Ex-Pixis CEO Neel Pandya’s Climaty AI Raises $2M to Fuse Climate and Marketing Tech

• Neel Pandya–led startup will leverage the funding to accelerate its Agentic AI ecosystem and expand globally, delivering carbon-conscious marketing solutions to brands and agencies.

Climaty AI, the world’s first CliMarTech (Climate + Marketing Technology) company founded by former AI startup CEO Neel Pandya,has raised $2 million in early-stage funding to accelerate its vision of building carbon-conscious marketing solutions powered by Agentic AI. With over two decades of experience across L’Oréal, Vodafone, GroupM, and as the former CEO of Pixis, where he helped scale the company to a $225M-funded global brand, Neel brings deep expertise at the intersection of marketing, AI, and technology. The round was led by Turbostart, a global venture capital and accelerator fund, along with participation from leading AI experts and angel investors.

Global advertising spend has crossed $1 trillion. However, nearly 37% is lost to ineffective targeting, weak creative, and duplication. Climaty AI addresses these inefficiencies with their Agentic AI ecosystem, a self-optimizing marketing infrastructure that learns continuously, adapts to goals in real time, and orchestrates campaigns end-to-end with human oversight built in.

Climaty’s four Agentic AI-powered media agents — Campaign Builder, Creator, Optimizer, and Analytics — are designed to transform the way the industry works by removing manual inefficiencies, giving back media planners their valuable time to focus on strategy, and enabling agencies to deliver faster, more precise outcomes. This means greater transparency, smarter campaigns, and measurable results with sustainability built in — creating a win-win future where performance and responsibility go hand in hand.

With this early-stage funding, Climaty AI will advance its proprietary Agentic AI tech stack and expand its footprint across APAC, EMEA, the UK, and North America, where demand for sustainable and high-performance marketing is surging.

Ganesh Raju, Founder, Turbostart, said, “Marketing platforms of the future will combine performance with accountability. Climaty AI is shaping this new standard with CliMarTech and Agentic AI. We’re excited to support this journey from India to the world.”

Neel Pandya, Founder & Global CEO, Climaty AI

Neel Pandya, Founder & Global CEO, Climaty AI, added, “The most successful brands will treat accountability as a driver of performance. Agentic AI and sustainability are at the core of everything we do at Climaty AI.”

Climaty AI has shown early traction with a pilot for Opella, enhancing marketing efficiency while minimizing carbon footprint. Its solutions have been tested successfully across EdTech, Consumer Healthcare, Automotive, and CPG sectors, highlighting relevance across diverse marketing environments.

Carbon Masters Raises Fresh Capital to Expand Biomethane and Organic Fertiliser Operations Across India

Carbon Masters India Pvt Ltd (CMIPL), a climate-tech venture pioneering circular economy solutions, has raised an undisclosed amount in a fresh round of equity funding led by Schneider Electric Energy Access Asia (SEEAA), Sangam Ventures, and IAN Group. The round also saw participation from Sriram Sankaran, Managing Director of Synchron Group, and Muthu Murugappan, CEO of Murugappa Group.

As part of this investment, Vikram Raman from SEEAA and Sriram Sankaran have joined Carbon Masters’ Board of Directors.

Carbon Masters, co-founded by Som Narayan and Kevin Houston, is committed to converting organic waste streams otherwise bound for landfill into renewable biomethane and bio-enriched organic manure, marketed under its flagship Carbonlites brand.

The company executes CBG (Compressed Biogas) and Organic manure projects through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and joint ventures (JVs) with strong waste management partners. Its flagship JV, Sustainable Impacts with Hasiru Dala Innovations, operates one of the few authorized wet waste processing facilities in Bangalore designated to handle the city’s bulk generators’ organic waste. The project has also secured pipeline injection clearance from GAIL, with pipeline laying now completed. This positions the plant uniquely to process waste at scale, and injecting biomethane into India’s gas grid to decarbonise households. It will also supply Carbonlites gas to hotels, restaurants, and industries as a substitute for LPG and CNG

Through this replicable SPV model, Carbon Masters is building a robust business framework to partner with municipalities and private operators across India to help it in its transition to net zero. 

With this fresh equity infusion, Carbon Masters will:

• Expand production capacity of Carbonlites Biomethane (CBG),
• Scale its Carbonlites bio-enriched organic fertiliser portfolio,
• Enhance efficiency across existing operations.
• Team building across sales marketing and R&D .

The company is now preparing for its next equity round to finance five upcoming SPVs, with Ostara Advisors, India’s first climate-tech-focused Transaction Advisory firm, appointed as investment bankers.

CMIPL currently operates five CBG plants across Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, collectively processing over 36,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste annually through anaerobic digestion. Its 80+ member team supplies Carbonlites CBG to commercial kitchens, industries, transport fleets, and city gas networks, while Carbonlites Bio-Enriched Organic Manure supports regenerative agriculture by improving soil health and farm productivity.

“We are proud to support Carbon Masters in its mission to decarbonize critical sectors of the Indian economy. Investing in scalable clean energy infrastructure and sustainable agriculture solutions is vital to building a resilient and inclusive low-carbon future.”, Gilles Vermot Desroches, SVP, Corporate Citizenship, Schneider Electric & President, SEEAA. 

“Carbon Masters’ innovative circular economy business model aligns with our vision of financing deep decarbonization pathways. The company’s potential to displace fossil fuels while improving soil health makes it a compelling climate-tech investment.” Karthik Chandrasekar, CEO, Sangam Ventures

“IAN has topped up its investment in Carbon Masters. This is a strong endorsement of the team’s execution and their ability to keep evolving. Carbon Masters reflects IAN’s thesis of solving real problems through innovation.”, Padmaja Ruparel, Co-founder, IAN Group. 

“We are grateful for the continued trust of our investors, which reflects confidence in our business and growth plans. This investment will help us further strengthen operations and scale sustainably, as we continue to support India’s transition to a low-carbon future and help our customers meet their net zero goals.” Som Narayan, CEO & Co-founder, Carbon Masters

About Carbon Masters

Carbon Masters India Pvt Ltd (CMIPL) is a climate-tech company focused on building a circular economy. Through its Carbonlites brand, the company converts wet municipal waste into Compressed Bio-Methane Gas (CBG) to replace fossil fuels, and Bio-Enriched Organic Manure to improve soil health. Its core value proposition lies in reducing carbon emissions while lowering operational costs for customers.

Website: https://www.carbonlites.com/

About the Investors

Schneider Electric Energy Access Asia (SEEAA)
Founded in 2019, SEEAA is an impact investment fund initiated and managed by Schneider Electric in collaboration with Norfund, EDFI, and Amundi. Its mission is to support 350 million people in Asia who lack access to clean energy.

Sangam Ventures
Sangam Ventures is an early-stage venture fund investing in climate-tech companies that drive decarbonization, resilience, and sustainable development in India.

IAN Group
India’s largest platform for seed and early-stage investments, IAN combines capital, mentoring, and global market access to support entrepreneurs. Its network spans 19 sectors across India and 7 other countries.

Trane Technologies Launches BrainBox AI Lab to Drive Sustainable HVAC and Building Intelligence

Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, announced the launch of the BrainBox AI Lab – igniting a new era in energy optimization for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions in the built environment and refrigerated transport.

The Trane Technologies BrainBox AI Lab is dedicated to advancing technologies designed to support more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable building operations across the industry. With the infusion of AI through Trane Technologies’ products, solutions, and operations, the organization is poised to lead the market transition towards fully digitized building operations in alignment with its sustainability principles.

