Hardware to Save a Planet
Hardware to Save a Planet
Synapse
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.
Deep Sea Mining: A Responsible Approach to Resource Extraction with Oliver Gunasekara
Welcome to this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet. Our guest today is Oliver Gunasekara, Co-Founder and CEO of Impossible Metals Inc., a company focused on responsible seabed mining to drive a transition to circularity in mining. Join us as we discuss the controversial topic of deep-sea mining and its potential impact on the environment. Oliver shares his personal journey to climate tech and explains their innovative approach to collecting battery metals from the ocean floor without harming marine ecosystems. They discuss the economic factors, regulatory aspects, and challenges involved in deep-sea mining.
Jun 6, 2024
45 min
Nurturing Companies that Have a Net Positive Impact on Nature: Insights from Tom Chi of At One Ventures
Welcome to this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet. Our guest today is Tom Chi, Founding Partner of At One Ventures, a VC with the mission to invest in companies that work towards a world where humanity has a positive impact on nature. Tom's background includes being an astrophysicist and electrical engineer, developing products at Microsoft and Yahoo, and working as a founding member of Google X. Tom's background in technology and his personal experience witnessing the death of a coral reef in Hawaii have instilled in him a deep sense of urgency to address climate change. We discuss the slow pace of progress, the challenges of scaling companies, and the need for innovative solutions in venture capital. Tom not only highlights the importance of mass transfer in carbon sequestration and the limitations of closed-loop plastics recycling but also stresses the power of collaboration and utilizing diverse skills to accelerate progress. He is optimistic about the future, and his optimism is contagious.
May 23, 2024
1 hr 3 min
The Role of Energy Storage Systems in Combating Climate Change with Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESS
Welcome to this special episode of Hardware to Save a Planet. Today, we are at the Wings Conference in Portland, Oregon, where Dylan is joined by Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESS for a live panel discussion. Both Powin and ESS are engaged in deploying battery energy storage systems on the grid. Join us as we delve into the crucial role of energy storage in combating climate change as Mike and John share their insights about their innovative battery energy storage systems and the challenges they face in scaling the industry. We also explore the impact of incentives and regulations on the market and gain valuable insights into the future of clean energy.
May 9, 2024
53 min
Marine Electrification to Reduce Costs and Environmental Damage: A Conversation with Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon Marine
Welcome to this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet. Today, we’re looking at the potential of electrifying ships, hauling cargo, and those involved in tourism to cut up to 3% of the emissions of greenhouse gases on water. If cars can go green, why not ships? Joining me today is Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon Marine, a company manufacturing electric propulsion products for the marine environment. Join us as we delve into the electrification of commercial boat fleets. Marcelino, the CEO of Photon Marine, shares his inspiration for developing cutting-edge electric propulsion systems for commercial boats. He also discusses the significant environmental benefits of reducing emissions and noise pollution. We'll explore the challenges and opportunities in this industry, including the growing interest and demand from fishing communities and tourism operators. Discover how Photon Marine's innovative products are making a tangible difference and their strategic plans for supplying motors and batteries to boat operators.
Apr 25, 2024
49 min
50th Episode Special: Checking in with early guests Accelerate Wind, Charm Industrial, and Heirloom
Welcome to this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet. To mark our 50th episode, we decided to bring back a few of our earliest guests to talk about all things climate tech, and what has changed since our last chat. Erika Boeing of Accelerate Wind expands on bold new developments in turbine technology; Heirloom’s Noah McQueen shares the opening of Heirloom's commercial direct air capture facility, and Peter Reinhardt from Charm Industrial discusses the development of mobile pyrolysis units for carbon removal and carbon negative steel production. Join us as we explore innovative solutions in the renewable energy industry, with a focus on rooftop wind power and carbon removal, and discover why our guests are optimistic about the future. Listen in to find out how Erika, Noah, and Peter’s companies are making a positive impact on climate change while prioritizing social justice and environmental initiatives.
Apr 12, 2024
49 min
Keeping Microplastics Out of Nature: A Discussion with Adam Root, Founder of Matter.
Welcome to this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet. Today, we’re looking at overcoming the environmental challenge of 1.7 million tons of microfibre pollution in our oceans that impacts human health and the ecosystem and biodiversity of the oceans. We do a root cause analysis of the problem, and Adam Root, Founder of Matter., presents a filtration solution that addresses the problem at its source. It captures and recycles microplastics in our washing machines. Join us as we discuss the detrimental effects of microplastics on the environment and human health while also exploring the importance of education, research, and legislation in tackling this issue. Discover how Matter.'s technology captures and recycles microplastics, and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities faced in scaling their business. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone passionate about protecting our planet.
Mar 28, 2024
37 min
Driving Towards Sustainability with Electric RVs: Insights from Ben Parker, Co-Founder at Lightship
Welcome to this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet. Today, we’re looking at sustainability and CO2 emissions from the lens of electric RVs and their impact on reducing gas usage. Joining Dylan today is Ben Parker, Co-Founder and CPO of Lightship, America’s first electric recreational vehicle company. Join them as they discuss the development of Lightship, an electric and aerodynamic solar-powered recreational vehicle (RV). They also delve into the impact of RVs on gas usage, the potential for EV adoption, and the challenges of building an electric vehicle from scratch. Discover how Lightship aims to revolutionize the RV industry and make sustainable lifestyles more accessible.
Mar 14, 2024
37 min
A Mission to Decarbonize the Construction Industry with Keegan Kirkpatrick, Founder and CEO of RedWorks
Welcome to this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet. Today, Dylan is joined by Keegan Kirkpatrick, Founder and CEO of RedWorks Construction Technologies, a company with a mission to decarbonize the construction industry. Join them as they discuss how RedWorks manufactures bricks on-site using dirt sourced from the construction site, a solution which can replace concrete and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They also touch on the challenges of introducing new technology to the conservative construction industry and the lack of regulatory standards for structural materials.
Feb 29, 2024
39 min
Going Big on Clean Energy with Small Fusion Reactors with Robin Langtry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avalanche Energy
Welcome to a very special episode of Hardware to Save a Planet. It’s the first time we will be talking about fusion technology as a solution to the sustainability crisis. Joining Dylan today is Robin Langtry, Co-founder and CEO of Avalanche Energy, a company producing the world’s first fusion microreactor. Join the discussion as they delve into the world of fusion energy. Robin shares insights on the potential of fusion technology, the challenges it faces, and the significance of fusion in decarbonizing industries. Discover how fusion could revolutionize the world and pave the way for a carbon-free future. Don't miss out on this optimistic and informative conversation!
Feb 15, 2024
54 min
Addressing Climate Change in Agriculture with Plasma Technology with Daniel White, Co-Founder and CEO at Clean Crop Technologies
Welcome to this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet. Today, Dylan is joined by Daniel White, Co-Founder and CEO of Clean Crop Technologies, a company on a mission to get more food onto people's plates with fewer resources. Join the discussion as Daniel unpacks Clean Crop Technologies’ innovative plasma technology to improve crop yields and reduce food waste. We also discuss the challenges of contamination in the food supply chain and the importance of addressing climate change in agriculture. If you're interested in learning about cutting-edge solutions to food waste and climate change in agriculture, this podcast is a must-listen.
Feb 1, 2024
42 min
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