January Week 3, 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.
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With care,
Guillaume and the SBC TEAM
Cross-cutting enablers
1. Mormaír
Founded: 2022 – Glasgow, UK
Leadership: Ryan Findlay, Valerie Findlay and Allan Goldberg
Elevator Pitch: Decarbonising industry, energy, and critical raw materials.
Problem they solve: The global challenge lies in reducing emissions without compromising on energy needs. Traditional approaches often focus on replacing existing energy sources, which can be costly and slow due to the need to overhaul current infrastructure. Mormaír confronts this challenge by innovating within the existing framework, replacing the internal combustion engine with a zero-emission alternative that fits seamlessly into current systems. This strategy accelerates the transition away from greenhouse gas emissions efficiently and economically, addressing the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions.
Impact: By providing a zero-emission energy source, they directly contribute to reducing atmospheric pollutants and tackling climate change. Their Metals Without Mining™ initiative offers a sustainable method for recovering strategic metals from environmental waste, reducing the need for traditional mining and its associated environmental impacts. Furthermore, the upcoming carbon brand emphasizes their commitment to carbon capture, a crucial aspect of global efforts to mitigate climate change. Mormaír’s multifaceted approach not only addresses current energy needs but also lays the groundwork for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
Stage: Seed.
Interested in Mormaír?
To learn more about their technology or get in touch, see here.
Waste (water & landfills)
2. Alchemie
Founded: 2013 – Duxford, UK
Founder: Alan Hudd
Elevator Pitch: A world with zero pollution from textile dyeing and finishing.
Problem they solve: The textile industry, specifically the dyeing and finishing segment, is a major contributor to global CO2 emissions and water pollution. As the industry grows, so does its environmental footprint, with projections indicating a potential rise to 10% of global CO2 emissions by 2050. Alchemie Technology addresses this critical issue with their breakthrough technologies that significantly reduce the environmental impact of textile processing.
Impact: By reducing energy consumption by over 85% and eliminating wastewater emissions, they are setting a new standard for environmental responsibility in textile manufacturing. These advances not only contribute to reducing global CO2 emissions and water pollution but also pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible textile industry. Furthermore, the cost savings and supply chain efficiency improvements offered by their digital manufacturing solutions foster a more sustainable approach to resource utilization, helping to minimize material waste.
Stage: Non-disclosed.
Interested in Alchemie?
If you are interested in learning more, see here.
Energy use in Industry and Buildings
3. Jolt
Founded: 2021 – Barcelona, ESP
Leadership: Leon Rizzi
Elevator Pitch: Next generation electrodes for enhanced electrolysers and fuel cells.
Problem they solve: The energy sector, particularly in the areas of green hydrogen production and industrial decarbonization, faces significant challenges with outdated catalysis technologies. These include high costs, inefficiencies, and a heavy reliance on traditional electrodes and hydrogen production methods. Jolt’s SPARKFUZE process addresses these challenges by offering an advanced alternative for catalysis and protective coatings. Their technology simplifies integration into existing industrial operations, providing a stable supply of high-performance electrodes that transform the efficiency and sustainability of energy and industry sectors.
Impact: By enhancing the efficiency and reducing the costs of essential components in green energy production, Jolt is accelerating the transition to a decarbonized industry. Their approach not only minimizes the environmental footprint of energy production processes but also contributes to the broader adoption of clean energy technologies. With the upcoming launch of their clean 4 GW factory, Jolt is poised to make a substantial impact on reducing global carbon emissions, driving forward a cleaner, greener future in energy and industrial practices.
Stage: Series A.
Want to learn more about Jolt?
To learn more about their technology or get in touch see here.
Cross-cutting enablers
4. SnoFox
Founded: 2020 – New York, USA
Founders: Benjamin Rubin, Matthew Rubin and Leo Eskin
Problem they solve: The cold chain industry faces significant challenges in terms of energy consumption and operational efficiency. Existing solutions often rely on hardware upgrades for improvements, which can be costly and disruptive. SnoFox Sciences addresses this gap by offering a software-based solution that optimizes existing systems. Their analytics platform provides detailed insights into cold chain operations, enabling businesses to identify inefficiencies and implement preventative maintenance strategies.
Impact: By optimizing cold chain operations and reducing energy consumption, it directly contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use in refrigeration and cooling systems.
Stage: Seed.
Interested in SnoFox?
To learn more about this company, see here.
Cross-cutting enablers
5. Zitara
Founded: 2019 – San Francisco, USA
Founders: Shyam Srinivasan and Evan Murphy
Elevator Pitch: Championing better battery management for a decarbonizing world.
Problem they solve: As the world increasingly turns to renewable energy, the demand for batteries that are both safe and efficient has never been higher. However, understanding and optimizing battery performance throughout its lifecycle remains a challenge for many companies. Zitara addresses this crucial need by providing cutting-edge software that allows for comprehensive analysis and management of battery systems. Their solutions empower companies to enhance battery design, improve deployment strategies, and ultimately ensure the safety and efficiency of these vital energy storage system
Impact: By improving the safety, efficiency, and longevity of batteries, they help accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, by optimizing battery usage and reducing waste, Zitara’s technology contributes to more sustainable production and recycling processes in the battery industry. This approach not only supports the growth of renewable energy but also promotes a more circular economy in energy storage, essential for a sustainable future.
Stage: Series A.
Interested in Zitara?
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.