“Through the BrainBox AI Lab, we are bringing together world-class talent and industry-leading technology to shape the next generation of climate innovation,” said Riaz Raihan, Chief Digital Officer, Trane Technologies. “Demand continues to grow for solutions that reduce energy, emissions and operational costs. This premier lab is an important element in our strategy to remain at the forefront of digital and AI solutions that create positive impact for our customers and the world.”

The new BrainBox AI Lab serves as a hub for rigorous research, collaboration, and real-world testing to set new standards within the industry and beyond. This network of AI experts within Trane Technologies will continue to advance autonomous control systems, predictive models, and algorithms aimed at reducing emissions through smarter energy use. The BrainBox AI Lab will also focus on evolving fields of study, including agentic AI and the application of physics-informed neural networks, enabling total digital transformation for the built environment.

“AI is accelerating at a pace few could have imagined, unlocking extraordinary opportunities to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges,” said Jean-Simon Venne, President at BrainBox AI and Head of the AI Lab. “Our responsibility is not just to innovate quickly, but to also ensure that it is being done wisely and sustainably. The BrainBox AI Lab will define what is next for AI within the industry.”

Leveraging a multidisciplinary team of technical experts including software engineers, data scientists, AI researchers, machine learning developers and AI engineers, this AI Lab will be guided by the following principles:Product Creation: Turning breakthrough ideas and discoveries into ready-to-use products and applications – moving past the concept phase and into real-world impact.

• Research & Development: Teaming up with world-class researchers and universities to push scientific discovery and shape the future of AI in energy management.
• Ethics & Guardrails: Embedding ethical and responsible AI principles and safeguards into how we design, develop, and deploy our solutions.
• Sustainability: Creating AI technologies that support energy optimization and reduction of global carbon emissions in support of Trane Technologies’ ambitious 2030 Sustainability Commitments.

Trane Technologies acquired BrainBox AI in January 2025 amid fast-growing demand for sustainable, autonomous building solutions, bringing industry-leading autonomous HVAC controls and generative AI building technologies to more customers. The companies previously teamed up for more than two years, combining BrainBox AI’s leading artificial intelligence technology with Trane Technologies’ advanced building management and digital capabilities.

For more information, visit Trane Technologies BrainBox AI Lab.

TraceX Launches AI Tool to Streamline EU Deforestation Regulation Compliance for AgriFood Exporters

TraceX Technologies, an AgriFood and ClimateTech startup, has launched an Agentic AI Tool to automate and simplify end-to-end compliance with EU’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) that comes into effect from December 2025.

EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) mandates that any product exported to the EU should be legally sourced and deforestation-free. Non EU Exporters and EU Importers of commodities such as coffee, cocoa, palm oil, soy, wood and wood based products, rubber and cattle products, have to submit traceability proofs, verified plot-level geolocation data, Due Diligence Statement (DDS), and digital records for audits. Failing to do so can lead to shipment rejections, financial penalties of up to 4% of annual turnover in the EU and reputational damage.

A report by Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) indicates that Indian exports worth USD 1.3 billion are likely to be impacted due to the new regulations. Among the most affected are agriculture products such as coffee, oil cake, and forest-derived products that include paper, wood furniture, leather hides, etc. Many exporters, particularly small and medium sized companies, are struggling with high compliance costs, challenges in providing traceability proofs, and supply chain complexities.

The existing process for the submission of the Due Diligence Statement (DDS) is done through manual procedures that require field agents, spreadsheet entries and time-intensive workflows that are prone to errors. TraceX’s agentic AI tool automates these processes through interventions such as auto-parsing of supplier emails and documents for KYC, AI-validated geolocation, risk assessment via global earth observation data sets flagging high-risk suppliers or non-compliant plots before shipment, integration with the existing legacy applications, auto-generated Due Diligence Statements (DDS) that match EU TRACES formats, and Real time EU regulatory and technical updates. It cuts down DDS preparation time by up to 80%.

Commenting on the new tool, Srivatsa Sreenivasarao, Founder and CEO, TraceX, said, “While some of this functionality existed in our legacy platform, we have further added more capabilities to it by integrating advanced AI technologies to make the experience more seamless and efficient for non-EU exporters and EU Importers. The EU Deforestation Regulation presents significant economic implications for Indian exporters due to complex compliance requirements that currently need manual intervention. Managing this across fragmented, smallholder-heavy supply chains often results in data silos, manual bottlenecks, inconsistent assessments, and missed regulatory updates. Our Agentic AI Tool automates all the processes, cuts down on turnaround time, improves accuracy and reduces compliance costs”

For more information about the tool, visit https://tracextech.com/eudr-compliance-platform/

About TraceX

TraceX Technologies is a global AgriFood and ClimateTech providing comprehensive solutions to address critical challenges in supply chain traceability, sustainability, carbon management, and regulatory compliance( EUDR, CSRD,CS3D) Their innovative platform combines AI and blockchain technology with satellite monitoring and advanced reporting tools, enabling businesses to improve operational efficiency, build trust with stakeholders, and meet global sustainability standards.

Website: https://tracextech.com/

Govt Collab with Bezos & Rockefeller Backed GEAPP To Accelerate Climate-Tech Entrepreneurship In India

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), a central government department under India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) to accelerate climate-tech entrepreneurship in India.

The GEAPP was founded through a collaboration of The Rockefeller Foundation, the IKEA Foundation, a Dutch charitable organization founded in 1982 by Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA, and the Bezos Earth Fund, a $10 billion philanthropic commitment by Jeff Bezos to combat climate change. GEAPP was launched at COP26 in 2021 to accelerate clean energy access and drive sustainable economic growth.

The two-year DPIIT-GEAPP partnership, with a provision for extension, will support early-stage climate-tech startups through funding access, mentorship, pilot opportunities, and market linkages. The initiative seeks to build a strong pipeline of scalable, investable ventures aligned with India’s net-zero ambitions.

Key Highlights of the Collaboration

• ENTICE Challenge: A competitive platform offering up to USD 500,000 in rewards for startups developing impactful clean energy solutions.
• Funding & Mentorship: Early-stage climate-tech startups will receive investment support through partners like Spectrum Impact and Avana Capital.
• Integration with Startup India: DPIIT will connect the initiative to Startup India’s network, ensuring outreach through major government schemes.
• Net-Zero Vision: The partnership aligns with India’s long-term climate goals, fostering scalable and investable ventures.

Sanjiv, Joint Secretary at DPIIT, emphasized that India’s climate leadership depends on a strong entrepreneurial base.

Saurabh Kumar, Vice President – India at GEAPP, described the MoU as a pivotal step toward systemic change through government-private sector collaboration.

Siemens and London Varsity's Innovative Use of River Thames to Save 258 Tons of Carbon Emissions Annually

The River Thames is one of the most iconic rivers in the world, flowing through southern England, including the heart of London. Stretching approximately 346 kilometers (215 miles), it is the longest river entirely in England and the second-longest in the United Kingdom after the River Severn.

A new innovative initiative by University of East London (UEL) in partnership with Siemens Smart Infrastructure is using the river Thames' heat for projects for the University of East London's net-zero campus highlight its role in combating climate change.

The River Thames serves as a heat source due to its stable water temperature, which remains relatively constant throughout the year. This stability makes it an excellent candidate for heat exchange systems like Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHPs), which extracts energy from the water and turns it into heat, even when the water temperature is lower than the air temperature

Even at low temperatures, water contains thermal energy. The River Thames, being a large body of water, stores significant amounts of this energy.

Taking a significant step toward sustainability, the University of East London (UEL) is harnessing the River Thames to power its net-zero campus. In collaboration with Siemens, UEL is installing a state-of-the-art Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) at its Docklands Campus.

