Clean Energy Innovations

Alastair Marsh's recent thought-provoking piece in @Bloomberg highlights critical challenges with the current climate tech investing landscape Climate tech projects are capital-intensive with long timelines. Unlike software, much of climate tech requires massive upfront capital for R&D, pilot plants, and manufacturing before significant revenue. This demands longer development and deployment cycles (often 7+ years to scale) that exceed typical 5-7 year VC exit horizons. The classic VC model - built for rapid, asset-light scale-ups - often misaligns with the realities of many climate tech solutions, especially "hard tech." While there’s an abundance of early-stage VC capital for entrepreneurs, later-stage growth that bridges these projects from venture to infrastructure stage is basically absent—that’s called the missing middle. We need to adapt and supplement that approach by layering in other types of capital and bridge the "missing middle." A broader array of financing instruments is essential for climate tech to scale, including patient equity and growth capital, project finance, blended finance, and specialized debt models. Marsh’s piece lays out how family offices are uniquely positioned to be catalyzing players in this space. Their flexibility allows them to deploy capital across diverse segments, filling the gap and driving significant financial returns alongside impact. https://lnkd.in/gUf85Bwy

Caution: Unpopular observation incoming. Are we thinking about climate tech all WRONG? I started my career in clean-tech in 2008 (solar, wind, then grid-scale storage). So many tech folks I met since then think climate tech is about breakthroughs. But one founder made me question everything. Let me take you back to 2012. I was analyzing battery technology startups (does anyone remember zinc-air?), watching charismatic founders pitch their "breakthrough innovations" to eager VCs. What did the Chinese do? Go for Li-Ion. In solar, the Germans bet on thin-film, but the Chinese INDUSTRIALIZED mono and poly-crystalline by 2008. The result? Billions were wasted on breakthrough promises. Fast forward to today, and the same pattern is repeating in clean building materials and carbon capture. The secret to scaling clean-tech innovation is systems engineering and radical industrialization, with improved—not breakthrough—chemical bonds. And that’s what I look for—I just don’t see it often. One such moment was when I met neustark way back when (which means "new powerful" in English). As we dove deeper into their approach, something struck me. The real trap isn’t backing the wrong technology. It’s being seduced by shiny promises of breakthroughs when the real opportunity is industrial execution. The German idiom: "The sparrow in your hand is better than the dove on your roof." Climate tech funding too often gets misallocated on huge promises, while the biggest impact comes from system integration. What policymakers should foster: - Scientific Hopium vs. Industrial Reality: Most VCs chase patents, but real winners build scalable systems with proven tech. - The Integration Game: Innovation isn’t just about new components—it’s about making them work together at scale. - Market Timing: We don’t always need future tech to solve today’s problems. The pieces are often already there. Neustark is a perfect example: - Partners with existing concrete recycling plants to integrate carbon storage. - Mineralizes captured CO₂ into recycled concrete aggregates, locking carbon in solid form. - Scales rapidly without new infrastructure—just plugging into existing systems. A system that could store millions of tons of CO₂ in the coming years. Not through hoping for groundbreaking chemistry, but through brilliant industrialization. I’m not against fundamental research—give us more of that. But why should VCs with no scientific background allocate capital into chemical breakthroughs? Change my mind. >>>>>> More on The System Integrator Model: https://lnkd.in/em9v73cy #CleanTech #VentureCapital #Sustainability #Innovation #ClimateAction P.S. Not an investor in Neustark, just genuinely impressed.

