In a grand showcase of creativity and innovation, the Climate Solutions Prize has awarded more than $1 million in prizes. Through the 2024 Quebec Start-up Track and Public Choice Awards, Cycle Momentum has distributed $600,000 to innovative start-ups. This annual event, aimed at recognizing and supporting breakthrough solutions to combat climate change, highlighted the impressive contributions of numerous start-ups dedicated to sustainability.
Meet the Winners
Dispersa: Leading the Commercialization Stage
Dispersa has been awarded the 2024 Quebec Start-up Track commercialization stage prize for their pioneering work in developing the world’s first waste-derived biosurfactants. These biosurfactants offer a sustainable, palm and petroleum-free alternative to conventional surfactants used in everyday consumer products. Dispersa’s innovative approach not only addresses the issue of waste but also provides a greener solution for the consumer goods industry.
Agapyo: Revolutionizing the Pre-commercialization Stage
Agapyo, the winner of the 2024 Quebec Start-up Track pre-commercialization stage prize, is transforming the materials industry with their thermoplastic lignocellulose product, jam™. This moldable and compostable rigid petro-plastic replacement significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions—by an estimated 70% compared to traditional plastics—marking a substantial step forward in sustainable materials.
Both Dispersa and Agapyo were awarded $150,000 in the form of an equity investment, through Cycle Momentum’s Origo investment program, contingent on due diligence.
An Exciting surprise from the BDC’s Thrive Lab for Women
Adding to the excitement, both winning start-ups are co-founded by women. Nivatha Balendra, Founder & CEO of Dispersa, and Monika Rak, Technical Lead at Agapyo, exemplify the power of female leadership in driving positive social and environmental change. In recognition of their achievements, BDC’s Thrive Lab for Women, dedicated to supporting women-led businesses, is matching Cycle Momentum’s equity investment of $150,000 for each start-up, contingent on due diligence.
A special thanks goes to Sevrine Labelle and her team at Thrive Lab for their invaluable support in empowering these pioneering companies.
Public Choice and Jury Awards
This year’s Public Choice Award was claimed by Phoenix Impact, who received $10,000 for their compelling pitch. Meanwhile, the Jury Award, accompanied by a $25,000 prize, was awarded to Michael Di Mare of Bauxite for their outstanding innovation.
The Climate Solutions Festival witnessed 22 start-ups presenting their groundbreaking ideas. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants for their dedication and vision in pursuing a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable world. Their contributions are a testament to the potential of innovation in addressing climate change.
Our deepest gratitude goes to the jury committee members for their fair and discerning judgment and to the investors in the Origo program for their generous contributions. Their support is crucial in nurturing start-ups with the potential to make significant environmental impacts.
