Impact at Scale

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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In our final installment of speaking to companies in the APAC Cleantech 25, Impact at Scale sat down with Tulika Raj, CEO and co-founder of SunGreenH2. SunGreenH2 is transforming green hydrogen with proprietary technology to produce high-performance, low-cost electrolyzers components using advanced nanostructured materials.

Tulika delves into the crucial role of electrolyzers in creating green hydrogen, a versatile resource that finds application in many industries. From ammonia production to petrochemical refining and chemicals production, hydrogen is a key player. She also explores the potential of hydrogen in the automotive sector, underlining the necessity of a diverse range of renewable energy solutions to achieve net zero emissions. Tulika sheds light on the advantages of Singapore as an innovation hub and the challenges the electrolyzer industry is grappling with. She underscores the significance of regulation and localization of manufacturing in driving the widespread adoption of electrolyzers.

Some Of The Topics Tulika Covered

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This week, I am releasing The Impact at Scale Podcast with Zal Dastur early because I wanted this episode with Richard Youngman, CEO of Cleantech Group, to be out before the CleanTech Asia Forum taking place this week in Singapore.

In our conversation, Richard and I discuss his organization's role in supporting global Cleantech innovation. They provide research, data, and consulting services to help corporates, investors, and the public sector engage with startups addressing climate and environmental challenges.

Richard explains that the Cleantech industry has evolved significantly over the years, with a broader range of companies now focused on diverse areas such as alternative proteins, green steel, carbon capture, and more. He emphasizes the importance of both mitigation and adaptation in addressing climate change and optimistically highlights the economic opportunities that come with transitioning to a sustainable industrial system. He hopes the Cleantech Forum Asia event in Singapore will continue to catalyze regional collaboration and innovation.

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Impact at Scale had an engaging conversation with Charlie McGill, the CEO of ElectraLith, a company specializing in sustainable lithium extraction. ElectraLith's membrane technology offers a cleaner and more cost-efficient method of lithium extraction, reducing the environmental footprint. This is vitally important as the demand for lithium is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

We discuss the challenges of current lithium extraction methods and the need for more environmentally friendly solutions. Charlie explains the unique membrane technology developed by ElectraLith and its potential to revolutionize the lithium extraction process. They also explore the growing demand for lithium and its applications in batteries. The conversation delves into the process of productizing academic ideas and the importance of embracing failure and experimentation in startup culture.

ElectraLith's groundbreaking work has earned them a spot in the prestigious 2024 APAC Cleantech 25 List. They are set to participate in the CleanTech Forum Asia, a significant event in Singapore scheduled for the 7th and 8th of May 2024.

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Impact at Scale had the privilege of speaking with the remarkable Sharona Shnayder, founder of Tuesdays for Trash and recipient of the National Geographic Young Explorer Award. Sharona shared her inspiring journey and the remarkable expansion of her grassroots environmental movement.

Tuesdays for Trash, born out of the COVID-19 lockdowns, became a beacon of hope for Sharona and her friend to make a difference in the world. What began as a local initiative swiftly transformed into a global force, spanning an impressive 40 countries.

Sharona's narrative is a testament to the belief that each of us holds the power to address environmental challenges. She candidly shares the obstacles and victories she's encountered in her activism, underscoring the urgent need for policy shifts and educational campaigns to effectively manage waste.

Some of the topics Sharona covered

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