Climate Tech Highlights #10

The Most Interesting Climate Tech Stories in May 2024


Hello, there!


Today is a special dayβ€”it's our monthly wrap-up! This time, I'm experimenting with a new format, grouping the most relevant news from May into different blocks. Please let me know what you think of this format by messaging me.

Now, let’s review the most impactful news from the past month!

P.S.: I've also included an extra block with some upcoming events to keep an eye on in June. Hope you enjoy it!

New Solutions and Releases πŸš€

Source: NASA

  • 🌎 NASA and IBM Research have collaborated to create the Prithvi-weather-climate foundational model, an AI-driven tool to enhance weather and climate predictions. This model improves regional and local climate modeling by leveraging AI learning capabilities. It supports various applications, from detecting severe weather to improving spatial resolution in climate simulations. Read the full story

  • 🌎 The startup Climeworks switched on Mammoth, the world's largest direct-air-capture plant. The plant is designed for a nameplate capture capacity of up to 36,000 tons of COβ‚‚ per year once in full swing by filtering COβ‚‚ from the air and storing it permanently underground. Read the full story

  • πŸ‡§πŸ‡· The Talanoa Institute has recently launched NOA, its AI developed to discuss Brazilian climate policies. Utilizing advanced natural language processing, it answers questions on topics like carbon market regulation and adaptation concepts, drawing from over 250 documents published by Talanoa. Read the full story

Financing and Deals πŸ’°

  • 🌎 Stockholm Exergi has announced an agreement with Microsoft, covering 3.33 million tons of permanent carbon removals through bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). Although the value of the deal was not disclosed, it is recognized as the largest of its kind globally, based on current prices. Read the full story

  • πŸ‡§πŸ‡· The Brazilian federal government recently announced a funding initiative of R$ 10.6 billion to purchase 5,311 new, eco-friendly urban buses nationwide. Out of this fund, R$ 7.2 billion is earmarked for 2,529 electric buses, and R$ 2.7 billion for 2,782 Euro 6 buses, which run on diesel but are fuel-efficient and more effective. Read the full story

  • πŸ‡§πŸ‡· Startup Smartbreeder has recently secured a R$ 15 million investment. The company intends to leverage this funding to bolster its leadership in sugarcane cultivation and extend its footprint to encompass other key crops like corn, soybeans, and cotton .Read the full story

Interesting links and publications πŸ“š

  • 🌎 XPRIZE, from Musk Foundation, announced the Top 100 most promising carbon removal innovators, after three years of the competition and several rounds of judging. The Top 100 is a collection of leading innovators from 25 countries, representing all CDR pathways: Air, Ocean, Land, Rocks. Check it out

  • 🌎 PitchBook’s latest Q1 2024 Agtech Report is out. The material spotlights a slew of startups that are ahead of the curve, from grain marketplace provider Indigo to seafood e-commerce platform Captain Fresh.Read the report

  • πŸ‡§πŸ‡· This database compiles information on over 80 available positions for working with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives across Brazil and internationally. It's a collaborative effort spearheaded by Angelica Souza and supported by a Linked group.

Upcoming events πŸ“…

  • 🌎 Bonn Climate Change Conference - Bonn, Germany, from June 3 - 13. Learn more

  • πŸ‡§πŸ‡· F20 Climate Solutions Forum – Rio de Janeiro, from June 4–6. Register here

  • πŸ‡§πŸ‡· IDB Sustainability Week - Manaus, from June 11-13. Register here

  • 🌎 Climate Innovation Forum - London, UK, June 27. Learn more

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See you next Tuesday!