Innovation in Resilience through the Scaling Entrepreneurship Urban Challenge (RISE) 2025 in Cape Verde

Urban resilience, the ability of a city to resist, adapt and recover from shocks and stresses, is crucial for sustainable development, especially in countries like Cape Verde that are vulnerable to climate change and other challenges. The Scaling Entrepreneurship Urban Challenge (RISE) 2025 has emerged as a vital initiative to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in building more resilient cities in Cape Verde. This article explores the potential impact of RISE 2025, highlighting the importance of innovation, examples of focus areas and the crucial role of local entrepreneurs.

RISE 2025 is an ambitious programme that aims to identify and support innovative solutions led by entrepreneurs that address the challenges of urban resilience. In Cape Verde, this means tackling issues such as:

• Water scarcity: Developing technologies and management models to optimise water use and exploit alternative sources.
• Waste management: Implement efficient systems for collecting, recycling and recovering waste, turning it into resources.
• Renewable energy: Promote the adoption of clean and affordable energies, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
• Resilient infrastructure: Build and maintain infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events such as droughts and floods.
• Affordable and safe housing: Create housing solutions that are accessible to all and that withstand natural disasters.

The programme offers selected entrepreneurs access to funding, mentoring, training and a network of contacts, enabling them to scale their solutions and achieve significant impact.

Innovation is the key to building more resilient cities. In Cape Verde, creativity and local knowledge are valuable assets that can be harnessed to develop solutions tailored to the country's specific needs. RISE 2025 recognises this importance and seeks to catalyse innovation in various areas:

• Digital technologies: Use the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies to monitor and manage urban resources more efficiently. For example, soil moisture sensors can optimise irrigation, reducing water waste.
• Sustainable building materials: Developing and using building materials that are environmentally friendly, durable and affordable. This could include the use of recycled materials or the production of bricks from agricultural waste.
• Innovative business models: Create business models that encourage the adoption of sustainable practices and community participation. For example, microfinance programmes can help low-income families invest in solar energy systems.

A concrete example of innovation in urban resilience in Cape Verde is the development of mist water collection systems in mountainous areas. This simple and effective technology makes it possible to collect drinking water in regions where water scarcity is a chronic problem.

The success of RISE 2025 depends on the active participation of local entrepreneurs. They are the ones who know the challenges and opportunities of their communities and who can develop innovative solutions adapted to the local reality. The programme offers selected entrepreneurs

• Initial financing: To validate your ideas and develop prototypes.
• Specialised mentoring: From experts in urban resilience, entrepreneurship and business management.
• Access to a network of contacts: With investors, partners and other entrepreneurs.
• Business skills training: To help them scale their solutions and achieve a significant impact.

By supporting local entrepreneurs, RISE 2025 not only contributes to building more resilient cities, but also creates jobs, strengthens the local economy and promotes sustainable development.

The Scaling Entrepreneurship Urban Challenge (RISE) 2025 represents a unique opportunity for Cape Verde to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in building more resilient cities. By supporting local entrepreneurs and catalysing innovation in areas such as water management, waste management, renewable energy and resilient infrastructure, the programme can make a significant contribution to the country's sustainable development. The success of RISE 2025 depends on the active participation of local entrepreneurs and the continued support of governments, companies and civil society organisations. By investing in urban resilience, Cape Verde will be preparing to face the challenges of the future and build a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.

If you are an entrepreneur with an innovative solution to the challenges of urban resilience in Cape Verde, don't miss the opportunity to take part in the RISE 2025 Challenge!

The deadline for applications is **11-4-2025**.

Innovate in resilience! Take part in the RISE 2025 Urban Challenge. Find out more and sign up!