This innovative system will replace traditional gas boilers, significantly reducing carbon emissions by 258 tons annually.

The Innovative System

The WSHP system uses submerged pipes in a closed-loop system to extract the natural heat from the river. The heat is then transferred to a refrigerant, which amplifies it through a compression cycle.

The amplified heat is used to warm buildings, while the cooled water is returned to the river without disrupting its ecosystem.

The WSHP uses a closed-loop system to extract natural heat from the River Thames without disrupting the river's ecosystem. This project aligns with UEL's goal of achieving the lowest carbon emissions per student in the UK by 2026 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2030.

Beyond environmental benefits, the initiative is expected to save the university over £500,000 annually (approximately US $645,000 and  ~ INR ₹ 5.62 crore) in utility costs and has already inspired green employability programs, internships, and research opportunities. It also supports the Mayor of London's vision for a sustainable and greener city.

The new WSHP is set to be the largest fitted at any university in the UK and will power the university’s Docklands Campus Library and Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability buildings, replacing existing gas boilers.

This innovative use of the river Thames not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also supports sustainability goals, as seen in projects like the University of East London's net-zero campus initiative

What technology does the Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) use?

Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHPs) utilize advanced heat exchange technology to provide efficient heating and cooling. Here's how they work:

1. Heat Exchange Process: WSHPs extract heat from a water source, such as a river, lake, or well, using a closed-loop system. This system circulates water through a heat exchanger, where heat is absorbed or released depending on the heating or cooling needs.
2. Refrigeration Cycle: The pump uses a refrigerant to amplify the heat transfer process. This cycle allows the system to efficiently move heat from the water source to the building or vice versa.
3. Energy Efficiency: By leveraging the stable thermal properties of water, WSHPs achieve higher energy efficiency compared to air-source systems, especially in colder climates.
4. Environmental Benefits: These systems reduce reliance on fossil fuels, significantly lowering carbon emissions and contributing to sustainability.

This innovative technology is not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective, making it a popular choice for modern heating and cooling solutions.

Climate Tech Leader Ecozen Raises Over $23 Million

• Ecozen was founded in 2010 by three IIT Kharagpur alumni – Devendra Gupta, Prateek Singhal and Vivek Pandey. It develops climate-smart solutions and has expertise in advanced motor and control technology, and cooling technology.
• Ecozen has achieved an impressive CAGR of over 83% in revenue growth over the last three years.
• This round of investment will be directed toward scaling Ecozen's flagship solutions, including Ecotron, Ecofrost, and advanced motor control systems.

Ecozen, a leading climate-smart technology solutions provider, has raised over $23 million in debt funding from responsAbility Investments AG, Northern Arc Capital Limited, Maanaveeya Development & Finance Private Limited, and others. This funding will help Ecozen drive scale in its current businesses while furthering its position as a leader in sustainable technologies.

Ecozen has recorded an outstanding CAGR of over 83% in revenue growth over the past three years, underscoring its rapid and sustained success. The company has manufactured over 300,000 Ecotron solar pump controllers to date, with an impressive 100,000 units produced between March and December 2024 alone. These innovations have contributed to the abatement of more than 2 million metric tons of greenhouse gases (GHG), including a remarkable 660,000 metric tons in 2024 alone. In addition, Ecozen’s Omni controller is enabling existing customers to utilize solar energy across a broader range of applications, while also positioning Ecozen to foray into new market opportunities.

In 2025, Ecozen is expanding its portfolio with innovative products tailored to the evolving needs of communities and businesses. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, the company will continue to pave the way for a future where growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

Devendra Gupta, CEO and Co-Founder of Ecozen, said, "This funding reaffirms the confidence our partners have in Ecozen’s ability to drive impactful change through innovation. We are excited to be on a rapid growth path, driven by the increasing need for sustainable, climate-smart solutions. This funding will help us reach more people, expand our operations, and strengthen our impact in India and beyond. Our focus has always been on empowering our customers and providing them with the tools they need to thrive in a changing world. I’m truly grateful for the trust and support from our investors—responsAbility, Northern Arc, Maanaveeya and others, including our existing partners, who share our vision and are helping us create lasting positive change.”

Neha Baid, Team Head, Sustainable Food Debt, APAC, at responsAbility Investments AG, added,"Ecozen’s innovative solutions resonate deeply with our commitment to support sustainable and impactful ventures that are focused on climate mitigation, food loss and waste reduction and fostering overall climate resilience. We are proud to contribute to their journey of empowering rural and industrial stakeholders with advanced climate-smart technologies.

Mr. Ashish Mehrotra, MD & CEO, Northern Arc Capital said, “Northern Arc is delighted to support Ecozen in their journey of creating a sustainable impact through innovative technologies. This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to addressing climate change and fostering climate-first businesses. With the launch of our USD 125 million climate fund dedicated to supporting businesses that control and mitigate climate change, we aim to empower enterprises like Ecozen to grow and prosper. Together, we strive to advance climate-sustainable solutions and contribute meaningfully to a greener, more resilient future for all."

"Over the past four decades, Maanaveeya has supported businesses that drive social change and economic empowerment. Ecozen exemplifies the potential of innovative technology to solve real-world problems. We look forward to seeing them expand their footprint and impact even further." highlighted Dr. Gouri Sankar, the Managing Director of Maanaveeya Development & Finance Private Limited.

Ecozen Solutions Pvt. Ltd. is a climate-smart technology solutions company that creates a positive impact on millions of lives. Our diverse product portfolio includes Ecotron, Ecofrost, Eco-Freeze, Ecozen Atta Chakki, Ecotron Omni, and E-Bike Controllers, catering to a range of industries and needs. Committed to sustainability and innovation, Ecozen continues to lead the way in advancing technologies that drive environmental and economic benefits. For more information about Ecozen Solutions, please visit www.ecozensolutions.com

3 Non-profits from Brazil, Canada and U.S Win $1 Mn in Grants From HCLTech for Climate Action Projects

Selected NPOs use innovative themes including youth-led environmental activism, art and forest restoration to raise awareness and combat climate change

HCLTech, a leading global technology company, has announced Brazil-based Argilando, Canada-based No. 9 Contemporary Art and the Environment and US-based The Longleaf Alliance as the winners of the first edition of the HCLTech Grant Americas.

Launched in September 2023, the HCLTech Grant Americas program has committed $5 million in grants over five years to support Not-For-Profit organizations (NPOs) with innovative projects focused on combating climate change, restoring ecosystems and biodiversity across Americas.

Every year, three NPOs will be selected through a rigorous screening process to receive grants totaling $1 million. One NPO will receive $500,000, while two others will receive $250,000 each.

Among the inaugural edition winners, Brazil-based Argilando will receive the grant of $500,000 for their project Atitude Jovem. The project ignites youth-led environmental activism across Brazil's diverse biomes. Through comprehensive mobilization efforts, educational workshops and strategic planting of native trees, Argilando confronts climate challenges and promotes awareness about sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Canada-based No. 9 Contemporary Art and the Environment will receive $250,000 for using art and design to bring awareness to environmental concerns. Its project "Imagining My Sustainable Community" aims to increase awareness of sustainable design solutions in schools across Canada.

The Longleaf Alliance will receive $250,000 for their project, "Restoring America's Great Southern Forest through Climate Action by Empowering and Enabling Landowners" aims to restore 8 million acres of longleaf pine forests, in the US Southeast.

“Congratulations to the winners of the first HCLTech Grant Americas. Whether it is fostering sustainable design literacy or spearheading vast ecosystem restoration projects, these endeavors showcase a collective resolve to address environmental challenges with innovative solutions. We are delighted to support these projects as part of the collective effort needed to combat climate change,” said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Vice President, Global CSR, HCLTech.

