Unlocking private capital for bankable green projects.

Hong Kong, 7 September 2026 –  The Green Accelerator (GA) made its official debut today at the 2026 Hong Kong Green Finance Association Annual Forum. As a new non-profit platform, the GA is purpose-built to deploy green technologies and philanthropic funding specifically to address the pervasive "bankability gap" that prevents viable green projects in developing countries from securing investment.

The Accelerator will use philanthropic capital to support project design and preparation, as well as providing technical assistance and capacity building. Its goal is to transform proven green technologies into portfolios of scalable, bankable projects that meet the investment criteria of multilateral development banks (MDBs), sovereign wealth funds, and international commercial banks.  

This initiative directly addresses a key bottleneck in climate finance: the fact that only a small fraction of green projects in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) succsefully reach financial close. The GA aims to systematically overcome this challenge by integrating technology sourcing, project preparation, and innovative blended finance solutions. The focus areas of GA’s operation will include energy transition, sustainable food system, circular economy, as well as water and climate resilience, where the lack of bankable project pipelines is a key bottleneck for global financial institutions to deploy capital. 

Founding members

The GA has secured commitments from a distinguished coalition of institutions as founding members, listed in alphabetical order:

• Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
• Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership (CISL)
• Environmental Protection Department (EPD), the Government of the HKSAR
• GenZero (Temasek-owned decarbonization investment platform company)
• Institute of Finance and Sustainability (IFS)
• Silk Road Fund (SRF)
• The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC)

The initiative has received strong backing from the Hong Kong SAR Government, which supported the establishment of the Green Accelerator in the 2026-27 Budget. Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, said: “The Green Accelerator represents another pioneering contribution of Hong Kong to the global drive for green transition. With the support of multiple stakeholders — from multilateral development banks to think tanks, from international financial institutions to innovation flagships — the initiative will bring together worthwhile projects with the capital and technology needed to scale them, thereby strengthening global efforts to channel private capital toward climate solutions in developing countries. At the same time, it will create new opportunities for Hong Kong's financial and professional services sector, while elevating our position as a global hub for green technology and sustainable finance.”

Dr. Ma Jun, Chairman of the Preparatory Committee of the Green Accelerator and President of the IFS, said: "The Green Accelerator will provide incubation, acceleration and empowerment services to green technology projects across developing economies, thereby enhancing their bankability. It also aims to systematically create new, investable green markets in selected Global South countries, by integrating affordable green technologies, developing use cases, and creating the right operating ecosystem for green industries." He added that "the initial stage of green technology deployment in the Global South will also involve setting up demonstration projects in Hong Kong and leveraging its world-class green finance and green technology services."

Mr. Hun Kim, Chief Partnerships Officer, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, said: "AllB is delighted to join the Green Accelerator as a Founding Member. Accelerating the deployment of innovative climate and sustainability solutions requires stronger connections between technology providers, project sponsors andinvestors. We look forward to working with the Green Accelerator to identify and showcase green technologies, promote knowledge sharing through platforms such as AllB's InfraTech Portal, and help connect innovative solutions within frastructure development opportunities across our Members."

Riahard Calland, Director of CLSL Africa, said: “CLSL is pleased to join the Green Accelerator as a founding member. We look forward to bringing our independent research, sustainability expertise, and convening capacity to help accelerate credible, responsible climate solutions across emerging markets.”

Frederick Teo, CEO, GenZeroFred, said ““The challenge of climate change is growing. We are short of bankable and commercially viable solutions that can be implemented at scale and within a relevant time frame. The Green Accelerator brings together partners with different capabilities to help promising companies solve real world problems. GenZero looks forward to working with our partners to turn climate solutions into investable assets that can attract financing, achieve scale, and deliver meaningful impact.”

Ms. WANG Li, Head of Risk Management Department, Silk Road Fund, said: “Silk Road Fund is pleased to participate in the Green Accelerator initiative. The global green transition demands more than just capital—it requires bankable projects, proven technologies, and specialized expertise to translate climate ambitions into investable solutions. We look forward to partnering with all relevant stakeholders to deliver high-qualIty green projects and collectively advance a more sustainable and resilient future for all.”

Justin Wu, Head of Sustainability and Climate Change, Asia and Middle East, HSBC, said: “As a founding member of the Green Accelerator, HSBC is helping to scale climate technologies and unlock investment for climate solutions in emerging markets through our capital, expertise and global network.”

About the Green Accelerator

Hosted in Hong Kong, the Green Accelerator is a philanthropy-funded, non-profit platform dedicated to preparing scalable, bankable green projects in developing countries. By deploying cost-effective green technologies and experienced operational teams, the GA aims to unlock global capital for sustainable development in the Global South. A Steering Committee comprising representatives from all founding members will set strategic direction for the initiative.