Aspen Global Innovators Group Introduces the Inaugural Class of Climate Innovators
Five leaders from around the world selected to accelerate community-based climate solutions.
Washington, DC, May 7, 2026 – The Aspen Global Innovators Group (AGI) is proud to announce the inaugural cohort of the Aspen Climate Innovators Accelerator, a one-year, intensive impact acceleration program that supports exceptional, proven climate leaders at pivotal moments in their leadership journeys. In partnership with the John P. & Anne Welsh McNulty Foundation, the Accelerator invests in leaders to overcome barriers to scaling their solutions and provides transformative leadership and investment opportunities.
MEET THE CLIMATE INNOVATORS:
Alex Bailey | Founder of Black Outside, Inc. | USA
Ifeoma Malo | Co‑Founder and CEO of Clean Tech Hub & Energy Innovation Center | Nigeria
Mansi Shah | Senior Coordinator of Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) | India
Sathya Raghu | Co-Founder of Soul Forest & Kheyti | India
Stephen Lucke | Founder of Gardopia Gardens | USA
Guided by courage, commitment and an entrepreneurial spirit, these leaders are addressing the root causes of climate change through community-driven, scalable solutions. Through tailored communications, pitching, strategic training and mentoring support, the Accelerator will help shape the next chapter of these climate innovators’ breakthrough work.
“Addressing climate change effectively starts and ends at the community level where behavioral change and innovation adaptation take place. Yet, the lion’s share of climate finance flows to large scale enterprises, with powerful frontline innovation left without investment or support. Innovators in the Global South and underserved U.S. communities often lack the networks and support needed to shape funding agendas and expand their impact,” shares Peggy Clark, Founder and Executive Director of AGI. “This Accelerator builds on AGI’s proven model to ensure frontline leaders are positioned to lead the solutions our future requires.”
“From Nigeria, to India, and down to Texas, these innovators are tackling the root causes of climate change with courage and ingenuity — yet too often without the networks, capital, or platforms they deserve,” states Aprile Age, Executive Director of the John P. & Anne Welsh McNulty Foundation.“ Our partnership with the Aspen Global Innovators Group is an investment in closing that gap — and in ensuring that the leaders nearest to the solutions are empowered to scale them.”
AGI has supported 291 leaders across 54 countries, reaching 1.8 million people and catalyzing $5–10 million annually for their enterprises. These innovators will strengthen their ventures with enhanced leadership skills and expanded networks, and will join a cohort of climate and food security leaders equipped to champion their solutions on the global stage.
Contact: Ladin Bacakoglu, Communications and Events Manager
ladin.bacakoglu@aspeninstitute.org
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The Aspen Global Innovators Group
For more than 15 years, the Aspen Global Innovators Group (AGI) has championed health and development leaders and innovators from 54 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the United States of America to design, champion, and advocate for innovative programs, policies, and partnerships that result in a safer and healthier future for all people and communities. Our network of 7600+ individuals and organizations has served 200 million people, improving health and well-being. We identify and amplify the voices of visionary, proven, and impactful local leaders, advocates, and practitioners. For more information, visit us at www.aspenglobalinnovators.org/.
About the John P. & Anne Welsh McNulty Foundation
The McNulty Foundation inspires, develops, and drives leaders to solve the critical challenges of their time. Created in 2008 by Anne Welsh McNulty in honor of her late husband, the John P. McNulty Prize is awarded in partnership with the Aspen Institute and has now recognized over 60 visionary leaders for their courage and lasting impact. The McNulty Prize strategically invests at the critical point between proof of concept and global scale, where few other supporters operate, to position leaders and mid-stage ventures for greater impact. To learn more, visit mcnultyfound.org.
The Aspen Institute
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.
