Front-Runners or Futurists?
Meet the 2023 Finalists & Winners
CLIMATE INNOVATIONS
Puroceans Technology
(LV)
WINNER
INITIATIVE: This innovative technology employs air bubbles to efficiently remove oil spills and plastic debris from the seafloor, offering a unique and environmentally friendly solution to marine pollution.
IMPACT: The widespread adoption of this technology could revolutionize ocean cleanup efforts, significantly reducing marine pollution and aiding in the restoration of marine ecosystems, potentially having a global impact on ocean health.
CompAct
(EE)
INITIATIVE: CompAct offers a comprehensive toolkit that combines behavioral science and data analytics with a chatbot to encourage sustainable behavior in the workplace, integrating seamlessly into tools like Slack and MS Teams.
IMPACT: Their approach could transform corporate sustainability, making it more efficient and widespread, potentially leading to significant reductions in corporate carbon footprints globally.
KWOTA
(EE)
INITIATIVE: KWOTA focuses on addressing the carbon emissions from material production by enhancing recycling processes, thus tackling a significant portion of global CO2 emissions.
IMPACT: Their work could lead to a more sustainable manufacturing sector, significantly reducing global CO2 emissions and advancing the fight against climate change.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Ringo Eco
(EE)
WINNER
INITIATIVE: Ringo Eco disrupts the norm of single-use packaging by introducing an innovative model of reusable packages, employing a cycle of use, collection, washing, and reuse.
IMPACT: This model could drastically reduce waste from single-use packaging in the food service and event industries, inspiring a broader shift towards sustainability and circular economy practices.
FudLoop
(EE)
INITIATIVE: FudLoop tackles food waste by rescuing surplus food from companies and households and redistributing it through innovative food lockers, accessible to users for both depositing and retrieving food.
IMPACT: Their model could significantly reduce food waste, a major environmental issue, potentially leading to more sustainable food consumption and distribution practices.
The Rewear Company
(EE)
INITIATIVE: This startup operates a kidswear rental marketplace, addressing the issue of overconsumption in children’s clothing by promoting the reuse and extended life of garments.
IMPACT: By reducing the demand for new clothing production, this initiative could lead to significant environmental benefits, including lower carbon emissions and reduced waste in the fashion industry.
ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES
PVcase
(LT)
WINNER
INITIATIVE: They provide an AutoCAD plug-in that automates the design of utility-scale solar projects, addressing the inefficiencies and high costs typically associated with solar project development.
IMPACT: This innovation could significantly streamline the deployment of solar energy, a crucial component in the transition to renewable energy, potentially accelerating global efforts to combat climate change.
Solarstone
(EE)
INITIATIVE: Solarstone has developed a Click-on® Framing Kit Technology for Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) installations, which simplifies and speeds up the process while maintaining aesthetic and structural integrity.
IMPACT: This technology could greatly enhance the adoption of solar energy in urban and architectural projects, contributing to a greater integration of renewable energy sources in buildings and cities.
Skanstes Business Centre
(LV)
INITIATIVE: This project implements geothermal energy piles in the construction of the Elemental Business Centre, providing energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions.
IMPACT: The success of this initiative could inspire a shift towards renewable energy sources in building construction and management, reducing the carbon footprint of new developments.
SOCIAL INITIATIVES
JSC "Augstsprieguma tīkls" (AST)
(LV)
WINNER
INITIATIVE: AST is involved in repairing Ukraine's energy infrastructure with a focus on sustainable solutions, contributing materials and equipment for long-term benefits.
IMPACT: Their support not only aids in immediate crisis response but also sets a precedent for sustainable and cooperative efforts in energy infrastructure development under challenging circumstances.
Impact Day NGO
(Pan-Baltic)
INITIATIVE: This NGO brings together innovators in sustainability, providing a platform for companies to share their stories, form collaborations, and educate consumers on sustainable choices.
IMPACT: Their work could significantly influence how businesses and consumers approach sustainability, potentially leading to a more sustainable and informed society.
Sonido
(LV)
INITIATIVE: Sonido's project "Let's Talk!" addresses social isolation by connecting individuals, including those with disabilities, for meaningful conversations.
IMPACT: This initiative could foster a more inclusive and connected society, addressing loneliness and social isolation, especially among marginalized groups.
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
R8 Technologies
(Pan-Baltic)
WINNER
INITIATIVE: R8tech offers a Human-Centric AI Solution for climate neutrality in real estate, enhancing building operations and reducing CO2 emissions.
