Valencia European Green Capital 2024 promotes, in collaboration with the main organizations and entities of sustainable development at national level, the second edition of “The gap between the two”an annual gathering organized by the Social Nest Foundation. This event will bring together different actors from the global impact ecosystem to address the most pressing social and environmental challenges.
The advisor on tourism, investment acquisition and innovation, Paula Llobethighlighted that “it is an honor for Valencia to host the second edition of The Gap in Between, an event that places our city as the epicenter of innovation and social change. “This meeting not only strengthens our position as European Green Capital 2024, but also demonstrates our commitment to sustainable development and finding solutions to the global challenges we face as a society.”
Valencia Marina will once again be the scene of a fundamental event that will bring together startups, investors, governments and civil society to promote positive change and build a more sustainable future together. Llobet emphasized that “we are proud to support initiatives that promote dialogue and action on issues so crucial to the well-being of our planet and our community.”
Among all the finalist startups, 50% are Spanish. Eight of the finalists belong to Catalonia and the Valencian Community, four each, while the Community of Madrid and Asturias each contribute one startup. Among the 50% foreigners, Israel and the United Kingdom top the list, with two startups each, followed by Ireland, Ecuador, the United States, Nigeria, Germany and France, with one representing each.
The finalist startups, chosen according to a rigorous selection process among nearly 500 candidate projects from 78 different countrieswill be able to make their pitch on one of the stages of The Gap in Between, in the Valencia Marina on October 8, in addition to being part of the Fair of the best startups and sustainable innovations. Among all these finalist startups, the jury will choose a winning project taking into account the effectiveness of these startups’ solutions to respond to the main challenges of our society. The winning project will receive a prize of 10,000 euros.
In addition to the overall winner, five finalist companies will also be recognized, in each of the five major themes of the event: Safe, accessible and nutritious food systems; Social inclusion and equity beyond business; Energy transition and sustainable cities; From a linear commercial strategy to a circular commercial strategy; and Changing the financial system for the common good. Everyone will also have the opportunity to connect with high-profile investors to grow their business.
Address systemic challenges with the best stakeholders
The Gap In Between will bring together some of the most important personalities in the field of innovation economy and sustainability. Nearly a thousand participants will be able to participate in a program in which there will be the best inspiration sessions, networking and connection spaces between investors, companies and entrepreneurs/startups, workshops, experiences of local ecosystem, pitches and sessions to co-create. the most disruptive solutions, among many other activities.
Confirmed speakers include Adam Kybird, Director of the Triodos Bank Food Transition Fund; Ivo Degn, co-founder and CEO of Climate Farmers; Linn-Cecilie Linnemann, Senior Partner, Nordics and Baltics at Lumo Labs; Ana Dubois, director of strategy at Ashoka; Valérie Mazon, CEO of Danone Communities; Paula Llobet, Advisor for Tourism, Innovation and Investment Attraction of Valencia City Hall; Margarita Albors, president and founder of the Social Nest Foundation; Iker Marcaide, founder of the Zubi group, Tim Radjy, co-founder and CEO of Alphamundi; Miguel Tiana, general director of COFIDES; Rocío Castrillo, Director of Entrepreneurship and Strategy at Enisa; and Teresa Parejo, Director of Sustainability at Iberia, among others.
The Gap in Between benefits from the support of the Generalitat Valenciana, the Provincial Delegation of Valencia and the Valencia City Council, through Valencia Innovation Capital, in addition to the support of organizations such as Caixa Popular, Fundación ONCE, Zubi Group, Factorial , COFIDES, Iberia, Renfe, L’Oréal, Mercadona, Unicef and Ashoka.
For two days, nearly a thousand participants will have the opportunity to take part in a varied program which will include plenary sessions, panels, workshops, local ecosystem tours, pitches and networking sessions, among other activities. This interactive format will allow participants to exchange ideas, learn from best practices and build strategic alliances.
A model of urban sustainability
The recognition of Valencia as European Green Capital 2024 It will not only celebrate the city’s achievements in urban sustainability, but also establish a legacy for future generations. This award positions Valencia as a benchmark in Europe, demonstrating its strong commitment to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life of all its inhabitants.
Through the continued involvement of citizens, organizations and the public-private sector, Valencia will continue to lead the way towards a more sustainable and equitable future. Celebrating “The Gap in Between” in this city will demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved through the combination of innovation, collaboration and a strong commitment to sustainability.
