Based on shared vision and expertise, Air Liquide builds enduring relationships with visionary pioneers in sustainable solutions like the Solar Impulse Foundation to spark change in society.
My first contact with Air Liquide was in 1997 when they provided the helium for my balloon and oxygen for the crew during my third attempt to travel around the world. They were already an incredibly performing company that was creating innovative solutions meeting environmental challenges, even at that time. Then in 2016, Air Liquide provided the life support system for Solar Impulse pilots. It was important to find a company that could deliver oxygen all around the world and Air Liquide was the perfect partner for that. When I launched the 1000+ Solutions(1) Challenge, they became one of the main partners of my Foundation.
Air Liquide is a key player in the Foundation’s Expert Community, an independent group of science, engineering and business professionals. Their experts undertake rigorous and objective assessments of technologies seeking our Efficient Solution Label, which is given to leading processes and products that combine economic and environmental performance. As for now, 30 Air Liquide experts have assessed more than 300 technologies over the course of our partnership.
The main reason is the convergence of our vision and the quest for excellence. We share the common goal of offering low-carbon and efficient processes, products and services that are economically viable, and we both have fantastic teams and dedicated professionals working hard to make this vision reality. Our partnership is natural. We have recently renewed it for four more years and our shared ambition is to continue to accelerate the adoption of cleantech solutions in the energy sector and beyond.
In partnership with Rothschild & Co. and the Solar Impulse Foundation, Air Liquide has created a €250 million investment fund dedicated to the development of high-potential small- and medium-sized companies working on environmentally friendly solutions. This fund invests notably in the sectors of clean energy, clean mobility, agriculture, the circular economy, water management and smart cities.
Air Liquide has joined forces with Unjani Clinics to provide widespread access to an integrated, permanent oxygen therapy solution in 92 primary healthcare clinics in South Africa. Under the partnership, medical oxygen will be supplied to the entire Unjani Clinics network and medical staff will be trained to use the equipment. In 2021, 24 sessions were held to train over 100 nurses in the use of this equipment.
Working closely with partners, the Air Liquide Foundation funds both scientific and community projects that have a positive impact on society. One flagship initiative develops innovative professional integration programs for technical and industrial careers, helping individuals to develop the skills that are in demand in fields where Air Liquide can bring expertise. Mostly powered by partnerships with NGOs, this initiative empowers young adults without diplomas, jobs or training, especially those from disadvantaged areas, to take control of their own professional destiny.
