November Week 2, 2023: 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
Cross-cutting enablers
1. Electricity Maps
Founded: 2016 – Copenhagen, DK
Founder: Olivier Corradi
Elevator Pitch: Mapping the climate impact of electricity, worldwide, and in real-time.
Problem they solve: They provide actionable data quantifying how carbon intensive electricity is on an hourly basis across 50+ countries. The data can be accessed historically, in real time, or as a forecast for the next 24 hours. Users can also explore the real time data on the electricityMap app.
Impact: In the next decade, the transition to a low-carbon electricity system will require every organisation and government to understand and reduce their real electricity footprint.
Their mission is organise the world’s electricity data to drive the transition towards a truly decarbonised electricity system.
Stage: Seed.
Interested in Electricity Maps?
To learn more about their technology or get in touch, see here.
Energy use in Transport
2. Beyond Aero
Founded: 2020 – Toulouse, FR
Founders: Eloa Guillotin, Hugo Tarlé and Valentin Chomel
Elevator Pitch: Beyond Aero is making long range electric aircraft possible using hydrogen-electric propulsion. Their first aircraft is a zero emission private aircraft (6-9 seat), designed for hydrogen propulsion, flying 1,000 miles in range.
Problem they solve: The aviation industry faces significant challenges in reducing its carbon footprint, with limited viable alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based propulsion systems for long-range flights. Beyond Aero is addressing this gap by developing hydrogen-electric powered aircraft, capable of covering substantial distances without emitting carbon.
Impact: By enabling long-range, zero-emission flights, their approach has the potential to drastically reduce the aviation industry’s carbon emissions. The shift from fossil fuels to hydrogen, a clean energy source when produced sustainably, marks a significant stride towards greener, more sustainable air travel.
Stage: Pre-Seed.
Interested in Beyond Aero?
If you are interested in learning more, see here.
GHG Capture, Use, and Storage
3. Soletair Power
Founded: 2021 – Lappeenranta, FIN
Founders: Petri Laakso and Ari Piispanen
Elevator Pitch: Soletair Power develops modular direct air capture systems that enable companies, corporations and commercial building owners to capture CO2 directly from the air and be a part of the large-scale deployment of carbon dioxide removal measures.
Problem they solve: The challenge of reducing atmospheric CO2 levels is crucial in the fight against climate change, yet existing carbon capture methods are often restricted to industrial settings. Soletair Power addresses this gap by providing accessible, modular carbon capture solutions that can be easily installed or retrofitted in urban and office environments. This innovative approach democratizes carbon capture technology, extending its impact from industrial applications to daily working life.
Impact: They contribute to global negative emissions by developing technology for capturing CO2 from the air. Their modular carbon capture solutions can easily be installed at building premises or retrofitted with the existing HVAC system. With their patented carbon-capture system installed in offices, their customers can benefit from obtaining CO₂ captured directly from the air and contribute to reducing global CO₂ emissions.
Stage: Seed.
Want to learn more about Soletair Power?
To learn more about their technology or get in touch see here.
Cross-cutting enablers
4. Wyvern
Founded: 2018 – Edmonton, Alberta, CA
Founders: Christopher Robson, Callie Lissinna, Kristen Cote and Kurtis Broda
Problem they solve: The world has been waiting for high-resolution hyperspectral imaging from space to become commercially accessible. An advanced spectral imaging technique that collects hundreds of images at different wavelengths to form 3D data blocks, hyperspectral imaging has the power to detect incredible details invisible to conventional imaging standards.
Impact: This information-rich imagery will change the game in agriculture, forestry, environmental and emissions monitoring, energy, and defense.
Stage: Seed.
Interested in Wyvern?
To learn more about this company, see here.
Cross-cutting enablers
5. Pledge
Founded: 2021 – London, UK
Founders: David de Picciotto, Pierre Vaidie and Andre Mohamed
Elevator Pitch: Businesses of every size use Pledge to understand and manage the climate impact of their products. They make it simple to measure, reduce and offset your footprints.
Problem they solve: Pledge provides an intuitive platform that demystifies the process of carbon accounting and offsetting. Their unique approach enables businesses to gain clear insights into their carbon emissions, paving the way for effective reduction strategies and fostering a deeper commitment to environmental responsibility.
Impact: By making it easier for companies to understand, manage, and mitigate their carbon emissions, Pledge is accelerating the transition of numerous industries towards sustainable practices. As businesses become more climate conscious and take tangible steps to reduce their environmental impact, Pledge is contributing to a larger movement towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.
Stage: Seed.
Interested in Pledge?
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.
