ChangeNOW—the global summit dedicated to turning bold climate and social ambitions into real-world action—returns to the iconic Grand Palais in Paris from March 30 to April 1, 2026. Over three high-energy days, this is where innovators, investors, public leaders, NGOs, media, and citizens meet to accelerate scalable solutions for people and planet. Mark your calendar if you’re serious about climate tech, circular economy breakthroughs, nature-positive strategies, and inclusive growth.
What Makes ChangeNOW Different?
Unlike traditional conferences, ChangeNOW is built as a marketplace of impact where concrete solutions and high-value connections take center stage. The organization’s core mission is to connect innovators with capital, companies, media, and cities—so good ideas don’t stay on the shelf. Expect an environment designed for deals, adoption, and cross-sector collaboration, not just inspiration.
Who Attends (and Why It Matters)
ChangeNOW convenes a uniquely diverse audience you won’t find in typical tech or sustainability events:
- B2B Participants & Corporates scouting decarbonization tools, regenerative models, and supply-chain solutions.
- Investors—LPs, GPs, angels, family offices, and catalytic funds—sourcing vetted impact opportunities and co-investors.
- Startups, NGOs & Academia ready to scale and validate their solutions with enterprise partners.
- General Public & Media amplifying stories and bringing societal momentum.
This cross-pollination is the point: founders find customers and capital; corporates find implementable solutions; public actors find partners for policy-aligned pilots. It’s the full ecosystem in one place.
Dates, Venue & Practical Essentials
The 8th edition takes place March 30 – April 1, 2026, at the Grand Palais in Paris—a symbolic backdrop for a global mobilization on climate and inclusion. On-site amenities are thoughtfully curated for accessibility and low-carbon practicality: subtitle translation via smartphone for all conferences, a dedicated sustainable food court (10:00–17:00), and secure bike parking right in front of the venue. You’ll also find practical details such as opening times and exclusive hotel rates to streamline your visit.
Programs & Thematic Tracks to Watch
Beyond the mainstage and exhibition zones, ChangeNOW curates issue-driven programs that turn attention into momentum:
- Road to COP30—policy-minded dialogues to align innovators and institutions ahead of the global climate summit.
- Women for Change—spotlighting the founders, scientists, investors, and policymakers accelerating gender-equitable impact.
- Sport for Change—mobilizing the power of sport to advance climate action and social inclusion.
- Film for Change, Youth for Change, Angels/Funds for Change, Board for Change—storytelling, talent pipelines, governance, and capital all oriented toward scale.
These curated tracks make it easier to navigate the agenda and plug into the communities that match your goals.
Why Startups and NGOs Should Apply Now
If you’re building a climate or social solution, the Call for Solutions 2026 is already open. Selected projects gain premium exposure to buyers, partners, and press; join tailored networking; and pitch to an investor community actively seeking impact deals. For many teams, ChangeNOW is the catalyst that transforms pilots into global deployments.
To complement the selection, the Startup & NGO experience at the summit is designed to maximize discovery and connections across three days—ideal if you’re ready to validate use cases with corporate or city partners, or to accelerate fundraising with mission-aligned capital.
The Investor Experience: Capital Meets Purpose
For investors, ChangeNOW consolidates a year’s worth of deal flow into three days. More than 1,200 investors typically engage at the summit, including LPs, GPs, angels, family offices, and catalytic finance vehicles. Expect curated networking, sector roundtables, and exposure to solution-builders who are investment-ready and traction-proven. If your mandate spans climate tech, nature-based solutions, circular systems, or equitable access, this is a rare concentration of pipeline and peers.
Tickets, Passes & Access Options
Whether you’re attending as a professional, founder, researcher, or citizen, you’ll find pass types that match your goals—from Summit to Startup/Non-Profit & Academic, Investor, and Premium access. ChangeNOW also maintains Solidarity Pass options for individuals in need, reflecting the event’s mission of inclusivity and collective progress. Subscribe to updates to be first in line as availability evolves.
On-Site Experience: Built for Action
ChangeNOW is optimized for hands-on discovery and efficient matchmaking:
- Exhibition Zones highlighting deployable solutions ready for pilots and scale.
- Stages & Dialogues featuring practitioners who’ve shipped results—helping you benchmark what “good” looks like in 2026.
- Impact Job Fair connecting mission-driven talent and organizations (access included with your summit ticket).
- Translation & Accessibility Features to keep everyone fully engaged, regardless of language or mobility.
The design principle is simple: reduce friction, increase serendipity, and help promising ideas cross the chasm from demonstration to adoption.
How to Make the Most of Your Trip
- Plan early: Paris is busy year-round—lock in exclusive hotel rates via ChangeNOW’s guidance to stay close to the venue.
- Go low-carbon: Cycle to the Grand Palais and use the free, secure bike parking out front.
- Optimize your schedule: With translation available via smartphone and a packed agenda, shortlist sessions and exhibitors that align with your KPIs.
Ready to Join the Movement?
If you want your organization at the forefront of climate and social innovation, ChangeNOW 2026 is the stage. Book your pass, apply for the official selection if you’re a solution-builder, and connect your team to the partners who can help you scale impact in 2026—and beyond. Grand Palais, Paris | March 30–April 1, 2026.
