The Arctic Circle Assembly Arctic recently took place from 17-19 October 2024 in Reykjavik, Iceland. There, two Zayed Sustainability Prize winners, Globhe and Kelp Blue, showcased their innovative approaches to sustainability and climate action.
Napoleon Bergstrom, COO of Globhe—2020 winner in the Food category, introduced the audience to the world’s largest on-demand drone data marketplace. He highlighted the pressing global challenges such as wildfires, floods and biodiversity loss, emphasising the urgent need for collective action.
Napoleon detailed how Globhe transforms data into actionable insights to combat these issues. He traced the company’s journey from its inception, through rigorous testing phases, to developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). He also shared how entering and winning the Prize significantly boosted Globhe’s growth and impact, providing the necessary resources to scale their operations and enhance their global reach.
Based in Sweden and operating worldwide in 147 countries, Globhe has made significant strides in addressing environmental challenges through innovative drone technology. By providing on-demand drone data, Globhe helps organisations monitor and respond to natural disasters, track biodiversity, and manage environmental resources more effectively.
This technology has proven invaluable in mitigating the impacts of wildfires and floods, offering real-time data that enables swift and informed decision-making. The impact of Globhe’s work extends beyond environmental benefits, fostering technological advancement and supporting sustainable development in various sectors.
Okke Meijer, the CTO of Kelp Blue—COP28 edition winner in the Climate Action category, shared the company’s vision of cultivating large-scale kelp forests to sequester a gigaton of CO2 by 2050. He explained how Kelp Blue grows macrocystis pyrifera, one of the fastest-growing organisms on Earth, which captures vast amounts of carbon dioxide and fosters marine biodiversity.
Okke detailed their operations in Alaska, New Zealand and Namibia and emphasised the importance of the Prize in accelerating their journey, providing credibility and attracting investment.
In Namibia, Kelp Blue has already made significant strides in creating a sustainable and impactful operation. The company has planted 30 hectares of kelp in the nutrient-rich waters off the Namibian coast, which are ideal for large-scale kelp cultivation. This initiative not only helps in sequestering carbon dioxide but also supports marine biodiversity by creating rich habitats for marine life. The fully operational factory in Namibia processes the harvested kelp into valuable products, contributing to the local economy and providing employment opportunities. The impact of Kelp Blue’s work in Namibia extends beyond environmental benefits, promoting economic growth and community development.
Both talks underscored the innovative solutions their companies are developing. Globhe’s use of drone technology to gather critical environmental data and Kelp Blue’s sustainable products, such as biostimulants and biodegradable kelp leather, were highlighted as key contributions to sustainability. Okke also introduced their remote-controlled, solar-powered harvester, designed to manage larger kelp forests with minimal environmental impact.
A panel featuring these winners was moderated by H.E. Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, Former President of the Republic of Iceland and Chair of the Zayed Sustainability Prize Jury. The discussion delved into the transformative potential of their solutions in combating climate change and promoting sustainability. Their participation illustrated the impact of innovative thinking in addressing global challenges and the pivotal role of the Prize in empowering such initiatives.
Winning the Prize was a turning point for both companies. For Globhe, it provided the resources to scale their operations and enhance their impact. For Kelp Blue, it offered credibility and visibility, helping them attract more investment and expand their operations. Both companies have since deepened their impact and accelerated their plans to address global sustainability challenges.
The participation of GLOBHE and Kelp Blue at the Arctic Circle Assembly showcased the transformative impact of innovative solutions in tackling climate change and promoting sustainability. Their stories exemplify how the Prize supports and amplifies the efforts of pioneering companies, driving meaningful change on a global scale. As these companies continue to grow and innovate, they are paving the way for a more sustainable future.