Presenting
Impact, Innovation & GRIT AWARDS 2025
Location
United Arab Emirates - Dubai
Date
23-24 October 2025
Theme
Turning Sustainability into Scalable Innovation
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GRIT Awards 2025
GRIT Awards 2025 is a high impact convening of the world’s most promising ESG and sustainability startups. With a curated focus on Climate Tech, Sustainable Cities, Circular Economy, and Nature Tech, the event connects innovators with investors, corporates, and policy enablers to accelerate real-world solutions.
Why Attend GRIT 2025?
- Discover investment-ready deep tech (AI/ Blockchain) startups solving critical Sustainability challenges
- Build strategic partnerships with corporates & public sector champions
- Gain thought leadership from the most influential voices in sustainability
- Celebrate the next generation of ESG impact leaders
Sponsor & Partner Opportunities:
- Branded award categories & stage time
- VIP networking sessions & curated matchmaking
- Logo visibility across digital & physical channels
- Access to curated attendee insights & investor leads
Event Highlights:
- Startup Pitch Showcases across 3 verticals
- Curated 1:1 Matchmaking (Investors x Startups)
- Keynotes from global sustainability leaders (sponsors)
- Interactive roundtables & panels
- GRIT Awards Ceremony & Reception
Attendee Tickets
All Pass include the following:
- Digital access to all presentation materials
- Post-event startup pitch videos
- 2025 Global ESG Trends Report ($500 value)
- Networking mobile app access
- 20% discount on 2026 tickets
STARTUP FOUNDER PASS
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Access to all summit sessions and workshops
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Inclusion in startup showcase directory
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Pitch feedback session with investors
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Founder resource kit (templates, guides)
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Networking breakfast with investors
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Awards ceremony access
INVESTOR/CORPORATE PASS
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VIP lounge access
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Curated 1:1 matchmaking with top startup
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Investor-only breakfast roundtable
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Front-row seating at pitch sessions
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Exclusive investor pitch booklet
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Full awards ceremony access
VIP PASS
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All Investor Pass benefits
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Private dinner with keynote speakers
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Personalized meeting scheduling
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Backstage access at awards ceremony
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Dedicated concierge service
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Premium gift package
Which GRIT Award am I eligible for?
Foundational Awards
GRIT ESG Startup and ESG Trailblazer of the Year
Top honour for cross-sector ESG excellence, innovation, and impact
GRIT Climate Tech Leader
Best-in-class solution tackling carbon reduction, energy transition, or climate resilience.
GRIT Circular Economy Innovator
Transforming resource use through recycling, reuse, or product design.
GRIT Sustainable Cities Pioneer
Solutions for smart, low-carbon urban development and transport.
GRIT Agritech & Food Sustainability Award
Driving future-fit food systems, regenerative agriculture, or low-impact farming.
Special Innovation Awards
Most Scalable ESG Innovation
Mass-market potential with replicable business model and ESG benefits.
Nature Tech for Planetary Health
Tech preserving biodiversity, ecosystems, or natural capital.
Sustainable AI / Fintech Solution
Financial innovation enabling ESG investing, carbon markets, or green capital flows.
Women-led Sustainability Start up
Empowering women founders driving impactful sustainability outcomes.
Youth Changemaker Award
Under-30 innovators reimagining ESG challenges with bold, disruptive ideas.
Ecosystem Awards
Best Corporate–Startup Collaboration
Partnership delivering measurable ESG innovation.
Impact Investor of the Year
VC/fund with outstanding ESG-aligned investment strategy and influence.
Accelerator/Incubator Championing ESG
Supporting high-growth sustainability ventures and market access.
Recognition Awards
Lifetime Impact in ESG Leadership
Career-long commitment to advancing ESG principles globally.
Pitch Jury Special Mention
Honors a standout pitch or visionary solution chosen live by GRIT pitch judges.
Speakers & Jury
DR. EMMANULLE ADEGBITE
University of Nottingham
SHAILESH HARIBHAKTI
Chairman Shailesh Haribhakti & Associates
PROF. ROY LING
Academic Program Director at SMU Academy and the CEO & Founder of FollowTrade.
DR. JAGANNATHAN P.
