BrazilHertility Health and NetZero Biochar win BCG X accelerator program
Boston Consulting Group has announced the winner of its Social Impact Accelerator program – selecting not one, but two “outstanding winners”.
Organised by BCG X (Boston Consulting Group’s technology build and design unit), the Social Impact Accelerator is an annual competition that helps tech talent from across Europe further develop and scale their start-up.
The program launched in 2019 following an employee-led initiative in the firm’s German practice. Following four successful editions operated out of Berlin, the program this year expanded its reach to the London and Paris offices.
Theme of this year’s edition was ‘building a resilient future for people and/or planet’. Julius Neiser, Managing Director and Partner at BCG X, said: “The program aims to accelerate the building of bold new initiatives, products, services, and businesses, which are creating an impact. Concepts also need to generate measurable social impact in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.”
Over 160 applicants competed to win a three-month pro-bono project with a dedicated team of Boston Consulting Group experts.
At the grand finale, the prize was – for the first time – awarded to two joint winners: Hertility Health, a British company revolutionising women’s reproductive health with at-home fertility testing for women; and NetZero Biochar, Brazilian-French company building scalable solutions for nature-based carbon removal across the tropics.
The two start-ups will in the coming -month period leverage the expertise of BCG X’s entrepreneurs, digital strategists, engineers, and tech creators.
Neiser said that the pro-bono initiative aligns with BCG X’s mission to utilise the talent and skills within its business to create positive change and lasting impact. “Our mission is to help innovators, entrepreneurs and change-makers create a better, sustainable and equitable future.”
BCG X was formed in September last year through the merger of three technology-focused divisions: BCG Digital Ventures, BCG Gamma and BCG Platinion. BCG X has around 2,800 staff – around one third of Boston Consulting Group’s broader 7,000-strong pool of tech and digital talent.
