August Week 1, 2024: In this weekly series, we highlight 5 climate tech startups to watch by featuring the incredible startups, companies, or projects that are leading the fight against the climate crisis.
Each month, we add these startups to our running list, which we have categorized based on fuel emission sector data from the most detailed, recent data SBC could identify from the World Resource Institute in 2016.
This initiative from Startup Basecamp aims to support founders by giving them access to networking and exposure opportunities that help them to scale and finance their climate tech solutions.
Do not hesitate to join our collective movement by requesting your membership.
With care,
Guillaume and the SBC TEAM
Energy use in Industry and Buildings
1. CorePower Magnetics
Founded: 2020 -Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Leadership: Sam Kernion
Elevator Pitch: CorePower Magnetics is advancing the future of electrification with state-of-the-art, power-dense magnetics based on amorphous and nanocrystalline materials. Their innovative components deliver significant reductions in weight, volume, and losses without relying on rare earth metals, making them ideal for applications in transportation, energy efficiency, and grid modernization.
Problem they solve: Traditional magnetic cores are a critical bottleneck in power electronics, limiting the efficiency and density of modern systems. CorePower Magnetics overcomes these limitations with custom-engineered magnetic cores that enhance performance.
Impact: By eliminating the need for rare earth metals and improving energy efficiency, CorePower Magnetics contributes to a more sustainable future in electrification, reducing the environmental footprint of transportation and energy systems.
Stage: Seed.
Interested in CorePower Magnetics?
To learn more about their technology or get in touch, see here.
Agriculture, Forestry and Land Use
2. Continuum AG
Founded: 2016 – Washignton, IO, USA
Founders: Mitchell Hora
Elevator Pitch: Continuum Ag is a soil health data intelligence company using a proprietary tool, called TopSoil® to enable farmers to profit from improving their soil health.
Problem they solve: Traditional agronomic consulting often neglects the full spectrum of soil health. Continuum Ag bridges this gap by providing tools that help farmers understand and enhance their soil, leading to better yields and financial incentives.
Impact: By promoting sustainable practices and low carbon intensity (CI) certification, Continuum Ag helps reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint while supporting regenerative farming.
Stage: Seed.
Interested in Continuum AG?
If you are interested in learning more, see here.
Cross-cutting enablers
3. Iris Light Technologies
Founded: 2018 – Chicago, IL, USA
Founder: Chad Husko
Elevator Pitch: Iris Light Technologies is pioneering a versatile laser platform tailored for the rapidly expanding silicon photonics market. Their innovative laser technology is crucial for optical communications, sensors, and IoT applications, providing specific colors and a broad spectral range.
Problem they solve: Traditional lasers lack the flexibility required for diverse applications in optical technologies. Iris Light Technologies addresses this by developing lasers that cater to specific wavelengths and broad spectral needs, essential for emerging technologies.
Impact: Iris Light Technologies is optimizing silicon photonics to make data centers and sensors faster and more energy efficient.
Stage: Seed.
Want to learn more about Iris Light Technology?
To learn more about their technology or get in touch see here.
Cross-cutting enablers
4. Darcy Solutions
Founded: 2018 – Excelsior, MN, USA
Founders: Brian Larson & Jimmy Randolph
Problem they solve: Traditional geothermal systems are often limited by site-specific geologic conditions. Darcy Solutions addresses this by designing systems that optimize the unique geology of each project, expanding the applicability and efficiency of geothermal energy.
Impact: Darcy Solutions’ innovative approach helps decarbonize buildings, contributing to healthier communities and a more sustainable planet.
Stage: Pre-seed.
Interested in Darcy Solutions?
To learn more about this company, see here.
Waste (water & landfills)
5. Wellntel
Founded: 2012 – Milkaukee, WI, USA
Founders: Marian Singer & Nicholas Hayes
Elevator Pitch: Wellntel is a water technology company focused on creating products that bring awareness, increase understanding and promote sustainable use of water.
Problem they solve: Water resources are becoming increasingly unpredictable, posing significant risks. Wellntel addresses this by providing continuous, accurate water data and analytics, helping stakeholders monitor and manage water resources proactively.
Impact: Wellntel’s technology promotes sustainable water use by enabling better water resource management and reducing risks associated with water scarcity and contamination.
Stage: Series A.
Interested in Wellntel?
If you are interested in learning more, see here.
Do you know of other startups we should include in our Startups to Watch Series? Submit to our list!
How do these startups fit in with all the others we have looked at?
Check out our running list of the 400+ climate tech startups to watch we have featured.
