Worldwide, most innovative businesses base their success on creating value through better use of intangible assets, especially in the IT and financial sectors. Considering that ecosystem services constitute the most valuable intangible assets on earth and that the global demand for “nature” is increasing, we can assume a next generation “bio and circular economy” based on Natural Capital investments and marketing of ecosystem services and biodiversity. The agriculture, forestry and natural resource sectors are called to a paradigm shift, from providing “products” to delivering “services”. The challenge of The Nature-Accelerator is to improve the provision, access and market of these natural services!

We would like to receive applicants that incorporate one or more of the following aspects:

• Ecosystem services and biodiversity: Ecosystems Services (ES) are the many different benefits that ecosystems provide to humanity, from food, clean water and flood protection to cultural heritage and a sense of place, etc. Decades of research have shown that biodiversity plays a vital role in ecosystem functioning, and that processes such as capturing essential resources, producing biomass and recycling nutrients, are all impaired as biodiversity declines.
• Impact driven: No compromises! Compulsory positive social, environmental and governance impacts. The Nature-Accelerator is powered by Fledge, a community of impact investors who share our vision in helping foster businesses that do good through for-profit businesses.
• Social Innovation: Social innovation refers also to the creation of new forms of networks and practices among people and organizations in response to societal, economic and environmental challenges. Innovation doesn’t happen only with technology: people, institutions and networks should be at the core of any innovative, socially-driven business model.
• New technologies: new business models should take advantage of the concept of “Industry 4.0” which goes with the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. It includes cyber-physical systems, the Internet of things and cloud computing.
• Circular and bio economy: Re-thinking the economy, a continuous positive development cycle that preserves and enhances natural capital, optimizes resource yields, by minimizing risks and increasing renewable flows. Currently, more than 40 nations worldwide are proposing actions and strategies to boost their bioeconomy. In Europe, the bioeconomy is already worth EUR 2 trillion in annual turnover and accounts for more than 20 million jobs (EC, 2012). The bioeconomy is expected to grow to a market value of EUR 40 billion and 90,000 new jobs in 2020.