Hardware to Save a Planet

Synapse
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  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Hardware to Save a Planet

Our planet is warming at an unsustainable rate. This climate crisis is being caused by humans and it will take human ingenuity to stop or reverse it... Hardware to Save a Planet explores the technical innovations that are giving us hope in the fight against climate change. Each episode focuses on a specific climate challenge and explores an emerging physical technology solution, with the person bringing it into reality. Hosted by Dylan Garrett, Head of Climate Tech Business at Synapse.

  1. From Idea to Impact: Seabound’s Bold Approach to Carbon Capture in Shipping with Alisha Fredriksson

    3 DAYS AGO

    From Idea to Impact: Seabound’s Bold Approach to Carbon Capture in Shipping with Alisha Fredriksson

    “Shipping drives 90% of the world's economy. It's our most efficient way to move things around the world, better than land or air shipping, but it still emits around 3% of global CO2. Because of that, ship owners face growing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from regulations, customers, and shareholders.” Dylan Garrett In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, Dylan talks to Alisha Fredriksson, Co-Founder and CEO of Seabound. The company has developed a simpler, more efficient, and cheaper technology to address maritime emissions. Alisha explains how Seabound’s system, housed in modular shipping containers, helps ship owners reduce CO2 emissions using the latest second-generation carbon capture technology. She shares insights on the challenges shipping lines and owners face, like meeting IMO regulations and the Poseidon Principles while highlighting Seabound’s practical, scalable solution. Alisha also reflects on her journey as a non-technical founder and the importance of curiosity and adaptability in tackling climate tech challenges. The conversation explores Seabound’s business model, the future of decarbonization, and actionable steps we need to take to fight climate change.

    43 min
  2. Decarbonizing Water Heating with Intelligent Water Heaters: Insights from Michael Rigney of Cala Systems

    OCT 10

    Decarbonizing Water Heating with Intelligent Water Heaters: Insights from Michael Rigney of Cala Systems

    Residential water heating accounts for 3% of all US greenhouse gas emissions and 19% of home energy use, which means it uses a large chunk of a home's energy while adding emissions to our environment. An intelligent heat pump-based water heater is a step in the right direction on both fronts. In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, Dylan talks with Michael Rigney, CEO and co-founder of Cala Systems, about their innovative heat pump water heater. They delve into the environmental impact of residential water heating and the need for sustainable solutions. They also discuss the challenges of finding a job at the intersection of hard tech and climate and how the current climate tech wave has opened up more opportunities in this field. Michael highlights the importance of shifting when energy is used and the advantages of using thermal energy storage in water heaters. They discuss the key components of a water heater and how Cala Systems has optimized its system for comfort, cost, and carbon emissions. He emphasizes their goal of providing helpful intelligence for homeowners. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced during hardware development and the potential for Ka water heaters to participate in demand response programs.

    48 min
  3. The Climate Hardware Playbook: Strategies for Founders and Investors with Christian zu Jeddeloh and Sophia Escheu

    SEP 26

    The Climate Hardware Playbook: Strategies for Founders and Investors with Christian zu Jeddeloh and Sophia Escheu

    What is the cornerstone for a vibrant Climate Tech ecosphere? A climate hardware playbook designed to guide founders in fundraising and building businesses while helping investors integrate climate hardware into their investment portfolios. A playbook backed by research and insights from climate tech investors and founders. In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, Dylan interviews Christian zu Jeddeloh and Sophia Escheu about their newly developed Climate Hardware Playbook, designed to help founders build and scale climate tech startups. They discuss key challenges facing climate hardware companies, including the European funding gap, the chicken-and-egg problem of commercial traction, and the talent shortages in founding teams. The conversation also touches on creative financing solutions, the evolving climate tech investment landscape, and differences between the US and European markets. Christian and Sophia offer valuable insights into emerging trends and practical advice for those looking to make an impact in climate tech. If you are a recent founder or thinking about founding your Climate Tech company, this episode is a must-listen!

    51 min
  4. Turning Idle Wells into Renewable Power Solutions with Kemp Gregory of Renewell Energy

    SEP 12

    Turning Idle Wells into Renewable Power Solutions with Kemp Gregory of Renewell Energy

    Energy storage is a vital cog in building a sustainable grid. It helps us manage the intermittent supply of renewable energy from wind and solar energy sources. Our guest today brings a unique solution to energy storage by repurposing idle gas and oil wells for gravity energy storage. Welcome to this special episode of Hardware to Save a Planet. Joining us today is Gregory Kemp, Co-founder and CEO of Renewell Energy. Dylan and Kemp discuss Renewell's innovative approach to repurposing idle oil and gas wells for gravity-based energy storage. Kemp explains how this solution addresses renewable energy's intermittent supply, repurposes existing infrastructure, and offers economic incentives for oil companies. They explore challenges like wire rope durability, costs, and regulatory hurdles. Kemp also highlights the future potential of converting thousands of wells into storage systems, which could contribute significantly to clean energy. He emphasizes focusing on specific problems to combat climate change effectively.

