In recent years, a wave of innovative startups has emerged, dedicated to addressing climate change through advanced technologies. These companies, driven by personal experiences and significant funding, are making impactful contributions to environmental sustainability. From solar panels and smart irrigation systems to textile recycling and gamified environmental contributions, these startups are forging diverse pathways to combat climate change. Their efforts are not only making technological advancements but also highlighting the importance of individual commitment to battling environmental issues.
Venkatesan Murali and Merlin Solar: Transforming Solar Panel Technology
Venkatesan Murali’s journey towards climate action started in 2007 with a personal revelation when his son pointed out the connection between the Iraq war for oil and Murali’s use of a gas-guzzling BMW. This moment led Murali to trade his BMW for a hybrid Toyota Prius and eventually co-found Merlin Solar in 2012 with former Intel colleague Bob Brainard. Merlin Solar specializes in producing versatile solar panels that can be installed where traditional panels are impractical. This includes peel-and-stick panels suitable for roofs that can’t be drilled, such as data centers where water leaks are a risk.
Moreover, Merlin Solar’s innovation extends to creating solar panels for drones and trucks to power systems like air-conditioning units. The U.S. military became Merlin Solar’s first significant client, recognizing the potential of this technology for military applications. Recently, the company secured $31 million in Series B funding to enhance production capacity and scale operations, signaling investor confidence in their capability to revolutionize solar panel deployment. Murali contrasts his experience at Intel with his current endeavor, noting the skepticism he encountered in the solar industry. Unlike the straightforward task of convincing people of the need for microprocessors, persuading them of the value of solar technology has been more challenging. However, Murali finds it ultimately rewarding and emphasizes that his current work provides him with a more purposeful way to spend his days, contributing positively to the environment.
Delia Rodríguez and Eki Labs: Integrating Solar Panels with Agriculture
Delia Rodríguez’s innovative approach to integrating solar technology with agriculture has addressed the longstanding land use conflict between solar farms and agricultural land. Her startup, Eki Labs, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has developed vertical solar panels that perform better than traditional flat panels and allow for crop cultivation on the same land. This forward-thinking solution enables farmers to generate electricity while continuing their agricultural activities, presenting a dual-benefit approach to land use. Rodríguez partners with farmers to install these vertical panels, subsequently selling the generated electricity to farmers, businesses, or municipalities.
Rodríguez’s transition to environmental innovation was influenced by her career in finance at Procter & Gamble, where she saw a noticeable lack of environmental consideration in high-stakes deals. Switching her focus to sustainability within P&G and later moving to the impact accelerator Ashoka, Rodríguez became increasingly motivated by the energy crisis following the 2022 Ukraine invasion. She leveraged support from Harvard Innovation Labs and MIT to launch her startup, driven by the potential impact of her vertical solar panel concept. Eki Labs’ panels use only 5 percent of the land area compared to traditional setups, and their east-west orientation allows for higher electricity yields while supporting crop growth. Rodríguez’s deep connection to land and her family’s long history of farming in northern Spain fuel her commitment to integrating food production with energy generation, ensuring that her innovation addresses both environmental and agricultural needs.
Devon Wright and Lumo: Revolutionizing Irrigation Systems
Devon Wright’s venture into climate action and water conservation originated from a personal challenge on his fruit farm in Occidental, California. After selling his startup, Turnstyle Solutions, to Yelp, Wright purchased the property and began experimenting with agriculture. The limitations of his water supply, mainly reliant on groundwater and often disrupted by human error or system breakdowns, led Wright to explore better irrigation solutions. Realizing that many local farmers faced similar issues, Wright saw an opportunity to develop a more reliable and efficient irrigation system.
In 2022, Wright founded Lumo to provide smart irrigation valves equipped with timers and the ability to automatically detect leaks or clogs. This innovation reduces the manual labor required to maintain irrigation systems, saving farmers time and resources. Lumo quickly attracted attention and secured $12 million in funding, with its client base including major U.S. grape growers who tested and adopted the technology in some of their fields. Wright’s personal experience with the challenges of water management on his farm has driven his commitment to developing practical solutions for farmers. Lumo’s smart irrigation valves represent a significant advancement in water conservation technology, helping farmers optimize their water use and reduce waste, contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture practices.
Everywhere Apparel: Pioneering Textile Recycling and Circularity
Everywhere Apparel, co-founded by Max Citron, Irys Kornbluth, and Nick Benavides, focuses on revolutionizing the textile industry through recycling and circularity. The company’s collaboration with factories and brands facilitates the production of 100 percent recycled cotton apparel and textile products, adapting existing textile machines to handle recycled materials. This approach offers quick scaling and operational efficiency, addressing the growing demand for sustainable fashion.
The inspiration behind Everywhere Apparel came from the founders’ frustration with the inability to source 100 percent recycled cotton T-shirts for an indie record label they were running. This challenge led them to explore the potential of recycled textiles, culminating in the establishment of Everywhere Apparel. Today, the company offers both blank and printed recycled cotton apparel and has implemented a program for customers to return garments for recycling. Their client list includes well-known names like Coach, Chappell Roan, and Urban Outfitters. With $5.5 million in venture funding, the company aims to drive the circular economy forward, likening their mission to a new industrial revolution. The National Institute of Standards and Technology reports that only 15 percent of clothing is recycled, highlighting the need for such innovation in the fashion industry.
CarbonCounts: Gamifying Environmental Action
In recent times, an impressive wave of innovative startups has risen, all focused on tackling climate change using advanced technologies. These companies are often fueled by founders’ personal experiences and backed by significant financial investments. They’re making noteworthy contributions to environmental sustainability, employing a variety of approaches. This includes everything from developing solar panels and implementing smart irrigation systems, to creating methods for textile recycling and introducing gamified systems for encouraging environmental contributions.
These startups are charting diverse pathways in the fight against climate change, using technology to drive meaningful change. Their efforts serve as a reminder that individual commitment and technological innovation go hand in hand in addressing environmental challenges. As these companies continue to grow and refine their solutions, they illustrate the critical role that entrepreneurship and personal dedication play in creating a more sustainable future. This movement is not just about technological progress; it’s a testament to the power of individual actions combined with cutting-edge advancements in making a real impact on our planet’s health.