IMPACT: Their technology could lead to significant energy savings and reduced carbon emissions in the building sector, a key area in the fight against climate change.
SpirulinaNord
(LV)
INITIATIVE: This company establishes urban Spirulina farms to provide fresh, sustainable, and nutrient-rich foods, utilizing innovative cultivation methods to enhance Spirulina's nutritional profile.
IMPACT: Their model could redefine urban agriculture, providing a sustainable, local source of nutrition in densely populated areas. By producing nutrient-rich Spirulina close to consumers, they can reduce the environmental impact associated with transportation and storage, and potentially inspire similar urban farming initiatives globally.
Bikeep
(EE)
INITIATIVE: Bikeep OÜ is addressing urban transportation challenges by developing a network of smart bike stations. These stations offer secure and convenient bike parking, equipped with advanced security features and a reservation system, promoting cycling as a practical and safe mode of urban transport.
IMPACT: The initiative encourages more people to cycle, reducing urban congestion and pollution, and contributing to a healthier, more sustainable urban environment. By enhancing the convenience and security of cycling, Bikeep OÜ's solution has the potential to transform urban transportation systems, setting a precedent for smart, eco-friendly city innovations.
SUSTAINABILITY AMBASSADOR
REMO
KIRSS
(EE)
WINNER
ACTIONS: Remo Kirss aims to raise awareness and shift mindsets towards sustainable actions, encouraging companies not to be deterred by initial costs and challenges in sustainable initiatives.
IMPACT: His efforts could lead to a greater understanding and implementation of sustainability in various economic sectors, potentially changing consumer behaviors and corporate strategies.
DIANA PAAKSPUU
(EE)
ACTIONS: Diana Paakspuu has contributed to sustainability in Estonia through her role as CEO of Uuskasutuskeskus, focusing on reuse and circular economy, and now as an ESG Strategic consultant.
IMPACT: Her work could inspire a wider adoption of circular economy practices among Estonian companies, leading to significant environmental and social benefits.
SANDER
TAMM
(EE)
ACTIONS: Through Ecolife.com, Sander Tamm guides citizens towards sustainable lifestyles, focusing on waste reduction, environmental education, and sustainable consumer choices.
IMPACT: This platform could play a significant role in educating the public about environmental issues, fostering a society more conscious of its environmental impact.
JANA
TRAPANE
(LV)
WINNER
ACTIONS: Jana Trapane focuses on promoting data-driven sustainability in business, advocating for the use of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria for risk management and decision-making.
IMPACT: Her work could lead to a more transparent and accountable approach to corporate sustainability, encouraging businesses to adopt practices that are genuinely sustainable and not just for show.
IEVA
KUSTOVA
(LV)
ACTIONS: Ieva Kustova is recognized for her leadership in integrating sustainability principles into business operations, including her role in developing the EU Taxonomy Implementation and Sustainable Finance Roadmap for Estonia and Latvia.
IMPACT: Her influence could lead to widespread adoption of sustainable practices in businesses, potentially transforming the way companies across the region and beyond approach sustainability and corporate responsibility.
VALERIJA
KOZLOVA
(LV)
ACTIONS: As a lecturer at RISEBA University, Valerija Kozlova is dedicated to educating new generations about sustainability, combining theory with practical implementation and research.
IMPACT: Her educational and research efforts could significantly influence the mindset and practices of future leaders, embedding sustainability into various sectors and contributing to long-term sustainable development.
PAULIUS
CHOCKEVIČIUS
(LT)
WINNER
ACTIONS: His mission includes promoting urban beekeeping and biodiversity, offering educational workshops, and developing green infrastructure like bee-friendly green roofs.
IMPACT: These initiatives could improve urban biodiversity, educate the public about the importance of pollinators, and contribute to combating the urban heat island effect.
RUGILĖ
MATUSEVIČIŪTĖ
(LT)
ACTIONS: Rugilė Matusevičiūtė focuses on raising environmental awareness through engaging audiovisual content, including TV shows, documentaries, and social media.
IMPACT: Her work could significantly enhance public environmental literacy and consciousness, potentially leading to greater public support for environmental conservation efforts.
JURGIS
KAZIMIERAS
STANIŠKIS
(LT)
ACTIONS: Jurgis Kazimieras Staniškis advocates for a sustainable economic system, challenging traditional paradigms and promoting an economy that prioritizes well-being within planetary boundaries.
IMPACT: His scientific work and advocacy could influence a global shift towards more resilient, equitable, and low-carbon economies, fundamentally changing how businesses and policies approach sustainability.