    42 min
  5. Advancing Soil Carbon Measurement for Sustainable Food Systems with Chris Tolles of Yard Stick

    AUG 29

    Advancing Soil Carbon Measurement for Sustainable Food Systems with Chris Tolles of Yard Stick

    Access to economically viable solutions to measure soil carbon at scale is a game changer in our ability to improve our food systems and also improve our land's ability to store carbon. Welcome to this special episode of Hardware to Save a Planet. Joining us today is Chris Tolles, Co-Founder and CEO of Yard Stick, a company on a mission to reduce soil carbon measurement costs by 90%. This will pave the way for improving our ecosystem health, restoring soil health, and combating climate change. Join us as we examine soil carbon measurement and its impact on food systems and carbon storage. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of soil carbon measurement, the economic aspects of carbon removal, and the role of data in driving behavior change. Chris shares the potential of using spectroscopy for faster and more efficient soil carbon measurement and discusses its impact on agriculture, climate change, and economic value. Our conversation explores the intersection of agriculture, climate change, and carbon removal, offering valuable insights and inspiration.

    42 min
  6. Maintaining Green Space Sustainably: Jack Morrison on the Impact of Scythe Robotics

    AUG 15

    Maintaining Green Space Sustainably: Jack Morrison on the Impact of Scythe Robotics

    Welcome to this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet. Joining us today is Jack Morrison, Co-Founder and CEO of Scythe Robotics, a green company on a mission to provide the most advanced and sustainable autonomous technology for maintaining off-road environments. The company’s autonomous electrical mowing and landscaping equipment helps eliminate the emissions from gas-powered equipment that is commercially used. Join us as we discuss Jack’s background, Scythe’s mission to improve sustainability in landscaping, and their recent series B funding. Jack explains the environmental benefits of transitioning from gas-powered to electric mowers and the importance of urban green spaces. He highlights Scythe’s innovative mower, the M.52, and its development based on customer feedback. Jack also discusses the potential of autonomous technology in various industries and expresses optimism about renewable energy’s future. He encourages individuals to contribute to climate change solutions, emphasizing collective efforts toward sustainability.

    40 min
  7. Climate Tech Innovations and Local Manufacturing for Global Impact with Laura Teicher of FORGE

    AUG 1

    Climate Tech Innovations and Local Manufacturing for Global Impact with Laura Teicher of FORGE

    Welcome to this special episode of Hardware to Save a Planet. Joining us today is Laura Teicher, President and Executive Director at FORGE, a nonprofit on a mission to help innovators with physical products navigate the journey from prototype to commercialization and impact—at scale. Join us as we discuss the challenges and benefits of bringing physical climate tech products to the market. Laura recounts her career shift from politics to innovation support, detailing FORGE's role in assisting with manufacturing and supply chain challenges. She emphasizes local manufacturing benefits like reduced carbon footprints and better communication. The discussion covers FORGE's three support pillars—education, connection, funding, and future service expansions. Laura highlights climate tech growth in renewable energy, electric transportation, and grid connectivity. She advises aspiring climate tech professionals to leverage transferable skills and maintain relationships.

    42 min
  8. Cooling Earth by Using Mirrors to Reflect Sunlight with Dr. Ye Tao, Founder and Executive Director of MEER

    JUL 18

    Cooling Earth by Using Mirrors to Reflect Sunlight with Dr. Ye Tao, Founder and Executive Director of MEER

    Welcome to this special episode of Hardware to Save a Planet. Joining us today is Dr. Ye Tao, Founder and Executive Director of MEER, a company that uses mirrors at scale to reflect sunlight and mitigate the impact of global warming. Join us as we discuss the innovative concept of MEER and its potential to combat climate change. Dr. Tao shares his insights on the urgent need for sustainable solutions and how MEER can help transition civilization toward a more sustainable future. We delve into the fascinating world of nanoparticle research and the possibilities of dimensional reduction. Discover the limitations of renewable energy and the importance of energy ROI. Dr. Tao also explores the exciting applications of mirrors in controlling sunlight and optimizing temperature reduction.

    49 min
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4.9
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

Our planet is warming at an unsustainable rate. This climate crisis is being caused by humans and it will take human ingenuity to stop or reverse it... Hardware to Save a Planet explores the technical innovations that are giving us hope in the fight against climate change. Each episode focuses on a specific climate challenge and explores an emerging physical technology solution, with the person bringing it into reality. Hosted by Dylan Garrett, Head of Climate Tech Business at Synapse.

Information

  • Creator
    Synapse
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyrights © 2024 All Rights Reserved by Synapse
  • Show Website
    Hardware to Save a Planet

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