Climate Tech Highlights #6

Hello, there!

This week, I must start by extending my heartfelt sympathy to those affected by the devastatingly heavy rainstorms in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The situation is critical and underscores the urgent necessity for robust climate adaptation policies.

For those who wish to extend assistance, here is a compilation of credible institutions currently mobilizing resources to aid the region. It's important to note that individuals outside Brazil can also contribute to these efforts.

Now, let's get to last week's highlights on climate-related technologies. 

Image of the week 🌎

An international team of scientists have produced a tree of life for flowering plants, which account for around 90% of all known plant life on land. Using 1.8 billion letters of genetic code from over 9,500 species, this incredible achievement sheds new light on the evolutionary history of flowering plants and their rise to ecological dominance on Earth. The genomic tree is the most comprehensive of its kind ever made.  

Around the globe 🌎

• Super houseplant: The French biotech company Neoplants just released the first houseplant grown to reduce indoor air pollution. This plant, called Neo Px, gets its pollution-eating superpower from genetically engineered bacteria. Neo Px can remove 30 times more Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - harmful indoor pollutants which are emitted by the everyday stuff in our homes: gas stoves, paints, even furniture - than a typical houseplant. Read the full story

• EV Expansion in the UAE: Swedish unicorn Einride is building the world’s largest network of autonomous electric vehicles, in the United Arab Emirates. The project — dubbed Falcon Rise — will spread 550km across the emirates, connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain and Sharjah. For Einride's CEO, the region has a sense of ambition around tech that Europe lacks. Einride will deploy 2k electric vehicles in the Falcon Network onto existing roads as well as building 8 charging stations. Read the full story

• Green Building Breakthrough: Ethiopian plastic upcycling startup Kubik has secured a $1.9 million seed extension. Kubik’s approach involves transforming plastic waste into "low-carbon, durable, and affordable" building materials through proprietary technology, which is slated for out-licensing to facilitate faster Pan-African and ultimately global expansion. The company states that their product enables developers to construct walls without the need for cement, aggregates, or steel, thereby accelerating construction timelines and reducing costs by "at least 40% less per square meter." Currently, the startup processes 5,000 kilograms of plastic waste per day, with a capacity to handle up to 45,000 kg. Read the full story

A glance at Brazil 🇧🇷

• Next Gen Material: Startup MABE Bio is harnessing technology to transform Brazilian plants into sustainable fabrics. Their inaugural choice is the angico, a medium-sized tree found in the Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest regions. The innovative process yields a leather alternative suitable for clothing, footwear, accessories and more. Additionally, the company is exploring the conversion of excess materials into bioplastics and biocomposites. With a recent infusion of capital, the startup aims to ramp up production and cater to both domestic and international markets. Read the full story

• Ag is tech: One of the pioneers in the field of big data and precision agriculture for the agribusiness sector, the Piracicaba-based startup Smartbreeder, has recently secured a R$ 15 million investment from an American impact fund. Renowned for its predictive software designed for disease and pest management, 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

Don't miss 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

• 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.

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See you next Tuesday!