finally Free/Marc Jackson Burrows - PRS – Audio Network; Mindfulness 2/Philip Guyler - PRS, Paul Clarvis - PRS - Audio Network; Your Mind 2/ Michael Awagbe, Benjamin Arthur, Dwayne Domonick Grant, Campbell E Browning, Pablo Love, Edward Swinburne, Melvin E Brown - PRS - Audio Network

Note, this episode was recorded at the end of 2025.

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or their organizations. This podcast should not be considered professional or investment advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.