In this monthly series, we are doing a weekly feature of incredible climate tech 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.
August Week 2, 2022: 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. Transaera
Founded:
2018 – Somerville, USA
Co-Founders:
Sorin Grama, Matthew Dorson, Mircea Dinca
Elevator Pitch:
Transaera is bringing comfort to billions of people while reducing the impact on climate and grid infrastructure.
Problem They Solve:
Air conditioning represents one of the largest risks to our climate. Residential use alone is set to account for an increase of more than 0.5 ⁰C in global surface temperature.
Impact:
We use a novel sponge-like material that grabs moisture from the atmosphere enabling our air conditioner to cool the air more efficiently. Then we use the heat generated by the air conditioner – instead of wasting it – to dry the material for the next cycle.
Stage:
Grant
Interested in Transaera?
To learn more about this company, see here.
Energy use in transport
2. Metafuels
Founded:
2021 – Zurich, Switzerland
Founder:
Saurabh Kapoor, Leigh Hackett, Ulrich Koss
Elevator Pitch:
Metafuels is powering the future of aviation with sustainable aviation fuel. Our breakthrough sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology, aerobrew™, will make affordable net-zero aviation a reality. The technology is innovative, highly scaleable and able to tap into future global renewable energy systems efficiently.
Problem They Solve:
aerobrew™ technology provides a route to large-scale production of so-called e-kerosene, with high SAF selectivity and yields, overcoming the scale up challenges and high costs of alternative routes primarily based on Fischer-Tropsch technology. This leads to attractive project economics and cost leadership.
aerobrew™ is also compatible with the biogenic route whereby green methanol is derived from renewable and sustainable cellulosic biomass (wood, miscanthus, etc.) avoiding the need for feedstocks that compete with the food chain.
Impact:
Our breakthrough sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology, aerobrew™, will make affordable net-zero aviation a reality. The technology is innovative, highly scaleable and able to tap into future global renewable energy systems efficiently.
Stage:
Undisclosed
Interested in Metafuels?
If you are interested in learning more, see here.
Agriculture, Forestry and Land Use
Founded:
2020 – Brussels, Belgium
Founder:
David Morrison, Joona Mikkola, Eero Wahlstedt, William Oullette
Elevator Pitch:
At SoilWatch, we believe in empowering communities to create their own solutions in the climate emergency. Adapting to climate change, preventing desertification and enhancing food security aren’t separate paths in development, but come together in the soil. By applying remote sensing technology and machine learning, we are able to provide up to date, reliable and low cost soil carbon measurements and develop verified carbon removal projects in North and East Africa. These projects not only remove CO2 from the atmosphere, but mitigate conflict and food insecurity in the most vulnerable areas where our team has direct on the ground experience.
Problem They Solve:
SoilWatch uses bleeding edge Earth Observation and machine learning technology to provide accurate, scalable, up to date data and analysis of soil health and carbon levels.
SoilWatch also promotes agricultural and pastoral activities that increase resilience, productivity and food security, all while increasing soil carbon levels.
SoilWatch enables farmers to access markets for carbon removals by ensuring that their activities go beyond the highest standards and are recognised for their positive impacts beyond climate action.”
Impact:
Adapting to climate change, preventing desertification and enhancing food security aren’t separate paths in development, but come together in the soil.
By applying remote sensing technology and machine learning, we are able to provide up to date, reliable and low-cost soil carbon measurements and develop verified carbon offset projects.
These projects not only remove CO2 from the atmosphere, but mitigate conflict and food insecurity in the most vulnerable areas.
Stage:
Seed
Interested in SoilWatch?
If you are interested in learning more, see here.
Cross-cutting enablers
4. Correntics
Founded:
2021 – Zurich, Switzerland
Founder:
Michael Gloor, Gaudenz Halter
Elevator Pitch:
We make supply chains future proof. With our data-driven approach and a deep understanding of risk, we help our clients to future-proof their supply chains and improve their resilience in the face of climate change and emerging risks while ensuring the sustainability of business activities.
Problem They Solve:
With our data-driven approach and a deep understanding for risk, we help our clients to future-proof their supply chains and improve their resilience in the face of climate change and emerging risks while ensuring the sustainability of business activities.
Impact:
Climate change is one of the biggest disruptive forces of our time and a detailed under-standing of its impacts on your business is essential for future success.
Stage:
Undisclosed
Interested in Correntics?
To learn more about their technology or get in touch, see here
Waste (water & landfills)
5. Reefy
Location:
2019 – Delft, Netherlands
Founder:
Jaime Ascencio, Leon Haines
Elevator Pitch:
Reefy is a startup restoring marine habitats to boost biodiversity and protect the coastlines from erosion and flooding.
Problem They Solve:
Coral reefs are home to 25% of all marine species, are a significant food source to over a billion people, and provide income to local economies. But did you know coral reefs can also reduce up to 97% of the wave energy before reaching the coastline?
Nearly 200 million people depend on coral reefs to protect themselves against flooding and erosion (WWF, 2018). Nevertheless, reefs need to be healthy to act as natural barriers. Unfortunately, marine ecosystems have been degrading at alarming rates. Around the world, 85% of oyster beds and 50% of coral reefs have been lost.
Impact:
Reefy structures enhance marine life recovery and together with nature, dissipate wave energy to protect the coastline from erosion and flooding. This multipurpose structure promotes many economic benefits to nearby communities and businesses. The fisheries, tourism and maritime sectors have a strong business case to invest in these solutions.
Stage:
Undisclosed
Want to learn more about Reefy?
To learn more about their technology or get in touch see here.
Do you know of other climate tech startups to watch we should include? 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 250+ climate tech startups to watch we have featured.
