Impact Unicorns: Innovations with extraordinary potential
Article
By Bram van der Grinten, 14.10.2024
Founder of Impact Forecast
Founder of Impact Forecast
In the quest to tackle climate change, some innovations stand out not just for their ingenuity, but for their extraordinary potential to make a massive environmental impact. We call these exceptional innovations Impact Unicorns — innovations with the ability to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by a factor of 1,000 times the average. These are the game-changers, capable of removing millions of tons of CO₂eq per year—equivalent to the carbon footprint of over 150,000 people or the output of 250 2MW wind turbines.
What Are Impact Unicorns?
An Impact Unicorn is an innovation that represents a potential for positive climate impact in the megaton range of GHG emissions reduction. These innovations don't just incrementally improve upon existing solutions—they leapfrog ahead, offering climate benefits on a massive scale.
How Are Impact Unicorns Identified?
The process of identifying an Impact Unicorn involves the validation process and is climate-impact-data-driven:
Why Impact Unicorns Matter
Impact Unicorns are the true trailblazers in the fight against climate change. Here’s why they are so critical:
Magnitude of Impact
Funding or supporting an Impact Unicorn can have a climate effect comparable to funding hundreds of other innovations. By focusing on these high-impact solutions, organisations can achieve greater climate outcomes with more efficient use of resources.
Strategic Advantage
Identifying and backing an Impact Unicorn positions your organisation at the forefront of sustainable innovation. It signals to stakeholders that you are committed to making a substantial difference in the fight against climate change.
Efficient Resource Allocation
In a world where resources for climate innovation are limited, directing funds and support to Impact Unicorns ensures that every dollar or hour spent generates the maximum possible benefit for the environment.
Get in touch
Are you ready to discover and support the next Impact Unicorn? Tell us more about your ideal impact company, and let’s explore how we can help you find and back the innovations that will make the biggest difference.