HSBC has launched the HSBC Climate Tech Connect Programme in partnership with the TERA-Award and the Green Accelerator, establishing a strategic initiative to accelerate the commercial deployment of climate technology across the real economy.
The 12-week accelerator framework is designed to bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and commercial scale by linking HSBC’s corporate and institutional investor clients with participants and alumni from both partner organisations. Operational engagement will focus on curated matchmaking, bespoke one-to-one introductions, technology showcases, and structured working sessions across core sectors, including energy, water, and waste management.
Based in Hong Kong, the initiative leverages the territory’s position as a regional financial hub to connect climate tech developers with commercial pilots, private capital, and supply chain partners across mainland China and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Key strategic elements of the collaboration include:
- Commercial Pilot Generation: Direct matching between enterprise technology demand and verified innovators to establish real-world demonstration projects and corporate offtake agreements.
- Global Pipeline Access: Leveraging the TERA-Award network, which has attracted over 2,500 projects from 76 countries and distributed $4.65 million in prize funding since 2021.
- Developing Market Deployment: Alignment with the Green Accelerator, a non-profit platform backed by HSBC that utilizes philanthropic capital to improve project bankability, prepare technical designs, and build project pipelines for multilateral development banks and commercial lenders.
Natalie Blyth, Global Head of Sustainable Finance and Transition at HSBC, stated: “Hong Kong’s role as a leading hub for innovation, international connectivity and financial markets, combined with its proximity to Chinese Mainland, makes it an exceptional launchpad for climate tech companies to scale across the region. Through the HSBC Climate Tech Connect Programme, we’ll connect the participants with the networks, expertise and market opportunities they need to commercialise, win partnerships and grow.”
Alan Chan Ying-lung, Executive Chairman of the TERA-Award Organising Committee, added: “TERA-Award is more than a competition — it is an innovation hub and global platform that brings together some of the most promising climate tech projects and breakthrough innovations. By connecting top innovators with industry leaders, investors and ecosystem partners, TERA-Award helps accelerate the journey from technology development to commercial adoption and growth. HSBC plays a key role in this mission by connecting our alumni with corporate partners to explore real-world applications and commercial opportunities.”
Dr Ma Jun, Chairman of the Preparatory Committee of the Green Accelerator, noted: “The Green Accelerator will provide acceleration and empowerment services to green technology projects across developing economies. Our goal is to enhance their bankability and build robust project pipelines for multilateral development banks, sovereign wealth funds, and commercial financial institutions. Working alongside the HSBC Climate Tech Connect Programme, we can help connect innovators with corporate demand, starting with demonstration opportunities in Hong Kong and scaling successful solutions across the region.”