Since its launch, HCLTech Grant Americas has received a positive response from NPOs in Americas. Within 19 weeks of its launch, the program received 238 registrations and 91 eligible applications from all 10 target countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru and the US. Through rigorous vetting, the top 10 applications were selected, followed by the HCLTech Grant Jury nominating the top three finalists.

HCLTech has a sharp focus on Sustainability. The company is committed to becoming net zero by 2040 and reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030. Since the baseline year of FY20, the company has reduced per capita scope 1 and 2 emissions by 22%. It is the first India-headquartered IT services company to join the Water Resilience Coalition and endorse the CEO Water Mandate.

With a total of investment of over $ 175 million in CSR globally so far, HCLTech has helped transform over 6.5 million lives, brought 72,000 acres of land under green governance, harvested 76 billion liters of water and had a positive impact on 92,000 animals.

HCLTech has been recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies 2024 and has been included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024 for the second year in a row. Global environment non-profit CDP has recognized HCLTech with A- leadership rating for its climate change initiatives.

In India, HCLTech Grant, a flagship program of HCLFoundation, has touched over 2 million lives across 27,000+ villages through the grant recipient NPOs.

75% Organizations Say They Need Climate Tech to Achieve Net Zero Goals but Lower Costs Essential for Widespread Adoption

High green premiums mean that further investment and regulation are required to ensure cleaner products and services are commercially viable

Many of the technologies able to address climate change are already available and will play a critical role in helping businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions. That is according to the Capgemini Research Institute’s latest report “Climate Tech: Harnessing the power of technology for a sustainable future”, which found that three quarters of organizations say they will not achieve their sustainability goals without climate tech. However, close to eight in ten (77%) executives suggest that product costs are likely to increase due to the green premium attached to these technologies and they are unwilling to pay this markup.

Expectations are high for climate technology to contribute to decarbonization

Growth in key climate technologies, including renewable power and electric vehicles (EVs), has helped accelerate decarbonization efforts around the world. Other climate technologies such as low-carbon hydrogen, carbon capture and alternative fuels are becoming available and, if scaled, could help businesses achieve their sustainability goals. According to the report, executives expect climate tech to contribute to 37% (on average) of their organization’s decarbonization or net zero goals, and 65% of organizations plan to increase investment in climate technology in the next two years. For example, two thirds of steel companies view low-carbon hydrogen and carbon capture as a priority. The top drivers for this increased investment are awareness of the worsening climate crisis, stricter regulation, and increased maturity of climate technologies.

The green premium is a major barrier to adoption

While climate tech is critical for decarbonization, it comes at a price. Close to eight in ten (77%) executives suggest that their product costs are likely to increase due to investment in climate technologies. This increase in costs can be attributed to a number of factors including higher R&D, capital, and operating costs, as well as the cost of adapting manufacturing processes. The research reveals that organizations are willing to accept an average increase in product cost due to climate tech adoption (the “green premium”) of around 9%. However, the existing green premium for many clean products is typically significantly higher than this. For example, cost of low-carbon cement produced using carbon capture is estimated to be 75–140% higher than conventional cement, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is estimated to cost 123% more than conventional jet fuel. As a result, climate technologies cannot currently help create cleaner products and services in commercially viable way.

Pockets of rapid progress

Despite the challenges, there are pockets of rapid scale up in climate tech adoption. These include technologies where green premiums have fallen significantly, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and electric vehicles (EVs), as well as technologies where green premiums are still high, such as carbon capture for cement, green hydrogen for steel, and SAF for aviation. Executives in these industries expect adoption of the technology to spread rapidly: within three years for EVs in the automotive industry, within four years for solar PV in the energy and utilities sector; within three years for SAF in the aviation industry; and within two 
years for carbon capture in the cement industry.

“As the world races to find solutions to address climate change, we can see there is an extraordinary appetite for these technologies, supported by an increased awareness on the urgency to act”, said Florent Andrillon, Global Head of Climate Tech at Capgemini. “We are in the beginning of a “Clean Industrial Revolution”. Public support and private funding have started to ignite the green investment wave, but accelerating the scale up of these solutions will require further capex investments, cost reductions and business model innovation. Before climate technologies reach cost parity with their traditional counterparts, businesses or consumers can’t be expected to handle large green premiums alone. Public policies need to level the playing field and adequately support the scaling up. For example, the spectacular uptick in electric vehicle adoption has a lot to do with public subsidies and various local incentives and regulations. Consumers and organizations alike understand the need to quickly adapt their behaviors, and that solutions exist. It will take increased intervention from governments to support and speed up that paradigm shift for industry and end-users alike.”

Addressing the investment gap

The research also found that on average, organizations plan to increase investment in climate tech by 7.7% in the next two years. However, average annual investment in environmental sustainability initiatives and practices across industries represented only 0.92% of total revenue in 2023, a proposition which stayed flat since last year[1]. In absolute terms, it means that the current investment in environmental sustainability of the top 2,000 largest companies globally represents less than $500 bn per year overall. This is a small portion of the $1.8 trillion of estimated global investment in clean energy in 2023, and far below the $4.5 trillion a year required in the early 2030s, for the energy sector to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, according to the IEA.[2]

Venture capital funding and financial institutions are already filling some of the gap, and should play a critical role in scaling climate tech. The report finds that 37% of surveyed VCs plan to increase investment in climate tech in 2023, with this proportion rising to 48% for 2024 and 56% for 2025. In addition, close to half (47%) of asset-management firms and banks planned to increase climate tech financing in 2023, with nearly as many (46%) planning to do so in 2024, growing to 53% in 2025. This increased investment will be focused on EVs (for 55% of them) as well as decarbonization software (45%), biofuels (36%) or nuclear (33%).

Full report: https://www.capgemini.com/in-en/insights/research-library/climate-tech-research

Methodology

For this report, the Capgemini Research Institute surveyed 1,350 senior executives (director-level and above) from large organizations (~90% of which had annual revenue above USD 1 billion) that have plans to decarbonize or reach net zero, and a survey of 500 large VCs and financial services organizations on their climate tech financing plans. In addition, the research team interviewed more than 15 experts across industries, including VCs. The global survey took place in August and September 2023 and covered 13 countries in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific (US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, India, Singapore, Australia, Japan and China) across 16 industries.

[1] Capgemini Research Institute, “A World in Balance 2023: Heightened Sustainability Awareness Yet Lagging Actions,” November 2023

[2] International Energy Agency, “Executive summary – Net Zero Roadmap,” 2023 update

Infographic

Climate Tech Startup Aurassure Raises ₹4 Crore in Seed Round from Unicorn India Ventures

• Aurassure becomes the first investment from Unicorn’s recently announced Fund III
• Aurassure is an IoT enabled climate tech startup, a pioneering environmental technology company committed to revolutionising sustainability efforts through hyperlocal data insights
• Funds to be primarily used for team building, expanding data analytics and sales & marketing
• Unicorn India ventures has recently announced its first close of Rs 1000 crore Fund III at Rs 225 Crore

Bhubaneswar-based IoT enabled climate tech startup Aurassure has raised INR 4 Crore in a seed round led by Unicorn India Ventures.

The funds raised will be deployed to strengthen product capabilities by creating a data analytics team, acquiring product certifications for international scaling, and sales team expansion for growing reach to multiple cities.

