On 6 October, 2026, moderated by Lucy Fitzgeorge-Parker, the Building Bridges 2026 Launchpad (Part I) showcased six new initiatives designed to help investors, financial institutions and businesses navigate some of the most pressing sustainability challenges facing the global economy.

Nature Bonds Initiative: Creating investable pathways for nature

The Launchpad opened with Jan Amrit Poser, Co-Founder of the Nature Bonds Initiative, who presented a new effort to mobilise capital for nature through scalable investment products. As biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation increasingly present material financial risks, the initiative seeks to expand the range of investable opportunities available to investors while helping direct capital towards nature-positive outcomes. Learn more at the Nature Bonds Initiative website → 

A common methodology for measuring financed plastic pollution

Simone Pedrazzini of Earth Action, joined by Marjolein Meulensteen of a.s.r. Asset Management and Manveer Gill of CDP, launched a methodology that enables financial institutions to measure financed plastic pollution within investment portfolios. The framework applies principles similar to financed emissions accounting and offers a practical way for investors to identify, quantify and manage plastic-related risks. By making the methodology freely available, the partners hope to establish a common market standard for understanding plastic-related exposure.

Bringing climate emergency awareness to Switzerland

John Moorhead, National Coordinator of the Swiss adaptation of the National Emergency Briefing, introduced a new initiative designed to communicate the realities and implications of accelerating climate change. Adapted from a programme first developed in the United Kingdom, the briefing aims to engage decision-makers across sectors and encourage a deeper understanding of climate-related risks and resilience challenges. John also announced that the Swiss version of the film will be produced in 2027 and announced the first supporter, Nest Sammelstiftung, and Sacha Cisar joined John on stage to reinforce the importance of the effort. Learn more about the Swiss Emergency Briefing here →

Putting farmers’ voices at the centre of impact measurement

Representing Oikocredit, Ruben Leon launched the impact bank’s first Client Self-Perception Survey Programme agriculture module – a new module that brings the voices of smallholder farmers directly into impact measurement and management. The approach complements traditional financial and impact metrics, providing investors with richer insights into how investments are experienced on the ground and helping identify future priorities for agricultural finance and resilience. Learn more and receive the briefing →

A practical toolbox for climate adaptation

Donning a raincoat, umbrella, rainboots and fire estinguisher, Daniel Schmitz-Remberg, grabbed attention as he joined the stage. As Founder of the Adaptation Exchange, he launched a new Climate Adaptation Tool Box designed to help organisations move from climate risk assessment to implementation. The platform combines a resilience assessment, a business case calculator and a catalogue of adaptation solutions, helping organisations quantify resilience gaps and identify practical investment opportunities. Learn more and access the Toolbox here →

AlphaX: Asset-level intelligence for risk management

Closing the session, Nick Hough-Robbins, CEO of NatureAlpha powered by AlphaX, unveiled AlphaX, a platform that combines geospatial intelligence with nature, climate, geopolitical and operational risk analysis. The platform enables investors and financial institutions to assess risk at the level of individual assets and supply chains, helping improve decision-making in an increasingly complex operating environment. Learn more at alphax.ai →

The BB Launchpad: What’s New in Sustainable Finance (Part II) takes place on 7 October, from 12:00-13:00 on the Media Stage. 

Photo credit: Antoine Tardy