ChangeNOW: Accelerating Sustainability Innovation
Santiago Lefebvre, Founder of ChangeNOW, offers insights to sustainability entrepreneurs
If you work or are interested in the sustainability sphere, you probably have heard of ChangeNOW. After all, the three-day-long conference is set to draw approximately 40,000 attendees this year. With a particular focus on sustainability solutions, ChangeNOW draws businesses, investors, educators, and advocates from around the world. In this week’s newsletter, we were lucky enough to speak with the event’s founder, Santiago Lefebvre about what led him to begin the event, how it has grown, and the impact it has had on sustainability innovation.
What Led Santiago to Begin ChangeNOW?
ChangeNOW started in 2017 with the mission of accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable and inclusive world by creating a platform to provide support to those working on creating impactful solutions. Santiago wanted to put his time and energy into something that would make the world a better place. Around 2014-2015, he met several impact entrepreneurs and saw there was a lack of knowledge of where to find peers and funding for sustainability solutions. He wanted to create something that would help the ecosystem develop and distribute resources. Eventually, this led to the inception of ChangeNOW. Since its creation, the conference has grown rapidly.
“It has been a great adventure since then, because it grew from 2000 participants to six thousand the second year, 28,000 in the third year, and now we are approaching 40,000 this year.” - Santiago Lefebvre, Founder of ChangeNOW.
Now, ChangeNOW is a globally recognized sustainability conference, attracting thousands from around the world. Additionally, it provides a space for sustainability solutions creators to pitch their ideas to investors, helping secure funding and grow their organizations and projects.
ChangeNOW’s Purpose
ChangeNOW showcases sustainability innovations that promote progress and offer creative solutions to problems we are currently facing. Each year, 1000 innovative solutions are picked to present and/or pitch at the conference. These presentations span many different areas within the sustainability arena. ChangeNOW offers participants valuable networking opportunities and brings together people who are interested not only in the environment but also in creating ongoing solutions to pressing problems and concerns.
“ChangeNOW is also a place to create bridges, to create collaboration, and those networking spaces are key to create encounters that are really meaningful” - Santiago Lefebvre, Founder of ChangeNOW.
Attendees also learn about meaningful solutions to problems that may not have focus placed on them. For example, microplastics from fabrics can enter the water during laundering. One past ChangeNOW solution highlighted this issue and offered a valuable solution to the problem, helping reduce plastic pollution.
How Has ChangeNOW Evolved Since It Began?
Since the first ChangeNOW conference eight years ago, Santiago has noticed how not only the event but also the sustainability space has changed. For one, the focus on different topics and areas of attention has shifted. For example, there is increased attention to the importance of biodiversity. Overall, Santiago notes that there is a shift away from focusing solely on climate towards a more holistic approach.
“If we want to really make change happen we need to make it from the top, but also from the bottom and we need to bridge those two.” - Santiago Lefebvre, Founder of ChangeNOW.
Additionally, increased funding means that the offerings and maturity of pitches have changed as well since potential investment opportunities have grown. The sheer size of the event has increased drastically as well.
Important Messages for Innovators within the Sustainability Space
Santiago’s messages for sustainability innovators are simpler. He feels that we are living in historical times, and need to understand our role as planetary citizens and guardians. He encourages innovators in the sustainability space to persevere, despite the setbacks they may face. Santiago reminds us all that we need to have faith that we are doing the right thing.
“If we want to really live sustainably, we need to ask and find the solutions to this; what is our place and role on this planet? That means that despite all the challenges, we are working towards the right direction.” - Santiago Lefebvre, Founder of ChangeNOW.
ChangeNOW stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of a sustainable future. Through Santiago Lefebvre's vision, the event has evolved into a vital hub for connecting doers, showcasing solutions, and driving meaningful change. As the world faces pressing environmental and social challenges, the messages of hope, perseverance, and planetary responsibility shared by Santiago serve as a powerful call to action for all innovators in the sustainability space. ChangeNOW continues to inspire and empower, proving that collective effort can indeed accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable and inclusive world.
Important Announcement from Brightest
Brightest is pleased to announce that this year, not only will we be attending ChangeNOW, but our organization has been selected to pitch our solution to a global audience of innovators and changemakers. We’re excited to showcase how our platform is driving positive impact and sustainability across industries. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded organizations and contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future. Stay tuned for more updates and if you are attending, be sure to come say hi! And, if you haven’t already gotten your ticket, use our code CN25XBRIGHTEST for 30% off!
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