Aurassure using its powerful IoT enabled intelligent systems has the capabilities to collect real time data and analyse it to provide accurate forecasts and updates on disasters and frequently changing weather patterns like floods, air pollution, and rainfall along with other climate data which can empower governments and citizens in making decisions for a healthy and safe lifestyle. The Company has successfully onboarded prestigious clients including Tata Realty, L&T Realty, P&G, Honeywell, IIT Bombay and Google. Aurassure has witnessed a 40% QoQ growth and has expanded its operations to cities like Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Aurangabad, Rajkot and Delhi.

Aurassure aims to bring people together to fight against the rising issues of the environment, namely pollution, global warming, and climate change.

Akanksha 

Akanksha Priyadarshini, Co-founder & CEO, Aurassure, says, “Empowering communities with hyperlocal data to build resilience against climate change is not just a mission, it's a responsibility we wholeheartedly embrace. Together, we're not just innovating but driving a positive change for a healthier, more resilient, and sustainable future, one city at a time. Our vision goes beyond data collection. We aim to be instrumental in policy-level decision-making by providing vital insights to form responsible environmental practices. We also plan to offer robust decision support systems and environmental consultancy services, guiding governments and organisations in making sustainable choices.”

Aurassure’s mission is to improve the liveability of cities of the world, impacting billions of lives by enabling responsible climate actions through real-time data & AI. The company provides cutting-edge sensor-based devices and AI-powered analytics platforms that empower governments, corporations, researchers, and communities to make informed decisions and take meaningful action to protect our environment. The Company has recently launched Aurassure Care, a smart air quality monitoring device for indoor environment monitoring that can be integrated with BMS and air purification solutions. It can also enhance the green ratings of commercial spaces. The Company also has products like Aurassure Trust for flood monitoring designed to provide crucial and timely insights for flood-prone areas and Aurassure Infra for outdoor air quality weather and GHG monitoring.

Commenting on the investment, Bikram Mahajan, Partner, Unicorn India Ventures, says, “Although the global environment monitoring market is valued at over $12 billion, of the 1.4 million devices needed just for air quality monitoring, only 3% are operational, underscoring the urgent need for action and the vast market potential. In our quest for a scalable climate-tech venture, Aurassure stood out. In a world choked by data silos and the escalating threat of climate change and air pollution, the Aurassure platform leverages AI, machine learning, and data points from multiple devices to generate accurate insights and actionable intel. Driven by a powerhouse team, Aurassure resonated with our ethos of championing disruptors, and we're thrilled to partner with them as they redefine environmental monitoring to pave the way for a cleaner future. “

Aurassure's notable revenue growth in the last one year underscores the escalating demand for smart environment tech products and services, setting the stage for the company to potentially multiply its earnings by 6x in 2024. In the next 12 – 18 months, Aurassure aims to deploy over 1000 sensor devices in 8 cities across the country. It is also targeting to expand in Southeast Asia and Africa, and subsequently, into Europe and the United States. The company's growth plans for the next year are marked by geographical expansion, revenue diversification, team strengthening, and global readiness along with certifications for international scaling.

About Aurassure:

Aurassure, a Bhubaneswar-based climate tech startup, is a pioneering environmental technology company committed to revolutionizing sustainability efforts through hyperlocal data insights. Founded by NIT Rourkela alumni, including Akanksha Priyadarshini, Vamsi Krishna, Raviteja Cherukuri, and Omprakash Patra, with a combined experience of over 25 years in developing IoT-based products, with a mission to improve the liveability of cities around the world impacting billions of lives by enabling responsible climate actions through real-time data & AI. We specialize in providing comprehensive data on air quality, urban flood monitoring, weather patterns, and more. Our cutting-edge sensor-based devices and AI-powered analytics platform empower governments, corporations, researchers, and communities to make informed decisions and take meaningful action to protect our environment. With a visionary mission to transform our world, Aurassure strengthens resilience and environmental sustainability, fostering a greener and healthier future.

About Unicorn India Ventures:

Started in 2016 by Bhaskar Majumdar and Anil Joshi, Unicorn India Ventures is a technology focused early-stage venture fund that invests capital in emerging and visionary startups. Unicorn India Ventures launched its first fund with a corpus of Rs 100 crore From its first Fund, UIV has invested in 17 companies like SmartCoin, Open Bank, Sequretek, Pharmarack, Genrobotics, Clootrack, FutureCure to mention some. The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) was more than 60 percent year over year. The Fund has emerged as the best performing early stage fund in India with the stellar exits provided by the fund to its LPs.

Fund II is a Rs 300 crore fund launched in 2020 that has invested in 20 companies so far like Gamerji, ForeignAdmits, Probus, Daalchini, Esmito, Finin. Most of the portfolio is scaling up fast and has had several uprounds.

Unicorn India Ventures has recently announced its first close of Rs 1000 crore Fund III. The first close reached at Rs 225 crore. With this Fund, UIV aims to build a portfolio of 25 startups that are focused on global SaaS and digital platforms. From the sector's perspective, the Fund is looking at newer sectors of climate tech, agritech, spacetech and the semiconductor ecosystem. 

 

Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund Secures Ist Close of $70 Mn for India's 1st Early Stage Climate-focused Fund; SIDBI, SRI Fund, UKIDCF, among others Participate

Avaana Climate & Sustainability Fund will invest in technology-led global climate solutions built from India

Avaana Capital, India's leading climate-focused venture capital firm, has achieved a significant milestone in India's emerging climate-tech ecosystem by securing commitments of USD 70 million for their first close in Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund. The firm is targeting a total corpus of $100-125 million for the fund, which will focus investments in three sectors that are responsible for 90% of India's emissions: Energy Transition & Resource Management; Mobility & Supply Chains and; Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems. Since its launch the fund has garnered strong interest from global and domestic Limited Partners (LPs). It has attracted renowned institutional investors, including Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), Self Reliant India (SRI) Fund, the UK India Development Cooperation Fund (UKIDCF) and marquee corporates such as Godrej Group, Murugappa, Torrent, Tsadik, and Bellerive Capital, among others.

Left to Right- Anjali Bansal, Swapna Gupta & Shruti Srivastava

Led by industry veterans Anjali Bansal, Swapna Gupta, and Shruti Srivastava, Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund will further invest in tech-driven and innovative climate solutions, looking to solve climate risk mitigation, adaptation and resilience building. Avaana Capital has made notable portfolio investments such as Eeki Foods, Aerem, Kazam, sentra.world, FarMart, Eggoz, Ninety One 91, Turno and Terra.do.

“With significant global capital flowing, supportive policies, corporate interest and wealth of entrepreneurial talent in the climate sector, India's climate-tech story is rapidly progressing. At Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund, we evaluate over 200 new climate opportunities every quarter,” said Anjali Bansal, Founding Partner, Avaana Capital.

“At Avaana Capital, we recognize that India is integral to global climate solutions and invest in climate solutions for India and the world. Our technology and innovation-first approach, deep sector expertise, and strong relationships across the ecosystem help us build large-scale outcomes in climate and sustainability. Avaana invests in thematic areas of Energy and Resource Management, Mobility and Supply Chains and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems,” said Swapna Gupta, Partner, Avaana Capital.

"India, with its responsibility to uplift the standards of living for over 400 million citizens, requires swift acceàleration in the adaptation and adoption of technology for climate action. Avaana is the leader in climate tech and the crucial mission of mitigating climate risk. SIDBI is delighted to support Avaana's remarkable progress and applauds their efforts in taking the pole position in this vital endeavour,” said Shri S Ramann, Chairman & Managing Director, SIDBI.

Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India, said, “The UK is proud to support development partnerships and investments that are helping to address some of the biggest global challenges. I am pleased our new investment in the Avaana Fund will support innovative businesses develop solutions to climate change and inclusion.”

