HCLTech Grant Americas Second Edition Awards $1 Million to Three NGOs to Create Scalable Solutions to Combat Climate Change

In a significant move to foster sustainable change, HCLTech, a distinguished global leader in technology, has announced the recipients of its second annual Climate Action Grant in the Americas. This prestigious grant allocates an impressive $1 million to support innovative, scalable projects dedicated to combating the impacts of climate change.

This year’s top awardee, Osa Conservation from Costa Rica, receives $500,000 to spearhead the Climate Lifeboat corridors initiative. This strategic project is dedicated to reconnecting fragmented tropical habitats, thereby providing a thriving ecosystem for numerous species adapting to climate shifts. The initiative plays a crucial role in preserving vast ecosystems by ensuring biodiversity and climate adaptation.

Two runners-up, Daily Acts and Ocean Wise, each benefitted from a $250,000 grant to further their impactful environmental projects. Daily Acts, based in California, is set to revolutionize water management and social infrastructure through community-driven climate resilience programs. The initiative promises to amalgamate government strategies with grassroots efforts aimed at advancing water and stormwater management, particularly in Petaluma, California.

Meanwhile, Ocean Wise, from Canada, is channeling its efforts into restoring kelp forests along the Pacific coastline. The project focuses on mitigating the overpopulation of sea urchins, employing cutting-edge technology and ecological research to bolster marine biodiversity. By doing so, it offers vital support to coastal communities that rely on these ecosystems.

The surge in applications this year, increasing by over 70%, resulted in a competitive selection process. Applications hailed from ten eligible countries across the Americas, reflecting the growing urgency to address climate-related challenges and the critical role that such initiatives play in promoting sustainability.

Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Senior Vice President of Global CSR at HCLTech, recognized the value of the grant recipients’ projects, emphasizing their potential to reconnect natural habitats, enhance community fortitude, and rejuvenate marine environments across the Americas. “The increase in applications highlights the urgency of mitigating climate change impacts and supporting initiatives dedicated to a sustainable future,” said Dr. Pundhir.

This series of grants is part of HCLTech’s broader commitment to sustainability, initiated last year with a pledge of $5 million over five years. This effort signifies HCLTech’s proactive role in addressing the climate crisis and underscores the company’s dedication to global sustainability efforts.

HCLTech’s endeavors have consistently garnered recognition for their positive environmental impact. The company remains committed to leveraging its technological and industry expertise in partnership with various organizations to better serve communities globally. This holistic approach encompasses a wide array of sectors, including financial services, healthcare, telecommunications, and public services, further demonstrating its substantial history in environmental advocacy.

The grant exemplifies HCLTech’s mission to catalyze progress through innovative, sustainable solutions and reaffirms its dedication to creating a more resilient planet for future generations. As these NGOs embark on their journey to transform their respective fields, they are united in a shared goal: to combat climate change and cultivate ecosystems that thrive amidst adversity.