Geneva, Switzerland, 22 October 2025 – Innovate 4 Nature (I4N) today announced the finalists for the I4N Award 2025, recognising the most promising startups driving nature-positive innovation.
From an initial pool of more than four hundred applications, 16 finalists were selected, representing cutting-edge solutions across four focus areas: sustainable management of ecosystems, nature as infrastructure and planet-compatible cities, regenerative food systems, and circular nature-positive solutions.
“This year’s finalists demonstrate how diverse, ambitious, and actionable nature-positive innovation has become. From materials innovation to carbon finance and biodiversity monitoring, they are showing how nature can power the next wave of economic transformation.”
The 16 finalists presented their innovations at the I4N Award Pitch Day on 21 October, impressing a world-class jury of experts from finance, science, NGO & philanthropy, and government & business.
“The I4N Award 2025 Finalists demonstrate the creativity and determination needed to accelerate the transition to a regenerative economy. Each one is a strong example of how entrepreneurship can contribute to solving the planet’s most urgent challenges.”
The selected Finalists per I4N Focus Area are:
Sustainable Management of Ecosystems
Nature as Infrastructure and Planet-Compatible Cities
Regenerative Food Systems
Circular Nature-Positive Solutions
Diverse and Innovative Solutions Across Ecosystems and Industries
This year’s finalists reflect both technological and ecological diversity, showcasing how nature-positive solutions can accelerate systemic change.
The solutions cover a wide range of approaches, including:
I4N is also proud that 50% of the finalist ventures are led by female founders, reflecting the growing leadership of women in climate and biodiversity innovation. The finalist pool represents a global diversity of geographies and perspectives – a critical ingredient in building resilient and equitable nature-positive solutions.
Winners to be revealed at WEF 2026
While the finalists have been selected, the winners of the I4N Award 2025 will be officially announced at I4N’s Nature Lunch during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting on 22 January 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, hosted together with the European Biodiversity Coalition.
The four I4N Award winners will each win a cash prize of CHF 25,000, gain access to I4N’s ecosystem of investors, corporates, and foundations, receive tailored training and mentorship opportunities, and get visibility through I4N channels and exclusive events – helping them scale their impact globally.
In addition to the I4N Award, the jury has also confirmed the proposed winner of the Wyss Academy for Nature grant, worth CHF 15,000, as well as the recipients of an ‘honorary mention’, who will also be announced in Davos.
About the I4N Award
The Innovate 4 Nature Award is a global initiative recognising and supporting the most impactful early-stage startups advancing a nature-positive economy. By connecting entrepreneurs with capital, expertise, and partnerships, I4N helps accelerate scalable solutions for biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
Since its launch, the Award has attracted applications from across the globe and become a platform for showcasing breakthrough innovations in nature-positive business.
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