Suresh Kohzikote, from Self Reliant India (SRI) Fund, shared, "The SRI Fund's investment objective is to support onward growth capital to boost the economy and create a self-reliant India. Our partnership with Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund — India's first tech-led climate fund — is to realise those objectives through climate solutions from India.”

As the world's second-largest population and sixth-largest economy, India plays a critical role in global climate solutions. Our transition to sustainability must prioritise people, planet, and profits. Technology-led disruption in sectors like energy, resources, mobility, supply chains, agriculture, and food systems holds immense potential. Climate-tech investments in India have surged, attracting $1.2 billion from 2016 to 2020, with a focus on renewable energy and electric mobility. To achieve India's net-zero emissions goal by 2070, approximately $2.5 trillion in investments is needed by 2030. Avaana Capital's Climate and Sustainability Fund aims to mobilise capital and support innovative climate solutions aligned with India's targets.

About Avaana Capital

Avaana Capital is an early-stage climate-tech investor in India. Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund invests in future market leaders who are leveraging technology-led innovation to build and scale solutions for climate and sustainability while delivering exponential returns. Avaana invests in thematic areas of Energy and Resource Management, Mobility and Supply Chains and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. Avaana integrates four ecosystems that drive successful outcomes for climate solutions and sustainability: Digital Innovation, Industry Linkages, Policy and Research, and Catalytic Capital.

Avaana’s Team has previously made investments in unicorns and category-leaders like Nykaa, Urban Company, Darwinbox, Delhivery, NinjaCart etc. Investments from Avaana include the likes of FarMart, Ninety One, Eeki Foods, Eggoz, Turno, Terra.do, Aerem, Kazam, sentra.world etc. The Company has offices in Mumbai and Bangalore.

India Releases National Climate Research Agenda 2030 and Beyond

India’s National Climate Research agenda was released at the inauguration of the two-day International Climate Research Conclave (ICRC-2023) at DST’s Centre of Excellence in Climate Studies at IIT Bombay on 26 May 2023, paving the way forward for coordinating national efforts towards understanding and addressing climate change 2030 and beyond.

Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Dr. S. Chandrasekhar, highlighted that the damage caused by climate change has already taken its toll, and our response has been delayed. He pointed out that valuable lessons to tackle the situation can be taken from our experiences of positive changes in the environment due to altered human behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said these serve as a reminder that if we act responsibly, there is a real possibility of passing on a sustainable planet to future generations.

Dr. Chandrasekhar emphasised that addressing climate change is not the responsibility of climate scientists alone. “It is a collective responsibility that extends to all individuals and sectors of society. Climate change is influenced by peripheral activities surrounding climate science, and it becomes the duty of scientists to identify the areas that have the most significant impact on the climate and work towards mitigating them,” he stressed at the conclave jointly organised by The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Ministry of Earth Sciences and hosted by DST’s Centre of Excellence in Climate Studies at IIT Bombay.

“By acknowledging the collective responsibility and adopting sustainable practices across various sectors, we can make meaningful progress in mitigating climate change and preserving a healthy planet for future generations. It is a call to action for everyone to play their part in creating a more sustainable and resilient world,” he added while releasing the report on “India’s Climate Research Agenda: 2030 & Beyond’.

Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. M. Ravichandran, emphasised the importance of understanding the cryosphere and the implications of climate change. He highlighted the importance of formulating policy decisions to address various aspects such as water resources, extreme rainfall, heat waves, and marine waves. These complexities need to be quantified and communicated with reduced uncertainty to facilitate better policy decision-making.

Dr. Ravichandran underscored the interconnectedness between different regions and bodies, including the Arctic, Antarctic, and Himalayas, as they directly impact water bodies. Recognizing this, the conclave aims to generate a multitude of recommendations that will benefit the country as a whole.

“This conclave serves as a platform to discuss and propose recommendations that will contribute to effective policy formulation. By addressing these complex challenges and providing actionable insights, the conclave aims to enhance policy decision-making and benefit the nation as a whole in its quest for a more sustainable and resilient future,” he added.

Over 200 climate scientists, students, experts, and policymakers from different parts of the country and around the globe are participating in the International Climate Research Conclave (ICRC-2023) to discuss India’s recent progress in climate research and its agenda and vision for 2030. The conclave also discussed a long-term research agenda for the country in the priority areas of climate research and plans for creating a Climate Consortium of several departments and ministries of the Government of India for facilitating climate Research.

Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Senior Adviser, DST and Secretary, Science Engineering Research Board (SERB), highlighted the significance of the day, reflecting on the historic celebration of the 10th anniversary of the ICDP (International Centre for Development and Performance) Centre of Excellence at IIT Bombay. This center, established in 2012 as the first Center of Excellence by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has since paved the way for a broader climate change program.

Referring to the progress made over the years, Dr. Gupta said that today, there are not only 12 Centers of Excellence but also 20 major programs dedicated to climate change research. This extensive network encompasses a staggering 1,400 institutes where climate change studies and research take place, with recent expansions to private institutions.

“This event is, however, immensely significant as its purpose is to unveil the National Climate Research agenda -- a crucial step forward in guiding and coordinating National efforts towards understanding and addressing climate change,” Dr. Gupta explained.

“It is already evident that India is making significant strides in climate research and demonstrating its commitment to combat this global challenge. The conclave serves as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and setting the course for future research endeavors, all in pursuit of a more sustainable and resilient future,” Dr. Gupta added.

What Exactly is SF6?, and Why is It Significant?

When people talk about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the focus is usually on carbon dioxide or methane. These two gasses make up about 90% of the GHGs that cause climate change. But there are a number of others that climate scientists monitor. Among them is sulfur hexafluoride, or SF6, a colorless, odorless gas used as an insulator in power substations. Though its prevalence in the atmosphere is small, it has the potential to make an outsized impact. That’s because it is the most potent GHG, with 23,500 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide.

Researchers in the power and energy sector where it is used have devoted significant effort to finding replacements.

WHAT DOES SF6 DO?

Sulfur hexafluoride is a very powerful insulator that has been used for decades to prevent short circuits and electrical arcing in electrical substation equipment, like high voltage switchgear and transformers. It’s stable, nontoxic, and has a low level of flammability, all properties that have made it applicable to a wide range of operating environments and voltage levels in the power industry.

“SF6 has been used globally as a very efficient insulation gas,” said IEEE Senior Member Guilherme Susteras, “which means that utilities globally could build electrical power stations and substations in a more compact fashion. This is especially important in urban settings, where physical space can be a serious constraint for network expansion.”

WHAT’S THE IMPACT OF SF6?

Every pound of SF6 released into the atmosphere is equivalent to the carbon impact of two cars on the road per year, or 1,100 gallons of gasoline, or burning 11,000 pounds of coal, according to an online calculator developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And because it’s so stable – meaning it doesn’t mix with other compounds – it lasts for a long time in the atmosphere, around 3,200 years. Methane, for comparison, remains in the environment for about 12 years.

India is a significant user of SF6 in the Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU) category, and in particular the power transmission and distribution, with SF6 accounts for 0.04 percent of the GHG emission in the IPPU category. The Indian government has set targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including from SF6. Earlier in 2016, the Government of India submitted its Biennial Update Report (BUR) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The BUR inventory covered six greenhouse gases. Among them, Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) is identified as a GHG, and its use in five categories, [energy, IPPU, agriculture, waste and Land-use, Land-use, Change, and Forestry (LULUCF)] is identified for the reduction in use.

Estimates vary pretty significantly about how much SF6 is emitted every year. But measurements of its presence in the atmosphere show it is growing – from four parts per trillion in 2000 to about 11 parts per trillion in 2021.

DOES IT ENTER THE ATMOWOSPHERE?