Senior General Manager - Sustainability
HENRY WANG
International Author, Advisor & Speaker, Hong Kong
MARIJA PUJO TADIC
President of the IICA, European Commission’s Ambassador
HENRY WANG
Chief Policy officer, United Nations
DR. KATIA CHABAN
CEO of Rethinkit Strategies INC. NY, USA
JO ANNE SCHWENDINGER
PCEO of Clear Strategy Co
Agenda
Keynotes, Startup Pitches, Investor Panels, Matchmaking, Evening Awards Reception.
Day 1 – Full Day | The Summit & Awards Showcase
08:30 – 09:45 | Arrival & Networking Breakfast
- Registration opens
- Coffee, breakfast, informal networking
- Themed interest tables: Climate Tech, Mobility, Nature Tech, Artificial intelligence etc.
09:45 – 10:30 | Opening Plenary & Keynote
- Welcome remarks by Corpstage & Host Sponsor
- Keynote: Scaling ESG Innovation in the Decisive Decade
- Special guest address (UAE govt./international dignitary)
10:30 – 11:15 | Roundtable Networking – ‘Thematic Circles’
- Theme-based hosted table discussions
- Choose your theme: Energy, Mobility, Circular Economy, and more
11:15 – 13:00 | Startup Pitch Block #1
- 5–6 startups pitch (5 min pitch + 5 min Q&A each)
- Sectors: Climate Tech, Nature Tech, Sustainable Cities
- Live jury feedback + audience voting via app
13:00 – 14:30 | Networking Lunch & Investor Meetup Zone
- Casual standing lunch across garden/patio/networking space
- Investor lounge opens informal chats, coffee tables
14:30 – 15:15 | Panel: What Investors Want from ESG Startups
- Insights from VCs, corporate venture arms, DFIs
- Focus: traction, impact metrics, scaling potential, business model resilience
15:15 – 15:30 | Networking & Transition Break
15:30 – 16:30 | Interactive Workshop Sessions (Choose 1 of 3)
- Investor–Start up Deal Room (Invite only)
B. Corporate ESG Innovation and AI Adoption Roundtable
C. Founders’ Clinic: Scaling for Impact
16:30 – 17:45 | Curated Matchmaking Session #1
- 1:1 pre-matched meeting (up to 6 per person)
- Dedicated networking lounge with Brella/Grip system support
17:45 – 19:00 | Evening Reception & Networking
- Cocktails, canapés, and live music
- Open space for deeper discussions between startups, investors, partners
19:00 – 20:00 | GRIT Awards Ceremony
- Presentation of 15 awards (1-minute spotlight per winner)
- Live announcement: Jury Special Mentions
- Group photo, press media zone, closing remarks
Deep Dive Sessions, Innovation Showcase, Closing Plenary.
Day 2 – Half Day | Deep Dive & Deal Day
08:30 – 09:30 | Investor & VIP Breakfast (Invite Only)
- Closed-door networking for VCs, corporates, and funds
- Curated start up lists and co-investment opportunities
09:30 – 10:30 | Panel: ESG Startup Success Stories
- Real-world lessons from Series B/C founders
- Interactive Q&A focused on what actually works
10:30 – 11:15 | Policy & Regulation Spotlight
- Fireside chat with UN or Ministry rep
- Upcoming ESG regulations, disclosure prep for founders
11:15 – 12:00 | Startup Innovation Showcase
- 1-minute demos from attending startups
- Visibility session for startups not in the pitch block
12:00 – 13:00 | Curated Matchmaking Session #2
- Follow-up 1:1 meetings
- Final chance to close loops, confirm next steps
13:00 – 14:15 | Farewell Lunch & Departure
- Wrap-up lunch served buffet style
Testimonial
Sponsors Who Support Us
Elevate your brand by partnering with the GRIT Awards 2025 as a sponsor. See more here.
Frequently Asked Questions
GRIT Awards 2025 will be held at Dubai, UAE.
We will send you an email with all the information. Or Contact us @ team@corpstage.com
We will send your ticket to your email, after fees have been paid.
How secure are my credit card details?
We take the security and privacy of your personal information very seriously. Our registration payment gateway is designed to ensure the highest level of security for all transactions.
What is the form of payment method?
Credit/ Debit cards, PayPal.
Do you provide travel and lodging?
No, we do not provide travel and lodging.
I want to come with a few colleagues, is that possible?
Yes, it is possible, Your colleagues will have to register and pay for the tickets.