Minerva Lithium’s Post

We're already doing more than talking about support for #climatetech startups: You can now apply to the #BakarClimateLabs pilot program for climate entrepreneurs. Our climate tech incubator will open in 2028, but obvs the time to get started on this was years ago. We're doing the next best thing and offering: 🌎 Space (at Bakar Labs or the QB3 Garage on campus at University of California, Berkeley) -- we will expand to 10-12 companies over the next three years. 🌲 Events: Focused programming, grantwriting workshops, and high-profile events to catalyze connections among founders, investors, and partners. 🌞 Investor outreach: Building relationships through pitch days and forums to enhance opportunities. And more, including dedicated staff, mentoring, and access to UC Berkeley and QB3 resources. Learn more and get in touch at https://lnkd.in/grXXgY2J

🤔What's more important than winning $1 million? 🤑Winning the Startup World Cup with a $1M prize 🏆 in front of 2000 entrepreneurship enthusiasts, VCs, investors and executives from around the globe in a grand celebration! 🔥What's this competition? ✅The most popular startup competition is undoubtedly Pegasus Tech Ventures #StartupWorldCup and it was a privilege to see it in action first at US Silicon Valley regional level in August and the Global level this week in San Francisco. ✅With over 100 local and regional competitions around the world leading up to this stage of the grand finale, it was a bonanza showcase of exponential ideas across industries. ✅From countries represented to industries (energy transition , climate tech, health tech, quantum, cryptography, enterprise software besides AI ) it was a diversityfest! ✅Saw some Mind-blowing being executed upon by passionate founders & their teams! ✅What a thrilling competition. The audience got to hear from not only the 10 finalists, who faced live q&a from the 6 VC judges, interspersed with fireside chats with industry experts, the pitches of the winners of all regional events! 🔥Who won? ✅A look at the $1 million dollar winner EarthGrid PBC Replacing our outdated, vulnerable energygrid is a huge responsibility, one that EarthGrid is committed to, creating a SuperGrid that is reliable, efficient and resilient. Their offerings are called Boom & Badass EarthGrid deploys patented plasma technology to tunnel and excavate at a fraction of the cost, and time. They claim it is 98% cheaper with 100% harmful chemical free process ✅Their market is primed to explode: Despite being a nascent startup, they have $10 Billion JV with EnerTech (a KIA entity) As Weather & Climate Disaster costs are exploding - Data Centers, Solar/Wind industry need upgrades With Massive Capital coming to Climate Tech ( $5T PE, $1-2T US Gov't and more, Earthgrid's revenue to explode 🔥Who's the founder? Troy Helming One of his driving goals is to save the US economy over $1 Trillion per year by eliminating our dependence on dirty fossil fuels Prior to Earthgrid, he founded 2 of the most successful renewable energy companies in USA: Tradewind Energy (largest wind developer in USA in 2017) & Pristine Sun (leading developer of community utility-scale solar farms in CA, WI, VT, MN, NC). He sits on the board of numerous solar and clean energy companies. He's also an American Ninja Warrior, competed on Season 10 (in LA-Universal Studios on NBC) He's the author of The Clean Power Revolution (2004) and creator of The Freedom Plan (2005): a blueprint to convert North American to 100% clean renewable energy. Congratulations Troy! 🔥Huge kudos to Anis Uzzaman Ph.D. & Organizing team Pegasus for creating an amazing platform to boost #entrepreneurship not only in US but globally 🔥Here's my summary gratitude video featuring some friends old and new Jeffrey Welser Robert Herjavec Nick

🚀 Why use Pausefika as Investors to Scour Universities for the Next Big Climate Tech Founders🌱 The classic story of tech innovation often begins in a garage. But today, universities are becoming the hotbed for groundbreaking climate tech startups. Take Molten Industries, for instance, which started in the "garage" of a Stanford University professor's home. Founders Caleb Boyd and Kevin Bush didn’t just tinker; they aimed to disrupt methane processing with a novel, carbon-neutral approach (Note: if you follow me on LinkedIn you know I am a methane tech enthusiast, from gas monetization to flaring reduction to CCSU), see: https://lnkd.in/dxc-iRuM But as exciting as these beginnings are, the journey from lab experiment to investable company is fraught with challenges, often referred to as the "valley of death." Climate tech founders, many fresh out of grad school, face an uphill battle to turn their innovative ideas into viable businesses. This is where visionary investors like Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy are stepping in. Their Discovery program, for example, is focused on identifying and nurturing early-stage founders. By offering grants, resources, and mentorship, they bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and market-ready solutions. With over 42 startups supported and a cumulative $250 million raised, the impact is clear. Investing early in these "proto-companies" isn't just about financial returns—it's about accelerating climate solutions. Venture capital firms like Azolla Ventures are even deploying tech scout fellows to uncover overlooked opportunities at research powerhouses like Georgia Institute of Technology. And it’s not just about money. Programs like Breakthrough Energy provide business guidance, cohort networks, and alumni support that are crucial for founders navigating the complexities of commercializing deep tech innovations. As the climate crisis intensifies, the stakes are higher than ever. Early investment in academic innovations isn't just smart—it's essential. The next climate tech unicorn might just be sitting in a university lab right now. 🌍💡 From investors like Breakthrough Energy or Azolla Ventures to Stanford University graduates, feel free to network about climate tech on Pausefika to increase your chance of survival in the startup valley of death. #ClimateTech #Innovation #Startups #VentureCapital #Sustainability #BreakthroughEnergy #UniversityResearch #Entrepreneurship #Pausefika