Impact startups in MENA are growing fast but funding strategies must evolve just as quickly. One of the questions I’m asked most often by founders is: “Where do we start when it comes to raising funds for climate or sustainability-focused ventures in this region?” Here’s how I usually break it down in 4 key pathways I’ve worked with or closely observed, each requiring a clear narrative, regional awareness, and the right positioning: 1. Government-backed innovation platforms These are not just about incubation, they are increasingly designed to de-risk startups and connect them to capital. 🔹 Example: Hub71 (Abu Dhabi) offers access to corporates, sovereign investors, and a growing base of VC partners through its Incentive Program. It's a launchpad for startups aligned with national priorities. 2. Climate-aligned positioning Framing your solution around climate resilience or adaptation is no longer optional—it’s a strategic funding move. 🔹 Example: ALTÉRRA, the $30B climate investment fund launched by the UAE at COP28, is designed to mobilize capital into areas like clean energy, food security, and nature-based solutions. Startups that clearly align with these priorities stand a stronger chance of attracting institutional and private funding. 3. Corporate sustainability partnerships Corporates in MENA are increasingly partnering with startups to accelerate their ESG goals—often offering pilot funding, technical support, or access to infrastructure. 🔹 Example: PepsiCo Middle East has launched several open innovation challenges in the region, focusing on sustainable packaging, water reuse, and food system transformation. These partnerships are a valuable entry point for startups ready to co-create scalable solutions. 4. Strategic VC alignment Venture capital in MENA is increasingly aligning with long-term sustainability themes—especially in climate tech and resource efficiency. 🔹 Example: VentureSouq, a MENA-based VC, launched its Climate Tech Fund I to invest in technologies tackling the climate crisis—from energy and mobility to the circular economy. They’re actively backing companies that blend strong commercial potential with measurable impact. The takeaway? It’s not just about raising funds, it’s about raising strategically. That’s how you align with where capital is moving in the region. If you found this useful, share it with a founder or ecosystem builder working on climate and impact in MENA. Let’s make these conversations more visible ;-) #ClimateFinance #MENA #ImpactStartups #StrategicFunding #GreenTransition #BusinessWithPurpose

💸 Funding & Grants Series  Climate Incubators & Accelerators Supporting Indian Startups Every time I connect with founders through Bharat Climate Startups, I’m reminded of the one thing that makes or breaks an early-stage climate solution: ecosystem support. From regenerative agriculture to green mobility and plastic alternatives — startups need more than ideas. They need partners, labs, grants, and believers. This post features 5 climate-focused incubators and accelerators in India that offer grants, pilot funding, or non-dilutive support to help climate founders grow.👇 🔹  SINE (Society for Innovation & Entrepreneurship -SINE IIT Bombay and Entrepreneurship) – IIT Bombay 💰 Provides non-dilutive grants and robust incubation support for technology-driven startups, including those in cleantech and climate tech. 📌 SINE’s focus on commercialization and innovation helps transform early ideas into impactful ventures. 🔹 NSRCEL – IIM Bangalore 💰 Supports social and technology startups with incubator programs that include grants, mentorship, and ecosystem access—ideal for climate innovators. 📌 NSRCEL’s extensive network and tailored support have helped many founders accelerate their impact. 🔹 T-Hub –Hyderabad  💰 An accelerator that runs specialized cohorts—including sustainability and climate tech tracks—with grants, pilot funding, and hands-on support. 📌 T-Hub’s dynamic environment connects startups to investors, mentors, and corporate partners. 🔹 Climate Collective – Climate Launchpad & Climate Ready Programs 💰 Grants, pre-seed support & founder mentorship 📌 Focused on cleantech, carbon markets, climate fintech, nature-based solutions 🌱 Supported by European Union, Asian Development Bank, and global partners 📩 Working on a climate solution and exploring incubator or accelerator programs? Drop me a message—I’d love to connect and share insights from my travels across India. Here's to building a vibrant support ecosystem for climate innovators! 💚 #ClimateAction #ImpactFunding #BharatClimateStartups

🌍 Climate Adaptation Tech: Europe’s Hidden Investment Gem 💧🔥🌾 When we talk about climate tech, most of the spotlight goes to mitigation—clean energy, carbon removal, EVs. But there's a parallel revolution brewing in climate adaptation—and Europe is at the forefront. I’ve spent my career across both and see a better time than ever to focus on emerging adaptation technologies so have been researching this a lot lately. From early flood detection in the Netherlands, to AI-driven drought forecasting in Spain, to wildfire risk management in Southern France, a wave of startups is rising to meet the realities of a changing climate. This isn't speculative. It’s pragmatic—and it’s being backed by policy, capital, and necessity including the rising costs underinvestment. 🇪🇺 The EU is allocating billions through initiatives like the European Climate Adaptation Mission. 🌱 Insurance, agriculture, water management, and urban planning are all demanding adaptive solutions. Allianz has repeatedly warned how escalating climate risks could destabilize financial system from mortgages to supply chain finance. 💼 And the investor landscape is still relatively uncrowded—meaning early-stage access with upside. Exciting to watch some fast growing companies targeting this space like Climate X, Hydrosat, Muon Space, Pano AI and more. Adaptation tech is often viewed as niche but the reality is it’s pervasive and one of the most investable frontiers of resilience. #ClimateTech #Adaptation #Resilience #EUInnovation #SustainableInvesting #VC #ImpactInvesting #EuropeanStartups

