As nations and businesses work toward building a low-carbon, climate resilient economy, access to finance has emerged as a critical building block. Private investors – often supported by public policy and finance – are already channeling significant amounts of money into the measures underpinning this transition, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport, climate adaptation, climate smart agriculture, and curbing deforestation, but much more investment is needed. This is particularly true for developing countries, which often face difficulties attracting private investment at the scale needed to reach their sustainable development and energy access goals.

The Lab identifies, develops, and accelerates a small selection of well-designed, early stage businesses and financial instruments that can unlock billions in sustainable investment. These instruments aim to improve the effectiveness of public support, while also reducing private investors’ risks and improving their financial returns.

The Lab is comprised of four programs: the Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance, the India Innovation Lab for Green Finance, the Brasil Innovation Lab for Climate Finance, and the Fire Awards for Sustainable Finance. Climate Policy Initiative is the Secretariat and analytical provider.

Together, these programs have launched 11 instruments for piloting, which to date have mobilized $822 billion.