Capital Markets for Innovation: Unlocking Science and Technology Investment in Developing Countries

Official Side Event at FfD4

Please note that this event is an official off site event of the UN Financing for Development Conference (FfD4). Session ID 2014103

Location: Hotel Alfonso XIII – Salon Cartuja, (San Fernando street, 2, Sevilla 41004)

As the global community prepares for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), this session explores how capital markets and blended finance can unlock investment in science, technology, and innovation (STI) across developing countries.

Despite its potential to drive breakthroughs in health, climate, and digital inclusion, STI remains disconnected from mainstream capital flows. This high-level session brings together investors, development banks, and policymakers to present scalable, investable solutions for the Global South.

Key Topics

• Science-Driven Venture Capital and Deep-Tech Ecosystems
  Building VC models to scale science-based entrepreneurship in LMICs supported by guarantees, co-investment, and regulatory innovation.
• Blended Finance and Philanthropy as Catalysts
  Using concessional capital and early-stage risk absorption to crowd in private investment for STI infrastructure.
• MDBs’ Catalytic Role and Capital Leverage
  How MDBs can partner with banks and investors to deploy large-scale STI funds through balance sheet optimisation and innovative fund structures.
• Private Credit and Significant Risk Transfer (SRT)
  Freeing up capital and de-risking for long-term STI investment through private credit strategies and synthetic securitisation.
• Carbon Finance for Science Infrastructure
  Turning natural capital into investable revenue streams using AI-powered MRV and carbon-backed securities.

Agenda

• 14:30 – 14:40 | Opening Remarks
• 14:40 – 15:00 | Reimagining Capital for Global Challenges
• 15:00 – 15:20 | Policy Innovation and Financial Instruments
• 15:20 – 15:45 | Fireside Dialogue: A Global South Perspective
• 15:45 – 16:00 | Audience Engagement and Q&A
• 16:00 – 16:30 | Closing Reflections and Next Steps

Confirmed Speakers

Declan Kirrane, UNGA Science Summit

Dr Raúl C. Rosales, Imperial College Business School

Manfred Schepers, Chief Executive Officer, ILX Fund

Manuel Fuertes, Chief Executive Officer, Kiatt Group

Matt Robinson, Head of Private Capital Mobilisation, British International Investment