LOW CARBON SOLUTIONS

The Low Carbon Solutions call for projects selects early-stage start-ups with a low carbon footprint. Selected start-ups receive seed funding in the form of a subordinated loan of up to €50,000.

In practice

The Low Carbon Solutions call for projects supports early-stage start-ups that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through sustainable, climate-positive innovations by providing:

seed funding in the form of a subordinated loan of up to €50,000
access to an extensive network of impact-focused organisations and individuals
media visibility
the opportunity to refine their projects based on constructive feedback from the jury

A subordinated loan

A subordinated loan is a form of financing in which the lender takes on the highest level of risk, as they are the last to be repaid. Banks consider this type of loan as quasi-equity, which can help them provide additional financing. This type of funding allows founders to focus on developing their project without having to worry from the outset about equity dilution.

The loan is interest-free for the first 18 months. An annual interest rate of 5% then applies for the following 18 months. In subsequent years, an annual interest rate of 10% applies.

Why this call for projects?

Created in 2025 with the support of the HELIOS Foundation and in operational partnership with the SE’nSE call for projects, the Low Carbon Solutions call for projects aims to support bold entrepreneurs committed to building a low-carbon future. It seeks to foster the emergence of innovative solutions through sustainable, climate-positive innovations.

The support:

Comes at a key stage in the entrepreneur’s journey: the launch phase of their start-up (pre-seed & seed stage)
Provides crucial leverage to convince other investors of the project’s potential positive environmental impact and the team’s ability to deliver

This incredible opportunity provided by the Foundation for Future Generations will enable us to continue developing and optimising the world’s first microalgae-based leather, accelerating our path to market in 2026/27.

Bloom Biotech

Low Carbon Solutions 2025 laureate

The stages

1. Launch of the call for projects

Submission of written applications.

2. Pre-selection of projects based on written applications

A jury of experts, including impact investors, entrepreneurs and professionals, reviews the applications and pre-selects the projects to be presented to the jury.

3. Pitch to the jury and selection of projects

The pitch is delivered in English to an independent jury of inspiring experts in sustainable entrepreneurship.

The entire selection process is conducted in English, from the application through to the pitch before the jury.

4. Meeting with the HELIOS Foundation

Following the selection of the projects, a meeting is organised between the Low Carbon Solutions laureates and the HELIOS Foundation. During this meeting, the laureates share updates on their progress and receive feedback from the HELIOS Foundation.

5. Future Generations Summit

The Foundation’s laureates are showcased at the must-attend event for impact projects and start-ups, organised by the Foundation for Future Generations at the end of each year.