A critical mass of clean technology investors, corporates, entrepreneurs and CEOs convened in Copenhagen, Denmark last week for the Cleantech Forum.
Now in its fifth year in Europe, the event is designed to offer a variety of ways to gain insight and network with key individuals contributing to the global adoption and growth of clean technologies.
Critical issues relating to water, energy, waste and the environment were discussed. The effect of the economic downturn as well as the role of public policy was also on everyone’s mind.
“The collective opportunities clustered around the clean technology themes have witnessed many waves of innovation and adoption over the last few years” says Iyad Omari of Frog Capital and member of the Cleantech Group’s European Advisory Board. “True, some of this innovation has slowed down as a result of the economic climate that we are in, but businesses that have been focussed on creating real value by improving the productivity, efficiency and economic sustainability of their industries are doing well.”
“The big important themes driving these sectors are unstoppable. They will however take many years to unfold. Innovative entrepreneurs in these times must think carefully about the sustainability of their own company as much as of the industries they are affecting. A capital intensive business plan hinged on a speculative value proposition is not going to get far. A capital efficient one however addressing a clear market need with a compelling ROI and a clear path to profitable growth will fare well.”
The Forum was attended by leading global corporations as well as top-tier venture capital and other investment firms.
Full information on the Cleantech Forum XXII is available at http://cleantech.com/copenhagenforum