The power and electrical industry accounts for 70%-80% of the total SF6 gas emissions, according to IEEE Senior Member Ling Wang. Typically, the gas is usually used in sealed units, which can leak during production, maintenance and decommissioning.

WHAT’S BEING DONE ABOUT IT?

SF6 was first identified as a GHG of concern as part of the Kyoto Protocols in 1997 – the international agreement that represented the first binding GHG reduction targets for industrialized countries. That set off a broad effort to reduce its use. Power equipment, for example, was redesigned to use significantly less over the years. And power companies have gotten pretty good at detecting leaks.

One strategy is to substitute SF6 with something else. Replacement gasses need to operate in a wide range of temperature conditions, while remaining stable and non-toxic. Replacements should be relatively inexpensive to produce. And while stability is important, researchers don’t want something that’s so stable that it will remain in the environment for 3,200 years.

“There are currently many research development initiatives in pursuit of a cost-effective alternative to SF6, and there are some alternatives for very specific applications, but there currently isn’t any direct alternative for a wider application,” said Susteras.

Some of these replacements are already in use, Ling said.

“From the perspective of substitution, SF6 can be replaced by low global warming potential insulation media, such as dry air and vacuum,” Ling said, adding that there are also options for ultra-high voltage and high-performance needs.

TRST01 Launches India’s 1st Ever Blockchain-enabled Global ESG Tool – Footprint

• Hyderabad based TRST01 is India’s leading provider of blockchain solutions
• Footprint is the World’s 1st ESG Blockchain automation tool from India
• Designed to help organisations monitor, measure, analyse and report ESG performance
• In sync with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• The tool incorporates the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board framework
• Allows Companies access to real-time verifiable environmental performance monitoring

TRST01 (TrayamBhu Tech Solutions Pvt. Limited), a leading blockchain climate-tech company, announces the launch of Footprint- World’s 1st ESG Blockchain automation tool.

It is a cutting-edge ESG automation tool designed to help organisations monitor, measure, analyse and report their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. This will be first Global ESG automation tool product using web3 interface (Blockchain). 

The Footprint ESG automation tool has been developed to meet the growing demand for transparency and accountability in an organisation’s sustainability practices. With the tool's advanced features and functionalities, businesses can easily track their ESG performance and report their progress to stakeholders, investors and customers.

We must take responsibility and action to create an environmentally, socially and economically positive corporate footprint. It's a new beginning for reliable and automated environmental impact measurements powered and secured by blockchain.

“We make big promises at climate treaties and commit to ambitious goals to cut down on emissions, but are we even close enough to our sustainability targets? We must take responsibility and action to create an environmentally, socially and economically positive corporate footprint. Footprint by Trst01 is a game-changer to help you do just that”, said Prabir Mishra, CEO of TRST01

Footprint by TRST01 follows the latest ESG reporting standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), and Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). It also in sync with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to provide a comprehensive view of an organisation's ESG performance.

One of the critical features of Footprint is its industry-specific content that offers customized materiality topics arrangement. This feature enables companies to report the most relevant ESG metrics and critical issues for more meaningful engagement with investors, customers and other stakeholders.

Another essential feature of Footprint is its supply chain management reporting. The tool allows companies to track and report their suppliers' ESG performance, providing a comprehensive view of their supply chain sustainability practices. This feature is crucial as companies increasingly recognize the importance of responsible sourcing and sustainable supply chain practices.

Footprint by TRST01 has been designed keeping in mind an organisation’s triple bottom line – People, Planet and Prosperity. This simple easy to use tool helps companies track and report on their ESG performance, supporting their efforts to reduce their environmental impact, promote social responsibility and foster economic growth.

The ESG automation tool is blockchain-enabled, providing a secure and transparent way to verify the accuracy, authenticity and reliability of the ESG data. This is particularly important as companies face increasing scrutiny and pressure to disclose accurate ESG information.

"Footprint is a vital tool for any company committed to sustainability and social responsibility," said Mr. Suraj Teja, COO of TRST01. "With its advanced features, industry-specific content, and blockchain-enabled data integrity verification, ‘Footprint’ is poised to become the leading go-to ESG automation tool for companies looking to enhance their sustainability practices which will eventually reflect positively in their profits and prosperity."

About TRST01

TRST01 (Trust O One) is a Blockchain-technology company that uses emerging technologies to address Industry Pain points on Trust, Transparency, and Traceability. Its unique technology platform TRST01 creates pure technology dominance among products and services to address the newer challenges in Digital Transformation, New Normal, and Industries 4.0. The focus is to cater to diverse industry issues by delivering Blockchain Solutions suited to business requirements. TRST01 primary focus is on Blockchain technology Climate, Agriculture and Food.

New High Tech Centre Launched to Climate-Proof Crop Production

Western Sydney University, the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) Bangalore and the Indian Institute for Spices Research (IISR) Calicut, have partnered to launch a Centre in High Tech Protected Cropping Systems to address the impact of the changing climate on crop production.

The Centre will investigate hi-tech aeroponic crop production, crop health monitoring technologies with advanced sensors and cameras and ways to standardise pollination as part of a pilot, with a focus on innovation in aeroponics for high value crops such as microgreens, berries, cutflowers and spices under different lighting and nutrient conditions.

“This is an important pilot for finding cost effective farming that is not climate dependent,” the Deputy Director General of ICAR, A K Singh said. “Production using automated glass house technology is too expensive for the large-scale adoption in India. Working with Western Sydney University and other partners, we have an opportunity to bring together world class researchers from Australia and India to standardise production systems for high value crops like berries, greens, cut flowers and spices,” he said.

Officials from ICAR, IIHR, IISR and Western Sydney University launch a Centre in High Tech Protected Cropping Systems

“The collaboration builds on the very productive partnership between the University and the Indian Council for Agricultural Research,” said Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO. “Through cutting edge research, the Centre will explore new, sustainable approaches to production to enhance food security and farming livelihood,” said Professor Glover.

“This partnership in vegetables, berries and cut flowers at the IIHR and in spices at the IISR, plays a critical role in developing efficient, low-cost vertical growing systems for large scale adoption - sustainable farming technologies for the future,” said Dr Debi Sharma, Director, IIHR.

Dr Thankamony, Director IISR said, “Vertical farming can ensure high productivity in spaces per unit area, which means 50-60 per cent more harvest per unit area. However, these resources can only be effectively leveraged when adapted to Indian conditions, requiring a targeted research and development program.”

The Centre in High Tech Protected Cropping Systems will address increasing the farming community’s produce and thereby their income. The research programs will be managed by Dr Debi Sharma, Director, IIHR, Dr Thankamoni, Director, IISR and Dr Nisha Rakhesh, Senior Advisor (Research Strategy), Western Sydney University.

Western Sydney University was recently ranked number one in the world for its social, ecological and economic impact in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings.

As part of its global mission, it is committed to collaborating with industry, education and non-government partners to tackle society’s grand challenges and support a more just and equitable world through teaching, research, outreach and stewardship.

Western Sydney University began operations on 1st January 1989, under the terms of the University of Western Sydney Act, 1988 which had been passed by the New South Wales Parliament in December 1988. Located in Western Sydney, the heart of the nation's third largest economy and one of the fastest growing population and employment centres in Australia, the University offers unlimited potential to students with the talent, drive and ambition to succeed. Ranked amongst the top two per cent of universities in the world, Western Sydney University values academic excellence, integrity and the pursuit of knowledge. The University is globally focused, research-led and committed to making a positive impact on the communities it engages with.

Introducing ClimBridge – A B2B Marketplace Exclusively for Sustainable Climate Solutions

ClimBridge is a curated marketplace that offers a wide range of sustainability products and solutions. 

