AS the global race to tackle climate change heats up, the Caribbean is stepping forward with the launch of Carbon Shift, the region’s first full-scale tech accelerator.

The accelerator is focused on businesses that are building solutions to help other entities and individuals adapt through climate adjustment technologies.

“The Caribbean is seen as the most susceptible region in the world when it comes to climate change and risk factors that apply. However, unlike other parts of the world, this has not translated as yet into a major business opportunity for the Caribbean, nor have our people been able to build businesses out of it. And so it’s not a driving force for investment in the market as yet,” co-founder of TBR Lab Kirk-Anthony Hamilton told the Jamaica Observer.

The Carbon Shift accelerator is backed by the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) through its BIGEE Programme and led by innovation hub TBR Lab. The initative aims to propel innovative business ventures and climate-focused entrepreneurs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, carbon markets, and other green sectors that support a low-carbon future. The accelerator will feature an eight-week curriculum followed by an additional 12 weeks of ongoing support, including mentorship from subject matter experts in the climate space. It’s the kind of ecosystem that has been lacking and recognised as necessary, as many Caribbean climate start-ups have few benchmarks across the Caribbean region.

“The reality is we tend to say you don’t know what you don’t know until you know. And the fact of the matter is most of these people, if not all, have not really gone to school for how to build a successful business of this nature. And they’re also not coming from successful businesses that look anything like what they’re trying to solve,” explained Hamilton.

Those transitioning from a regular day into climate-focused ventures will need information, business support and development advice. He explained that in many cases, Caribbean nationals who travel are exposed to technologies that seem applicable and potentially successful in their home markets, but they often lack access to industry peers who can guide them further, which is the gap the accelerator aims to fill. Applications are now open for start-ups developing climate-focused solutions, with the programme also calling on corporate partners, investors, development agencies, and government bodies to help build a stronger regional climate innovation ecosystem. Selected entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas to an audience that includes potential partners and investors.

“We’re really looking for already established businesses in this instance. It’s not really an idea-focused programme. So it’s more of an accelerator than an incubator,” Hamilton clarified with the Business Observer. “What we are typically looking for are entrepreneurs who are already dedicated to their idea. So they are full-time working on the business.”

He also clarified that the programme will not include businesses focused solely on solar energy, as it’s now considered a traditional operation. Instead, the accelerator is targeting entrepreneurs who are still refining their products, not importers or distributors. But those building, implementing and selling original climate solutions. The programme plans to accept a maximum of 15 to 20 entrepreneurs. TBR Lab will lead the roll-out of Carbon Shift in partnership with Climate KIC, Europe’s leading climate innovation network. Hamilton also indicated that the climate accelerator programme will return next year. While TBR Lab has hosted tech accelerators annually, this marks a shift toward specific content focused on climate technology.