🌍 Vivatech showed me this: Europe’s climate tech opportunity is historic. The only question is who moves first—and who gets left behind 👇 AI is reshaping value chains—not just in software, but in the real economy. Infrastructure (energy, data, industrial assets) is back at the heart of competitive advantage 🔋🇪🇺. The age of "Software eating the world" is shifting. Europe is uniquely placed to lead this new industrial cycle—especially in Climate Tech—but only if we rethink how we finance and scale it. We are not the US (global capital magnet) nor China (world's factory). Europe’s late-cycle position could become an advantage—if we embrace infrastructure, sustainability, and industrial sovereignty as strategic levers. ⚡️ What’s changing? 🔸 Global capital rebalancing: some early positive signals: – US protectionism on foreign capital gains is on the table. – Blackstone commits $500Bn to Europe. 🔸 Sustainability = Strategic Infrastructure: No longer just ESG compliance. Early movers are winning margins, resilience, and stakeholder trust. Europe’s coherent regulation, manufacturing strength, and innovation clusters give it a real edge. 🔸 New financing models needed: SaaS venture playbooks won’t cut it. Climate tech and industrial assets require: ✔️ Project finance & infrastructure expertise ✔️ Venture debt and patient capital ✔️ Longer deployment horizons The big question: Will European capital markets, VCs, and corporates step up fast enough? For those who do: the opportunity is historic. Special heads up to the Viva Technology team with Antoine Silva, Moove Lab with Clément Guillemot, Next Gear Ventures with Michel Taride, Davide Cannarozzi, Ring Capital with Nicolas CELIER, Amiel Kornel, Gwen Edwards, Omar El Zayat, Loic Raynal form EDF and some incredible people from our Techstars Sustainability Paris crew Kumulus Water, S.Lab with Julia Bialetska, MONSAPO with Sabrine Chennaoui, Felipe Arriola from BioEsol  #VentureCapital #Sustainability #Europe #ClimateTech

🌧⚡ Turning Raindrops into Power: Singapore’s Green Tech Leap In a world where the climate crisis demands localized, clean, and resilient energy solutions, Singapore has just made waves—literally. Scientists there have developed a new rain-powered technology that can generate electricity with 10x the efficiency of traditional hydropower systems, without the need for dams or large infrastructure. 🔬 Instead of diverting rivers or storing water, this breakthrough uses nanogenerators to convert the kinetic energy of individual raindrops into usable electricity—even during a storm. This is more than just a scientific novelty. It’s a potential game-changer for tropical cities, island nations, and regions with heavy rainfall where traditional renewable infrastructure like solar or wind can be challenging or inconsistent. 💡 As someone working closely with companies navigating ESG transitions and sustainable growth, this innovation strikes a powerful chord. It represents: ✅ Localized energy resilience ✅ Minimal environmental disruption ✅ Decentralized power for climate adaptation ✅ Scalable innovation aligned with SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy) 🌍 What excites me most? The ability to reimagine the utility of natural phenomena—like rain, once seen as a problem, now becoming a powerful ally in the green transition. This is the future of regenerative thinking—not just minimizing harm, but innovating with nature to create value. Kudos to the brilliant minds behind this in Singapore. Let’s hope this sparks more such innovations across the Global South where climate-smart energy is not a choice, but a necessity. 🔄 What do you think? Could your city tap into rain as a clean energy source? #Sustainability #GreenInnovation #ESG #CleanEnergy #ClimateResilience #RainPower #SustainableCities #ESGPro #ViveckSuman #DecentralizedEnergy #ImpactInnovation

