Climate change is among the most pressing issues of our time. And while there has been a lot of debate about what to do to mitigate its effects, a lot of actual work is being done by startups to develop innovative technologies that can help us adapt to a changing climate.
This article looks at five such startups making a difference in climate tech. These startups all have unique approaches to tackling the issue of climate change, products already on the market, and sufficient backing and funding to grow significantly.
1. Rivian
Rivian is a company that designs and manufactures electric adventure vehicles. Founded in 2009, Rivian is on a mission to preserve the natural world for future generations. To that end, the company focuses on sustainable design and manufacturing practices. For example, Rivian battery packs are designed for easy removal and recycling or reuse in other applications such as stationary storage. Additionally, the interiors of Rivian vehicles are made from 100% animal-free materials that are fully recyclable.
To reduce its environmental impact even further, Rivian has signed the Climate Pledge — a commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. With its innovative products and dedication to sustainability, Rivian is leading the way toward a more sustainable future. They already have a contract to deliver 100,000 electric delivery vans to one of the world's largest retailers, Amazon, by 2030.
2. Upside Foods
With the world's population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the meat demand will only increase. However, traditional methods of livestock farming are not sustainable in the long term. They require large amounts of land and water and produce significant greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, cellular agriculture offers a more efficient way to produce meat.
Upside Foods is at the forefront of this exciting new industry, cultivating chicken and duck meat directly from animal cells.
By selecting the most suitable cells from the finest chickens and providing them with a nutrient-rich environment, Upside Foods can produce fresh, clean meat ready to cook and enjoy. In 2017, they became the first company in the world to cultivate chicken and duck meat, and they are now working on developing other products such as pork and beef. With cellular agriculture, we can hopefully meet the future demand for meat without damaging our planet.
3. Voi Scooters
As anyone who has lived in a major city can attest, cars are a major source of pollution and congestion. Voi is a company working to change that by promoting the sustainable adoption of e-scooters. Voi scooters are friendly and easy to use and can help reduce car trips in urban areas. By reducing the number of cars on the road, Voi is helping to make cities greener and more enjoyable places to live. In addition, their service is carbon-neutral so that people can ride without guilt.
4. Perfect Day
More and more people are looking for ways to lead a healthier lifestyle, and protein consumption is often of concern. For many, giving up animal-based proteins such as milk and meat does not seem feasible. Therefore, Perfect Day offers a viable alternative that is not only nutritious but also environmentally friendly.
Their animal-free milk protein is made through fermentation, using whey protein from microflora. This process requires far fewer greenhouse gas emissions, blue water consumption, and nonrenewable energy than traditional milk production methods. In addition, the finished product is identical to traditional milk protein in taste and nutrition, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a sustainable and healthy option.
5. Sila
Sila is at the forefront of next-generation battery technology. Their unique silicon-based material enables lithium-ion batteries to store more energy without compromising safety or compatibility. This breakthrough technology is already being used in various devices, from WHOOP 4.0 fitness wearables to Mercedes-Benz electric car batteries.
In the years to come, Sila's battery materials will play a vital role in powering the electrification of our world. Over the next ten years, their goal is to power billions of smartphones and millions of electric vehicles. With their help, we can move beyond fossil fuels and into a cleaner, greener future.
The Lowdown
The climate crisis is among the biggest challenges facing our world today. Thankfully, many companies are working on innovative solutions to help us transition to a more sustainable future. These companies are making a difference in the fight against climate change from electric scooters to animal-free milk protein..