GPS Renewables, a Bengaluru-based bioenergy technology firm, has launched ClimBridge, a curated B2B marketplace exclusively for sustainable climate solutions. ClimBridge aims to help businesses discover products and solutions that can cater to their climate needs.

ClimBridge is a one-stop discovery platform that provides solutions that cover the whole range of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate-related themes. From air quality products to waste-to-energy solutions, the platform offers an array of solutions that help address climate change, and speed up sustainability and climate solution adoption.

Each product listed on ClimBridge is carefully vetted and selected by a team of multi-domain industry veterans. The products are rigorously evaluated to ensure effective and quality listings. Furthermore, the marketplace also helps businesses save on time and effort, which would otherwise be spent on product discovery, trial, and error. Additionally, ClimBridge has put together a dedicated team of climate enthusiasts who can handhold businesses through the entire sales process and beyond.

Commenting on the ClimBridge, Mainak Chakraborty, Founder and CEO, GPS Renewables, said, “Businesses across India have been grappling with the effects of climate change and it's been a huge challenge for them to find trustworthy solutions to address this. The entire process of discovering credible, trustworthy, and viable sustainability products is cumbersome and time-consuming. With ClimBridge, we want to address this issue and create a seamless platform for businesses to easily discover climate solutions that are carefully evaluated and verified by industry experts”. 

Nipun OS, Chief Sustainability Officer, GPS Renewables, said, “India has committed to achieving SDG Goals by 2030. To further strengthen India’s commitment, we need strong collaboration between the public and private sectors and from other key stakeholders involved. We need an approach where governments, industry bodies, and other entities can work together towards meeting the SDG Goals. As a climate first company, our objective at GPS Renewables is to drive sustainability at scale. With ClimBridge, we aim to help responsible and climate-conscious corporates accelerate their climate adoption.”

Commenting on the new platform, Varun Karad, Chief Business Officer, GPS Renewables, said, “We are thrilled to launch a new digital platform that can help businesses effectively realise their climate goals. With ClimBridge, we are bringing the highly fragmented sustainability market under one umbrella. It's a digital platform for discovering high-tech climate solutions. We offer end to end solutions and our sales process is aided by a dedicated channel network. Furthermore, we also cater to customised requirements of businesses."

For more details, visit, https://climbridge.in/

Merak Ventures appoints Soumitra Mishra as Venture Partner for investments In ClimateTech

Merak Ventures, a sector-agnostic, early stage venture capital (VC) firm, announced the appointment of Soumitra Mishra as Venture Partner for investments in ClimateTech, effective September 2022. As a Venture Partner, Soumitra will look at driving deal evaluations in ClimateTech and represent Merak in the Bangalore startup ecosystem.

Commenting on the appointment, Sheetal Bahl, Partner, Merak Ventures said, “ClimateTech funding is about 5.5% of total venture funding globally; in India, that number is much lower at ~1.5%. We believe that some of the largest companies in the world in the next couple of decades will come from ClimateTech. In the past, we have made investments in the broad climate space and will now go after this sector in a targeted manner, with 5 focus areas within climate: AgriTech, mobility, carbon, climate finance, and digital solutions. Soumitra has been an entrepreneur in the renewable energy and agriculture sectors over the last decade, associated with multiple climate action groups, and brings a deep understanding of this space which will make our investments in ClimateTech informed and meaningful.”

Commenting on his role, Soumitra Mishra, Venture Partner for investments In ClimateTech, Merak Ventures said, “Having worked in the ClimateTech, renewable energy and agricultural spaces, I realize the gap between startups and VC firms. Startups need more than just funding, and VC firms need more than just a pitch. With Manu and Sheetal at the helm, Merak aims to bridge that gap and I am excited to play a part in this journey.”

Soumitra comes with a proven track record of 30+ years of working in renewables, agriculture, environment, and biotech industries. He founded Claro Energy in the year 2011, where he engineered a large battery-less solar irrigation system. It replaced the diesel generators leading to an innovation that created the solar pump industry in India, now valued at $10 Billion+. In the past, Soumitra has worked in leadership position with SunEdison, Genentech, and Biogen where he holds two patents. He has also been an active Angel investor, an LP, and an advisor to startups in India and USA.

Soumitra completed his Bachelors in Technology and Masters in Technology in Chemical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai. He also holds a Master of Engineering in Supply Chain and Logistics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology as well as a Masters in Business Administration from Northwestern University- Kellogg School of Management.

About Merak Ventures:

Merak is a sector-agnostic, early-stage venture fund investing in B2B and emerging technologies companies that are solving real problems and creating large-scale impact. The Merak team has been investing in the Indian ecosystem for a decade now, of which the last six have been sharply focused on B2B and deep/ emerging tech. The Merak fund is managed by Manu Rikhye and Sheetal Bahl, both experienced operators and investors with 20+ years of experience each.

Ambee Launches New Severe Weather Alerts API to Notify Users of Heatwaves, Storms and Hurricanes

The New API Notifies Users of Hurricanes, Storms, and Heatwaves.

Ambee, a climate intelligence company that supplies actionable environmental and climate data in real-time, has launched a new API to alert users of severe weather events such as hurricanes, storms, and heatwaves. Ambee’s severe weather alerts API can help users to take precautions, build necessary solutions, and, most of all, prepare for the future.

Hurricanes, heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and other extreme weather conditions cause considerable losses to societies and individuals worldwide. 70% of businesses worldwide experience disruption in operations and finances due to abnormal weather events. It is critical to consider the causes of these events, as well as their relationship to climate change and how various environmental factors interact with one another.

Severe weather alerts by Ambee are available in the form of APIs. This API provides alerts of extreme weather events on a real-time basis, at a frequency of once every hour. Ambee’s new severe weather alert API is designed to notify you of the likelihood of the occurrence of the following extreme weather events:

• Tornado: clouds, strong wind, rain, hail.
• Hurricane or cyclone: strong wind, heavy rain.
• Blizzard: heavy snow, ice, and cold temperatures.
• Dust storm: strong currents and arid conditions.
• Flood: heavy rainfall
• Hail Storm: cold or warm temperatures, rain, ice.
• Ice storm: freezing rain

As the intensity and frequency of severe weather disasters increase, we need to track Earth’s climatic changes more closely. With the launch of the new severe weather alerts API, Ambee offers stakeholders the chance to take the next step towards a deeper understanding of the climate.

Commenting on the new API, Chandrashekar D, VP of Engineering, Ambee, said, “Several environmental factors interact to increase the frequency and risk of extreme weather events and poor air quality." Businesses and organizations need to take steps to help protect communities from the harmful impacts of climate change. At Ambee, we use the power of data science and machine learning to better support scientists in understanding these environmental disasters. We apply Ambee’s proprietary algorithms to monitor these events and offer alerts based on any new anomalies detected. "

To know more, visit https://www.getambee.com/api/severe-weather-alerts.

About Ambee

Ambee is an environmental and climate intelligence company that builds hyperlocal datasets for air quality, pollen, weather, active fires, and other climate parameters. The company was founded with a mission to democratize access to environmental data and tools that enable a better and healthier living experience.

Ambee’s environmental APIs aggregate raw data from multiple sources, such as on-ground sensors, satellite imagery, and open-source traffic data, and process it with proprietary AI algorithms to build reliable and accurate datasets.

Ambee provides location-specific and real-time data that can be used by a wide range of markets that aim to build a healthier planet. Businesses and administrators across the globe integrate Ambee’s AI-powered, scientifically-validated data into their businesses and lives to create sustainable and climate-friendly surroundings.