Climate Tech Highlights #4

Hello there!

I recently attended Web Summit Rio 2024, a major event for technology and innovation enthusiasts from around the world.

As promised, here are some inspiring climate tech startups I had the privilege of meeting in person: Flori.tech, Twinmate, Treeage, Cittua and Energybrain.

Make sure to take some time to explore their websites!

Now, let’s dive into the climate tech highlights from last week!

Around the globe 🌎

• Sustainable aviation fuel made of…💩: The Hungarian airline Wizz Air has partnered with British company Firefly Green Fuels to convert human waste into sustainable aviation fuel. According to the companies, this fuel can be blended up to 50% with kerosene without needing modifications to jet engines, and its production emits about 70% less carbon than conventional jet fuel.  Read the full story

• 🐢 soup without the 🐢: Chilean foodtech company NotCo, along with its AI called Giuseppe, and Peruvian chef Diego Oka, collaborated to create a plant-based alternative to turtle soup. The AI analyzed over 300,000 plants and 260 quintillion potential combinations to mimic the texture, flavor, and molecular structure of the endangered green sea turtle. The green sea turtle is an endangered species and its soup is a traditional dish in many cultures worldwide. Watch the short video to see how AI and human expertise are combining to protect a species while preserving cultural heritage.

• Show me the money: Former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos has launched a $100 million grant initiative through the Earth Fund’s AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge. The competition invites innovators to develop technologies to tackle major climate change issues, focusing on sustainable proteins, biodiversity conservation, and power grid optimization. Initially, up to 30 seed grants will be distributed, with phase two allowing for larger grants up to $2 million to advance AI solutions. Read the full story

A glance at Brazil 🇧🇷

• Old Buildings, New Approach: Brazilian company SomaUma aims to transform vacant, abandoned, or underutilized properties to revitalize São Paulo's central region with a positive socio-environmental impact. In its latest project, the Virginia building revitalization, SomaUma not only collaborates with suppliers who recycle industrial waste into their products but also ensures that approximately 93% of the 1.2 tons of debris removed—equivalent to 51 dumpster trucks—has been recycled. Read the full story

• More accuracy for South America: Researchers from over ten countries, including Brazil, are developing high-resolution climate simulations of South America's past and future. Their objective is to create a computer model that accurately represents the region's climate processes, aiding decision-makers in effectively planning for climate change. According to Professor Kelvin Droegemeier from the University of Illinois, these advanced Earth system models require very powerful computers but currently operate at only 2% to 3% of their maximum capacity. They also face challenges in resolution and accuracy, especially in capturing specific regional details like those in South America. Read the full story

Don't miss out! 👀

• The 2024 Brazil Nature-based Solutions Investment Summit, organized by Capital for Climate in partnership with Converge Capital, will take place on May 22nd during the inaugural Brazil Climate Investment Week (May 21-23). The event provides a valuable opportunity to forge in-person connections and catalyze deal-making. Read more about it.

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See you next Tuesday!