🌱 Scientists and Students with Climate Vision, Your Time Is Now! Our friends from DTU Earthbound are rolling out the red carpet for the next generation of climate champions from DTU! If you're brimming with startup ideas that could tilt the scales in our fight against climate change, we've got something special for you. Introducing the "Nurture" grant - a treasure chest of resources valued up to 92,000 DKK designed to transform your project into a startup poised for impact. Check out the benefits: 🌱 Increase your soft funding: DTU Earthbound can provide funding for grant writer experts to increase the likelihood of receiving soft funding (Up to 50.000 DKK) 🚀 Expert Venture Builders: Our experienced venture builders provide workshops to identify and close critical gaps - be guided by people who have taken the journey before! (3-4 workshops) 🧠 Design Thinking: We support the exploration of commercial opportunities through design thinking principles. DTU Earthbound provides funding for expert design thinking consultants (Up to 16.000 DKK) 🪴💫 Accelerating climate action: Get clear on your impact potential and metrics. DTU Earthbound provides resources and tools to identify and quantify your impact and climate action (Access to software tools and facilitation) 🚂 Travel costs: DTU Earthbound can provide funds for conference and industry partner visits (Up to 25.000 DKK) 🕺💃 Setting the right team for a startup journey: We help profile current team members and additional skills/competencies needed to form a strong startup team (Access to software tools and facilitation) 👀 Who DTU Earthbound Are Looking For: DTU scientists and students with a climate tech solution for a global sustainability challenge are ready to commit to transforming their ideas into a venture. If you have a project in the early stages and are dedicated to making a difference, we’re looking for you. Eager to hear more? Join us at DTU Startup Day this Thursday, where you can meet the DTU Earthbound team in person. It's the perfect opportunity to get all your questions answered and see how the "Nurture" grant can be the catalyst for your project's success 🚀 🎟️ Sign up for DTU Startup Day here (Only a few tickets left for afternoon participation!) : https://lnkd.in/gtTftRtQ DTU - Technical University of Denmark #ClimateTech #Entrepreneurship #DeepTech #DTUEarthbound #DTUStartupDay24 #StartupDay24 #DSD24   📸: Theis Bothmann

Just as a reflection piece of the past semester, I've watched and interacted with many smart and ambitious people in Penn State's Entrepreneurial and Startup ecosystem. I've also learned a lot about what it takes to be a successful student founder, but one question keeps coming up: "Where do I start, and how do I make the next step?" The benefit as a student is that you have time and energy, especially over the summer! It's a great time to use it as a building block to focus, prepare, and sharpen the skills that will help you succeed in the next term! Don't just wait for things to come to you; seek them out! I really like the way Paul Graham describes it as a nuclear chain that just starts happening as soon as the first neutron is split: "Successful startups are almost never started by one person. Usually, they begin with a conversation in which someone mentions that something would be a good idea for a company, and his friend says, 'Yeah, that is a good idea, let's try it.' If you're missing that second person who says 'let's try it,' the startup never happens. And that is another area where undergrads have an edge. They're surrounded by people willing to say that. At a good college, you're concentrated together with a lot of other ambitious and technically minded people—probably more concentrated than you'll ever be again. If your nucleus spits out a neutron, there's a good chance it will hit another nucleus." That's why the team and I at both Happy Valley VC and Nittany Entrepreneur Society are more than happy to help connect any student founders, builders, and innovators who are continuing to work on their ideas to the resources they need to succeed! Can't wait to hear about summer updates from students, and don't be afraid to reach out if you need any help with anything! - Kuria #Happy Valley VC #Nittany Entrepreneur Society #StudentFounders

