Championing Sustainable Economic Development for Island and Remote Regions

About James

James Ellsmoor is an award-winning entrepreneur, advisor, and writer specialising in innovation for remote, rural, and island regions. He is the Founder and CEO of Island Innovation, a global social enterprise that connects island and rural communities with international partners to support climate action, regional development, and cross-sector collaboration.

He is also Co-Founder of Solar Head of State, an international nonprofit that supports government leadership in renewable energy through high-profile solar installations on public buildings.

Originally from the UK and currently based in London, he is a Forbes contributing writer on island and Global South innovation. His graduate work focuses on technology, infrastructure, and green energy, with a strong focus on sustainable economies.

James holds a BA in Economics and Geography from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Morehead-Cain Scholar) and a Master's in Island Studies from the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland, where he was named Postgraduate Student of the Year across the university's 13 campuses.

Awards

Forbes 30 Under 30

Energy

#Solar100 and Solar 40 Under 40

Solar Power

Richtopia Top 20 Young Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship

UNLEASH Sustainable Development Goal Talent

Sustainability

Expertise

Recognized for his expertise and innovative approaches, James Ellsmoor advises leaders across NGOs, the private sector, and government entities on sustainable development and entrepreneurship.

Sustainable Development Strategy

Strategic support for governments, NGOs, and businesses to design integrated sustainable development plans focused on long-term economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity.

Sustainable Tourism Development

Advisory services for creating eco-conscious tourism strategies that attract responsible travelers, strengthen local economies, and preserve natural and cultural heritage.

Stakeholder Engagement

Facilitation of multi-sector collaboration, including program design and partnership-building across public, private, academic, and civil society actors to accelerate collective impact.

Strategic Communications

Development of campaigns and messaging strategies that elevate climate and sustainability issues, grounded in real-world experience leading global communications initiatives.

Capacity Building & Training

Design and advisory on training programs to build institutional and community-level capacity in areas such as climate resilience, clean energy, and sustainable development.

Entrepreneurship for Sustainability

Support for mission-driven entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders seeking to launch or scale ventures aligned with sustainable development goals.

Speaking

James has contributed to international dialogues at multiple UN Climate Change Conferences (COPs) and has been featured by major media outlets including Forbes, BBC, and The Huffington Post. He is a sought-after speaker and regularly delivers guest lectures and workshops at institutions such as the University of Aruba, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Macalester College. His TED Talks and keynote appearances highlight his ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact, bridging policy, innovation, and regional development for global audiences.

Featured In

Consultation

Get professional advice to champion sustainability and elevate your brand's recognition

Recognized for his expertise and innovative approaches, James Ellsmoor advises leaders across NGOs, the private sector, and government entities on sustainable development and entrepreneurship. His deep understanding of climate change policy, renewable energy, and sustainable travel equips decision-makers with the tools to create resilient and environmentally conscious strategies. Drawing upon his experiences in small island developing states, James brings valuable insights and practical solutions to the table, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Deep Regional Expertise
Cross-sector Perspective
Clear, Actionable Insights
Global Network Access
Collaborative & Professional

Island Innovation

Island Innovation is a social enterprise led by CEO James Ellsmoor. Through a global network of governments, multilateral institutions, and local stakeholders, the organization supports the advancement of sustainable economic development in island regions, through climate action, clean energy, and inclusive economic strategies.

Island Innovation is best known for its flagship events including the Virtual Island Summit and the Global Sustainable Islands Summit, which convene thousands of leaders to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration, and scale impact across diverse geographies.