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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

$ 400
  • Access to all summit sessions and workshops
  • Inclusion in startup showcase directory
  • Pitch feedback session with investors
  • Founder resource kit (templates, guides)
  • Networking breakfast with investors
  • Awards ceremony access

INVESTOR/CORPORATE PASS

$ 800
  • VIP lounge access
  • Curated 1:1 matchmaking with top startup
  • Investor-only breakfast roundtable
  • Front-row seating at pitch sessions
  • Exclusive investor pitch booklet
  • Full awards ceremony access

VIP PASS

$ 1 500
  • All Investor Pass benefits
  • Private dinner with keynote speakers
  • Personalized meeting scheduling
  • Backstage access at awards ceremony
  • Dedicated concierge service
  • 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) 

  1. 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. 

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