Change Catalyst I Connected Leader I Material Scientist I VP of Research I I Help Companies Develop Impact-Driven Products Through Technology Innovation, Sustainable Materials and Packaging and Strategic Partnerships
📍 Localized Excellence: The Transformative Power of Local Production Attending two impactful local climate events recently was invigorating, highlighting remarkable progress in locally sourced, grown, and implemented innovations. 🚀 NY Climate Tech Pitch Night: Witnessed the ingenuity of five startups reshaping the climate tech landscape. From Still Bright's patented hydrometallurgical process for domestic copper production at ambient conditions to Metal Light's portable metal-air power generator, enabling instant mobile charging for off-grid energy access, the range of innovations was awe-inspiring. A personal favorite was Generation Conscious's low-energy, zero-waste laundry solutions using detergent sheet refill stations, championing accessible and ecological hygiene products, starting with universities. 🌿 From Field to Form: Hemp: Explored the potential of US-grown hemp-based materials for building in a captivating conversation among a hemp plant geneticist, hemp product manufacturer, and HempLime builder. Insights flowed on creating value by constructing carbon-sequestering, healthier, and more affordable buildings, all while fostering a zero-waste economy. 📊 Data Insights: Larry Smart from Cornell University AgriTech presented compelling data, showcasing a 2-4-fold yield increase with improved hemp cultivars. While applauding progress, he emphasized the need for more incentives and credits to promote hemp growth in the US. 💥 Transformative Practices: Tommy Gibbons from Hempitecture and Jennifer Martin from HempStone shared experiences bringing this supply chain to local communities. They highlighted the potential for hemp-based products to transcend mere substitution models, evolving into transformative solutions that seamlessly blend handcrafted practices with scalable impact. 🌍 Empowering Local Communities: These events demonstrate the transformative power of local production in driving innovation accessibility, empowering regional supply chains and communities, and shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and eco-conscious future. #climateinnovation #localproduction #hemp #startups #cleantech #sustainabledevelopment