🆕 𝗛𝗼𝘁-𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻-𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 🆕 In our latest publication we showcase how three (!) state-of-the-art #OpenSource tools come together to empower Kenya's Narok and Makueni counties in creating locally led, locally owned energy plans. In Narok and Makueni, less than 𝟭 𝗶𝗻 𝟯 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟭 𝗶𝗻 𝟰 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀, respectively, 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 . When it comes to 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝘂𝗲𝗹𝘀, the numbers drop to less than 𝟭 𝗶𝗻 𝟱 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟭 𝗶𝗻 𝟭𝟬 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗶. 🗺️ Where are these communities and what are their needs? How can these be best served? Can modern energy consumption levels be afforded- and if not, what is the affordability gap? These are the critical questions we sought to answer! 📊 Granular geospatial data and analysis played a crucial role in helping us identify cost optimal solutions and priority areas for expanding energy services to those who need it the most. More specifically, we used: 🔷 KoboToolbox 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 for gathering granular, on-the-ground data. 🔷 OnSSET - Open Source Spatial Electrification Tool for estimating technology and investment needs for electrification targets. 🔷 Energy Access Explorer for prioritizing energy interventions that lead to socio-economic growth. This is a step forward in using open-source technology to advance the clean energy transition - offering a locally owned approach that is transparent, scalable, replicable, and resource-efficient. Brilliant co-authors: Douglas Ronoh Sarah Odera Cornelius Tanui Tom SEGO And contributors: Victor Otieno Benson I. Prof. Izael Da Silva Darby Levin Sebastian Sterl Alexandros Korkovelos Santiago Sinclair Lecaros akansha saklani Maurice Owiti Janhavi Mane Sandhya S. Sripadhi Anirudh Babak Khavari Amit Kumar Adrian Okorio Laura Malaguzzi Valeri Ekin Birol Meron T. Shannon Collins Romain Warnault Shannon Paton Bundi Thomas Benson Mutuku World Resources Institute WRI Africa WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition Strathmore Energy Research Centre Climate Compatible Growth #CCG Palladium: Make It Possible UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) IKEA Foundation Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA)Mott Foundation 3M Digital Public Goods Alliance #sdg17 #energyaccess #energytransition #DataForGood #opensource #dpgs #digitalpublicgoods

Climate tech faces a critical challenge: existing technologies alone can't solve the energy crisis. We need breakthrough innovations that can scale rapidly to deliver meaningful impact within the timelines we face. To help companies navigate these demands, our climate team has been using the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Adoption Readiness Levels (ARL) Framework, which moves the conversation beyond “can we build it?” to “can we build AND scale it?” By integrating considerations such as cost, resource availability, and regulatory support, the ARL framework helps make sure we're building cutting-edge climate tech that can have a real-world impact. In this recent whitepaper, cowritten with our colleagues at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), our climate team shares insights for investors and operators looking to put ARLs into action and efficiently bring their technologies to market. https://lnkd.in/gaARZvai Congratulations to Jeff Johnson, Mia Nixon, Vinay Shandal and Parham Peiroo on this excellent piece! Whether or not you're in climate, it's very much worth a read.

Since 2000, the number of humans worldwide without access to electricity has dropped by half -- nearly 1 billion more people have electricity today. Several factors contributed to this improvement, but a key driver is technology. Rapid technology development has transformed energy systems over the last two decades. And today, AI is poised to accelerate this trend in unprecedented ways. Recent insights from Reuters highlight several uses of AI to advance and improve our power systems. Let's take mini-grids as an example. Mini-grids (similar to micro-grids) harness local storage and generation, creating decentralized networks that empower communities, particularly rural ones. Imagine a small community in the mountains installing solar panels and batteries, forming a local energy generation and storage facility to power their needs. This shift from centralized authorities to local innovators accelerates electrification, sidestepping the prolonged process of waiting for regulatory approvals and building new power plants. A key challenge micro-grids face is managing supply & demand for users. But now, predictive AI is enabling innovators like Husk Power Systems to forecast supply and demand, delivering electricity at the cheapest point at any given time. Similarly, installing and managing generation assets can be a challenge especially in rural environments. Here, AI-based models can optimize site selection & improve predictive maintenance for wind turbines and solar panels. By making mini-grids more efficient, AI is accelerating rural electrification -- just one example of how such technologies can enable cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable power for millions around the world. 🌍 #AI #aiforgood #energysystems #sustainability #minigrids #microgrids #cleanenergy #energytransition #cleantech #climatetech