Media as a Catalyst for Climate Innovation in Europe

Media and storytelling accelerate climate innovation by making complex technologies understandable, building founder and investor communities, and shaping Europe’s climate tech ecosystem around execution, resilience, and long-term impact.

Featuring Hugo Rauch: Climate Tech, VC, and Media Builder

In this episode of Movers & Shakers, we welcome Hugo Rauch, founder of the New Wave podcast, VC investor at Climate Club, and a leading voice in European climate tech.

From professional skateboarding to Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund, Hugo’s path shows how conviction and curiosity can lead to meaningful climate impact.

Why Storytelling Matters for Climate Innovation

Climate solutions are often complex, technical, and systemic. Media helps translate these challenges into clear narratives that inspire:

• Entrepreneurs to build
• Investors to commit
• Communities to mobilize

Climate Tech Is Bigger Than the “Climate” Label

One key insight: the strongest climate companies often stop calling themselves climate companies.

Instead, they focus on fundamentals such as:

• Energy systems
• Advanced materials
• Industrial resilience
• European sovereignty

The mission stays the same, even if the label fades.

Curiosity as a Driver of Breakthrough Ideas

Innovation often starts with simple questions.

Hugo highlights curiosity as a strategic advantage in climate tech, where asking the right questions can unlock new approaches in complex markets and infrastructure.

Europe’s Climate Tech Future: Execution and Sovereignty

Europe’s path forward lies in scaling climate solutions through:

• Industrial execution
• Independence in energy and raw materials
• Resilient innovation ecosystems
• Strategic leadership in AI and sustainability

Climate tech is increasingly tied to sovereignty and competitiveness.