Claudio Colombo is a visionary investor and innovation leader dedicated to accelerating sustainability through technology. As the Managing Director of NextSTEP, the venture capital arm of NextEnergy Group, he specializes in pre-seed cleantech investments, identifying and supporting transformative startups that drive environmental impact. Under his leadership, NextSTEP has grown its assets under management to €6.4M, funding 20+ startups across Climate Tech and supporting founders who are shaping the future of renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable mobility, water management, agritech, and more. Claudio is passionate about bridging the gap between early-stage innovation and market adoption, leveraging strategic investments, mentorship, and collaboration to scale breakthrough solutions. He actively fosters an interconnected Nature Tech ecosystem, where startups, investors, corporates, and research institutions can co-create impactful technologies that accelerate the green transition.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat, it is a present reality affecting economies, societies, and ecosystems worldwide. The urgency to transition towards a sustainable future has never been greater, and at the heart of this transformation lies climate technology, or Climate Tech. This rapidly evolving sector is proving to be a catalyst for meaningful change, leveraging innovation to reduce environmental impact while reshaping industries and economic models.
The acceleration of Climate Tech is driven by a convergence of scientific breakthroughs, regulatory support, and Venture Capital investments. Unlike in the past, when sustainability-focused innovations struggled to reach the market, today we see a growing network of early-stage investors, corporate partnerships, and government initiatives that are bridging the gap between research and commercialization. This shift is enabling the large-scale deployment of technologies that are essential for achieving a net-zero future.
Climate Tech encompasses a broad spectrum of solutions, ranging from renewable energy advancements to AI-driven resource optimization, sustainable mobility, circular economy, water and agriculture innovations. These technologies are not only addressing environmental challenges but also unlocking economic opportunities, fostering job creation, and redefining industries. The accelerating momentum in this sector underscores how innovation, investment, and policy are reshaping the landscape of sustainability-driven technology.
Transforming Key Sectors: Energy, Mobility, Circular Economy, Water and Agriculture
One of the most transformative areas of Climate Tech is energy. The rapid decline in the cost of renewable sources, such as solar and wind, has positioned them as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Beyond energy generation, innovations in storage and grid optimization are ensuring that renewables can provide reliable power on demand. Startups are leveraging AI and IoT to enhance energy efficiency in buildings, optimize industrial processes, and develop smart grids capable of balancing supply and demand dynamically. The integration of these technologies is crucial in achieving net-zero goals and reducing dependence on carbon-intensive energy systems.
Another domain experiencing significant disruption is mobility. Electrification, shared mobility, and autonomous driving are converging to redefine transportation in urban and long-haul contexts. The shift towards electric vehicles is accelerating, with advances in battery technology extending range and reducing costs. At the same time, AI-driven platforms are optimizing logistics, reducing congestion, and enhancing efficiency in supply chains. Sustainable aviation and alternative fuels are also gaining traction, demonstrating that the transition to low-carbon transportation is not limited to roads but extends to the skies and seas.
At the same time, the circular economy is emerging as a fundamental pillar of Climate Tech. Traditional linear models of production and consumption, characterized by “take, make, dispose”, are giving way to regenerative systems that prioritize reuse, recycling, and resource efficiency. Startups are pioneering solutions that transform waste into valuable materials, leveraging biotechnologies, material sciences, and digital tracking to create closed-loop ecosystems. Industries such as fashion, packaging, and consumer goods are increasingly integrating circular principles to minimize environmental impact while creating new business models rooted in sustainability.
Water management and sustainable agriculture are also critical areas where Climate Tech is making an impact. Advanced filtration technologies are enabling more efficient water purification and desalination, addressing global water scarcity challenges. Precision agriculture, powered by AI and IoT, is optimizing resource use, reducing reliance on chemical inputs, and enhancing crop yields in a climate-stressed world. Innovations in alternative proteins, vertical farming, and soil regeneration are reshaping food production, ensuring resilience in the face of shifting climatic conditions.
Beyond Technology: The Role of Venture Capital, Corporate Engagement and Government Policy
Despite these promising developments, scaling Climate Tech solutions requires more than just technological advancements; it demands financial support, regulatory alignment, and cross-sector collaboration. Unlike digital startups, where software can be deployed globally with minimal friction, many climate innovations are DeepTech and involve hardware, infrastructure, and longer development cycles, requiring patient capital and a strategic vision. One of the most remarkable aspects of Climate Tech is its ability to bridge the gap between scientific research and market-ready solutions. Historically, many sustainability-focused innovations struggled to reach commercialization. However, the landscape is changing.
Venture Capital’s role in Climate Tech extends beyond funding; it plays a crucial role in de-risking and accelerating the deployment of groundbreaking technologies. Strategic investors are increasingly offering operational support, connecting startups with industry stakeholders, and facilitating pilot projects that validate and scale technologies. This collaborative approach is essential in transforming climate-focused innovations from promising prototypes into mainstream solutions. As more capital flows into the sector, competition is intensifying, driving rapid advancements and cost reductions across multiple industries.
Corporate engagement is another key driver of Climate Tech adoption. As sustainability becomes a business imperative, leading companies are integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into their strategies. Many are partnering with startups, investing in Climate Tech solutions, and deploying carbon reduction initiatives to align with global climate commitments. The intersection of corporate sustainability and startup innovation is creating new pathways for technology deployment, accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Government policies and public-private partnerships are also fundamental. Regulatory frameworks that support clean technologies, carbon pricing mechanisms, and incentives for green innovation are crucial in accelerating adoption. Countries that position themselves as leaders in Climate Tech will not only address the climate crisis more effectively but also gain competitive advantages in emerging industries.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Climate Tech is poised for exponential growth. The combination of technological advancements, regulatory alignment, and financial support is creating an ecosystem where sustainability-driven innovations can thrive. Emerging fields such as green hydrogen, direct air capture, and next-generation battery technologies hold immense potential to accelerate decarbonization efforts. The continued convergence of AI, biotechnology, and materials science will unlock new solutions that redefine how we interact with the planet’s resources.
As the world navigates the climate crisis, the role of innovation cannot be overstated. Climate Tech is not just about reducing emissions, it is about reimagining industries, reshaping economic structures, and fostering a future where sustainability is embedded in every aspect of life. The transition to a greener world is not a distant aspiration but an unfolding reality, driven by the relentless pursuit of innovation and the collective efforts of visionaries determined to make a difference. In this decisive decade, the success of Climate Tech will be measured not only by technological breakthroughs but by the tangible impact it delivers in building a resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.