Centrica to sponsor The Tech For Our Planet Programme at COP26

27 October 2021

Sustainability

Media Relations

Centrica partners with PUBLIC and Cabinet Office on the Tech For Our Planet challenge programme

Centrica has today been announced as the exclusive partner for the Tech For Our Planet challenge programme. Delivered by PUBLIC and the Cabinet Office, the programme will culminate in a showcase taking place at the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow this November.

The Tech For Our Planet Programme is designed to explore and showcase how digital and data solutions can make essential contributions to the global climate effort. Selected startups will pilot and showcase solutions that are aligned to government priorities and net zero targets.

The programme covers a number of climate challenges from how technology can be used to drive more sustainable consumption within the home to supporting aquatic ecosystem protection, including ecosystem recovery and preventing biodiversity loss.

"COP26 represents the best opportunity for tech-innovators, governments and established businesses to come together and put in place the tangible changes needed to move the dial on climate change"

Chris O'Shea, Centrica Group Chief Executive

Centrica, the owner of British Gas, alongside PUBLIC, will also host a discussion on the clean energy transition amongst policymakers, experts and innovators on how to make it resilient and smarter. It will showcase how a successful energy transition rests on innovative new technologies and the growth of companies seeking to bring solutions to market.

Chris O’Shea, Centrica Group Chief Executive commented: “With one week to go before the most important climate conference in history, the scale of transformation and collective action required to hit net-zero is increasingly apparent. COP26 represents the best opportunity for tech-innovators, governments and established businesses to come together and put in place the tangible changes needed to move the dial on climate change.

“Our partnership with PUBLIC on the Tech For Our Planet challenge programme marks an important milestone on our mission to support initiatives that give innovators the platform they need to tackle climate change. We are excited to see the startups selected showcase their game-changing solutions on the world stage and look forward to helping them bring this to consumers.”

"Public concern for climate change is at an all-time high and a strong consensus across global leaders on climate action is truly starting to take shape. Technology has enormous potential to help us in our fight against climate change yet there is still work to be done in building up the ecosystem that enables greater collaboration between innovators and governments for the right solutions to gain traction. The Tech For Our Planet programme is a watershed moment for stepping forward in this direction toward our mission of a decarbonised society."

Daniel Korski, CEO and Co-Founder, at PUBLIC