Impact at Scale

Impact at Scale had a conversation with Mihir Pershad, CEO of Umami Bioworks. Umami is utilizing stem cell biology, machine learning, and automation to craft the future of sustainable seafood

Mihir discusses the company's mission to revolutionize the seafood industry through sustainable practices. He explores the challenges of traditional seafood production, the scalability of alternative proteins, and the cultural shifts needed to promote sustainable consumption.

The conversation emphasizes the need for aspirational marketing to change consumer perceptions and the urgency of addressing climate change through innovative food systems.

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Impact at Scale, connected with Esther Chang, Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact Network Singapore, which is the Singapore chapter of the United Nations Global Compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative

Esther discusses the work of the UN GCNS and the importance of sustainability. She highlights the need for partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Esther emphasizes the role of leadership in driving sustainability efforts within organizations and the importance of embedding sustainability in strategy and operations.

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Impact at Scale had an insightful conversation with Alina Truhina, CEO and Managing Partner of The Radical Fund. The Radical Fund is an early-stage VC fund enabling an inclusive climate transition for a resilient Southeast Asia.

Alina discusses the importance of climate innovation and investing in emerging markets. She highlights the need for climate mitigation and adaptation, emphasizing that climate change already impacts emerging markets.

She emphasizes the importance of balancing impact and commercial returns in climate funds. In this conversation, Alina also highlights the need for perception change and radical behaviour change to address the complex challenge of climate change. She discusses the differences between how the West and Asia approach climate action.

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Brian Sheng, co-founder and CEO of Aquaria, a renewable source of water that taps into the humidity in the air to produce clean, drinkable water. Aquaria's atmospheric water generators (AWGs) act as a backup or alternative water supply that can be installed on-site in hours.

Brian discusses the global water challenge and the innovative solutions offered by his company. The conversation delves into the scarcity of clean water, the impact of climate change, and the potential for decentralized water creation. Brian shares insights on the market for Aquaria's product, the technology behind it, and the significance of addressing the water crisis. The conversation ends on a positive note, highlighting the potential for technology to solve the water problem.

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Impact at Scale had an enlightening conversation with Fred Jordan, co-founder and co-CEO of FinalSpark. FinalSpark wants to revolutionize computing by moving AI from digital processors to bioprocessors built from living neurons, thus saving vast amounts of energy.

Fred discusses the development of a processor that uses living neurons to perform computations. He explains that the human brain is much more energy-efficient than digital processors and shares the challenges and ethical implications of this technology.

The conversation provides a fascinating introduction and insight into the field of biocomputing and wetware computing, which has the potential to be the future of all computing.

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Impact at Scale chatted with Lauren Eatwell, Head of Windwings at BAR Technologies. BAR Technologies was founded on the technology from the prestigious America's Cup Yacht Race and now focuses on maritime innovation and technology, particularly in the area of sustainability. TIME Magazine also recognized Lauren as one of The 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders in 2023.

With shipping being such an essential part of the global economy, it is vital that the industry becomes more sustainable. Lauren delves into the potential of Windwings to revolutionize the maritime industry. Windwings, large adjustable sails that can be installed on dry bulk carriers, have the power to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions significantly. The potential savings from Windwings are substantial, with an average of 1.5 tons of fuel and 4.5 tons of carbon emissions per day per wing. However, the industry faces challenges in convincing stakeholders of the technology's benefits and navigating the complex regulations and classification societies.

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Impact At Scale had an insightful conversation with Lester Leong, CEO and co-founder of Gush. Gush develops a range of advanced material solutions for the built environment, all of which focus on sustainability and wellness. Gush has developed 16 SKUs, including paints and films, that aim to improve indoor air quality, reduce energy consumption, and tackle the urban heat island effect.

Lester talks about their innovation process, which involves working with research talent and existing technologies to bring products to market. Gush's sales strategy is deeply rooted in understanding and meeting customer needs, and building strong relationships with enterprise customers. The company prioritizes sustainability and aims to embed it into the entire life cycle of its products.

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Impact at Scale connected with Pranav Rastogi, the Head of Communications for Grow Asia. Grow Asia was established by the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to convene, facilitate, and help scale action-focused partnerships and broker market-driven solutions that cultivate inclusive, resilient and sustainable food systems in Southeast Asia.

Pranav discusses the organisation's work in sustainable agriculture and food systems transformation. He shares his background in economics and development economics and his interest in solving climate change through behavioural economics.

Pranav explains how Grow Asia brings together the public and private sectors to align incentives, deliver positive climate outcomes, and increase smallholder farmers' incomes. He highlights specific programs, such as GrowHer Cacao, which focuses on women's economic empowerment, and GrowBeyond, which addresses access to finance and technology for small farmers. Pranav also discusses the challenges of working across diverse countries and the vision for the future of Grow Asia.

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Impact at Scale had a conversation with Nora Sophie Griefahn, co-founder and executive director of Cradle to Cradle. This C2C NGO is dedicated to education and networking on the topic of Cradle to Cradle. The NGO works with businesses, science, education, politics, and civil society.

Nora discusses the concept of Cradle to Cradle and its goal of creating a positive and beneficial footprint. She explains how Cradle to Cradle aims to transition from a linear economy to a circular economy, starting at the design phase to eliminate waste and create endless cycles of materials. Nora emphasizes the importance of shifting mindsets and values to create a better life for people and the planet.

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Impact at Scale interviews Mairu Gupta, the CEO and founder of Antkind Collective. Antkind is a digital marketing & growth-hacking company focused on climate startups and conscious brands.

In this conversation, we discuss the importance of narratives and marketing strategies for sustainability companies. Mairu shares the genesis of Antkind and its unique approach as a mix of an agency and an accelerator. He also highlights some exciting projects with clients, such as Pyse.

Mairu emphasizes the need for sustainability and climate companies to build a narrative and brand, as well as focus on business development. He provides practical tips for companies to develop their brand and engage with consumers.

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