Building Connections that Make a Difference: An Interview with Etienne Gillard on Mana Tech’s Climate Tech Scale-Up Program

Interviewee: Etienne Gillard (EG), Head of Ventures of Mana Tech

Interviewer: Elena Kazkova(EK), Marketing expert at Nexuma

When we arrived in Miami almost two years ago from the Netherlands, it became a journey of discovery, exploring the ecosystem and considering where to establish our Nexuma office. Miami is home to numerous innovation hubs, including AI clusters, maritime industries, and creative sectors. But when we came across Mana Tech, there was an immediate connection. Their mission to support impact-driven ventures resonated deeply, and we knew we had found the right place.

Mana Tech is a dynamic hub dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, and its latest initiative, the Climate Tech Scale-Up Program 2025, immediately caught my attention. I couldn’t pass by without learning more. Curious about what the program offers and the motivation behind it, I reached out to Etienne Gillard, Head of Ventures at Mana Tech and lead of the program, who generously shared his insights.

This conversation not only gave me clarity but also provided valuable guidance for other scale-up companies considering where to land in the U.S. With Miami positioning itself as a key entry point, this program opens a unique pathway for international ventures ready to expand.

Etienne Gillard, Head of Ventures at Mana Tech, speaking about the Climate Tech Scale-Up Program

Inspiration Behind the Program

Elena Kazakova: What was the inspiration to launch the Climate Tech Scale-Up Program at Mana Tech?

Etienne Gillard: “When we designed Mana Tech three years ago with Charlie Esnal, our CEO, we defined three pillars: international entrepreneur focus, Miami ambassadors, and being impact driven. Miami already had organizations supporting local entrepreneurs, but international founders arriving here didn’t know where to go. We wanted them to know that they could come to Mana Tech.”

He added that the program is about putting Miami on the global innovation map: “Instead of only thinking San Francisco or New York, we want people to also think Miami. It’s a gateway to North and Latin America, and our mission is to drive impact. Climate, resilience, and risk tech are natural areas to focus on since Miami-Dade County has been designated as a national hub for these fields.”

The Golden 10

EK: Why did you decide to select 10 companies, not more, not fewer?

EG: “We want the program to be tailor-made. With eight to ten companies per cohort, we can dedicate enough attention to each. It’s not easy to find scale-ups willing to move to the U.S. right now for political and business reasons, but for those who do, we want to accelerate their entry by saving them time and money.”

Inside Mana Tech’s Climate Tech Scale-Up Hub

Scope of Climate Tech

EK: ClimateTech is broad. Beyond blue tech and energy, what other technologies fit into your program?

EG: “We are agnostic in theory—agriculture, carbon capture, alternative materials could all fit. But we also need to be realistic. If we bring in a company that doesn’t match Miami’s current ecosystem, we can’t help them effectively. So before confirming participation, we research each applicant’s needs to ensure we can connect them with relevant experts.”

Post-Program Support

EK: What kind of support will participating companies receive after the program?

EG: “Continuity is critical. We keep alumni connected through a WhatsApp group—simple, but it works. If they decide to open offices in our hub, we support them as members: helping with introductions to investors, distributors, customers, or legal advisors. We see ourselves as long-term facilitators rather than just program hosts.”

Criteria and Opportunities for U.S. Companies

EK: The program is described as being for international companies. Can U.S. startups also apply?

EG: “Yes, If a U.S. company is willing to relocate to Miami, we’ll support them too. Our role is to bring success stories to Miami, regardless of where they start.”

The Current Climate Tech Environment

EK: With many climate programs closing and government support shrinking, how do you view the environment today?

EG: “Yes, times are tough. But the challenges remain, and they’re only getting bigger. If it’s difficult, then we should be doing more, not less. Entrepreneurs don’t stop because it’s hard—they keep pushing. At Mana Tech, we want to be impact-driven and keep building despite the obstacles.”

A Personal Motivation

EK: On a personal level, what excites you about leading this program?

EG: “I joined the Moshe Mana Group because of its vision to integrate the Americas and strengthen democracy through collaboration. For me, the Climate Tech Program is a way to implement that big vision—connecting North and South America, but also linking to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Personally, it’s rewarding to see that we can design and execute programs with real impact.”

Defining Success

EK: What outcome would you consider a true success for this program?

EG: “It’s simple but powerful: having companies select Miami as their U.S. headquarters. If our work convinces them to stay, it’s good for Miami, good for Mana Tech, and good for the ecosystem. Every six months, if two or three companies choose Miami because of us, that’s success.”

Etienne Gillard’s vision for the Climate Tech Scale-Up Program is rooted in a clear mission to connect international innovators with Miami’s fast-growing climate and resilience ecosystem. With its focus on impact, connections, and long-term support, the program is more than just an accelerator; it’s a gateway for companies determined to make a difference while expanding into the U.S.

Elena Kazakova, Nexuma