Exploring the Path from Lab to Market at DTU Startup Day 2024 🔬🚀 How do we transform deep tech innovations from university labs to market-ready solutions? We have invited three pretty cool panelists who will examine effective strategies for bridging the gap between academic research and venture success and explore how to cultivate ecosystems that support the growth of significant deep-tech enterprises in Europe 🇪🇺 Panel Experts 💭: Anders Kjær, Fund Director at PSV DeepTech. Anders brings extensive venture capital experience, with over 25 early-stage investments and board roles in more than 30 companies. His expertise is crucial for navigating the complexities of entrepreneurial ventures. Anna Lundin, Investment Manager at Norrsken VC and Chairman at the Anders Wall Foundation, has a robust background in investment and corporate growth, with previous significant roles at Spotify and a dedicated focus on sustainability. Her accolades include being named Sweden's Female Economist of the Year. Moderator 🎤 Tommy Ahlers, Founding Partner at Look Up Ventures and former Minister of Higher Education and Science, will guide the discussion, ensuring a dynamic and insightful exchange. Recently, he took over the role of Chair of the Board from Connie Hedegaard - who’s also speaking at this year’s DTU Startup Day. There are a bunch of topics to dive into in this discussion, and it might as well be one of those talks that will leave you thirsty for more! Check out the full program for this year’s DTU Startup Day here, and see you on May 16th for DTU Startup Day 🚀 👉 https://lnkd.in/eMS6PuNc #DTUInnovation #DTUStartupDay #DSD24 #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #DeepTech #Tech DTU - Technical University of Denmark DTU Entrepreneurship DTU Science Park PreSeed Ventures 

🌍 LaunchPad 11 Milestone Alert! ✨ We’re thrilled to celebrate WAGA Technologies and their impactful journey through LaunchPad 11. Starting as a 2024 #AcceliCITY cohort member, Gibson Kawago made his mark on the program with his passion, friendliness, and amazing pitching abilities. The installation of their first WAGA PAWA Pack in Tanzania marked an incredible step forward in bringing sustainable energy to communities in need. LaunchPad 11 has provided WAGA with vital support and resources to capitalize on this momentum, helping them expand their impact and reach more customers. Leading Cities' partnership with Massachusetts Clean Energy Center enables LaunchPad 11 to accelerate the growth of innovative cleantech startups like WAGA Technologies, who are committed to tackling real-world challenges. By joining LaunchPad 11, startups gain access to a thriving ecosystem of mentorship, strategic partnerships, and endless growth opportunities. Are you ready to take your impact to the next level? Learn more about how LaunchPad 11 membership can empower your startup to reach new heights: https://lnkd.in/g3p3fYnG

The interest from student founders in creating their own pathways of opportunity is just so pleasing. Times have changed and Entrepreneurship is now seen (rightfully) as one of, if not the most important, driver of innovation and value creation. Check out what NextGen Ventures are doing, they have stepped into the trenches to make a difference and they are inspiring others to act and influence what could be. Go NextGen Ventures Entrepreneurship Portfolio @ Monash University Monash Business School

Fantastic to see Skalata portfolio companies NetNada (UNSW) and Lewi (The University of Queensland) featured in today's Student Startup Funding Report from NextGen Ventures... From day one, we've been huge advocates of bridging the university -> commercialisation divide, and it's awesome to see the progress that has been in 5 short years. Skalata's Tom Smalley chats about the evolving attitudes of Australian uni students towards entrepreneurship, and how this culture shift is one of the key catatlysts for growing Australia's innovation ecosystem (pg 8): "When I was at uni, the majority of high-achieving students wanted to be management consultants, investment bankers or lawyers. Starting your own startup or joining one as your first job post-university was rare and often met with raised eyebrows. However, things have changed dramatically." "We need to continue to shift the culture among students, such that being an entrepreneur or working for a startup is considered the most prestigious career path for the top 1% of students." 🎓 A huge congrats to Mitchell Hughes, Mason Bursill and Ikya Thearam for all of your hard work in putting this together. 👏 Access the full report here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gmhAjRAS Lochie Burke Afonso Firmo Geraldine T. Vishnu Avudainayagam

🚀 We are thrilled to announce that Origin8lab has been selected to join the Go-Together EdTech Accelerator program! 🚀 This marks a pivotal moment in our journey to transform education across Africa and beyond. With the guidance and support of Go-Together, we are more determined than ever to take Origin8lab to new heights, empowering thousands of students and educators to thrive in the global marketplace. 🌍 At Origin8lab, we’re tackling the most critical challenge of our time—bridging the skills gap in Africa. By offering accessible, affordable, and locally relevant courses with global standards, we provide students with the tools to not only earn locally and remotely but also compete on the international stage. Our platform is designed to uplift talents who are too often overlooked, turning them into globally competitive professionals. With this accelerator opportunity, we’re doubling down on our mission to expand our presence across Africa and establish ourselves as a global leader in the EdTech ecosystem. 🌱 We envision a future where African talent is at the forefront of global innovation, and Origin8lab is proud to be a catalyst in making that future a reality. Here’s to the next chapter of growth, impact, and empowerment—together, we can redefine what education means in the 21st century! #EdTech #GoTogetherAccelerator #FutureOfLearning #AfricanTalent #Origin8lab #GlobalInnovation