Fernando Gómez-Baquero Ph.D.

Going #electric at home may appear daunting and costly. However, with state and federal incentives, this shift becomes more feasible. DSIRE's (screenshot below) platform simplifies identifying available state incentives for renewable energy and efficiency initiatives. Companies like Rock Rabbit, EnergySage, Encentiv Energy, Opower, Rebate Bus, Sense, Enervee, Powerley, and others are demystifying these incentives, making them more accessible to homeowners. Learn more in Climate People's latest #1MinuteClimateSnippet: https://buff.ly/3KyG3Nz .

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Check out Saul Griffith, Founder & Chief Scientist of Rewiring America & Otherlab, as he took the stage at our event "How Can AI Accelerate Progress in Clean Energy & Climate Tech?" Saul delved into the dynamic fusion of AI and climate initiatives, shedding light on groundbreaking strategies to catalyze transformative change. He explored technology's role in shaping a greener, more resilient world, offering invaluable insights into the intersection of innovation and sustainability. #ClimateTech, #RenewableEnergy, and #SustainableFuture Cc Peter Leyden and Joe Boggio 

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I have a unique list of places to visit, ranging from natural landscapes to tech centers and research facilities. One place at the top of my list was the Sirius synchrotron light source in Campinas, Brazil, the second brightest in the world. I recommend you read this recent piece (https://lnkd.in/dcfucTcr) about Sirius, on how AI turbocharges the particle accelerator and green hydrogen in the capital of science. Reading the piece about Campinas, a city 100 km from São Paulo, reminded me of its remarkable tech-oriented and science-dense economy. Home to one of Brazil's top universities and numerous deep-tech companies with global ambitions, Campinas offers a unique blend of globally-minded tech entrepreneurship and world-class science. Big science projects like Sirius are essential for advancing knowledge and driving innovation. At the GFCC | The Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils, we highlighted this in the "Leveraging Extreme Innovation" report (https://bit.ly/3Wes9a5), analyzing 17 transformational tech projects worldwide, including Sirius. These projects push the boundaries of science, technology, and business, leading to market innovations. Sirius is part of the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), a major science infrastructure with global relevance. Notably, CNPEM operates as a private non-profit, showcasing the importance of institutional innovation. Innovation in institutions is crucial for emerging nations, especially in Latin America. Hugo Resende, a favorite author of mine on LinkedIn, shares valuable insights on innovation. We agree on three key points (right, Hugo?) innovation is poorly understood in Brazil, it's primarily about business and the economy, not just science and technology, and Brazil needs to improve its business environment and modernize its institutions to foster innovation. Even operating under the Brazilian business environment and institutional constraints, CNPEM’s innovative model provides a template for what is possible to do in the country regarding science and technology, and even innovation. But real change will only happen when Brazil trains and empowers a globally-minded generation of Brazilians at scale. Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), a key player in training talent, has produced companies like the Nasdaq-listed CI&T showcasing successful examples of research-industry partnerships. Interestingly, CNPEM harbors ILUM (https://ilum.cnpem.br/), a highly innovative, project-based higher education program. Federal universities in Brazil need reinvention, and ILUM's innovative setup could serve as an inspiration. It reminds me of what my friend João Jornada achieved during his tenure at Inmetro, combining cutting-edge research with education, creating the opportunity for students to work with cutting-edge science tools, in globally relevant projects. Any thoughts BR colleagues? If you are not Brazilian: to these points resonate with your reality? Comments?

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Massachusetts in 2024 is home to the most climate tech startups per capita in the country. They thrive at institutions like MIT and Greentown Labs, turning big ideas into tangible solutions. But we struggle to keep them here. States from coast to coast are wooing away entrepreneurs and employers. These places facilitate demonstration programs, connect companies to trained workers, and provide access to real estate for manufacturing. The Mass Leads Act rebalances these incentives, directing capital investments and tax benefits that keep these innovators in Boston for the long term and encourages others to join them. #climatetech #climateVC #venturecapital

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I love weird, niche AI use cases like this - especially in critical infrastructure. Sewage systems are about the least 'sexy' AI use case imaginable, but one of many infrastructural 'big rocks' in our economy that we simply have to get right. I'm no sewer expert (and do not plan to be) but if we can use tech like this to analyze sewers and catch defects early, no doubt that can reduce leaks and prevent water contamination. While chatbots have taken a lot of the oxygen from the room, its important to note that AI has the potential to do real good for our most basic, critical infrastructure. While we need to be wary of threats, we must simultaneously ensure our rules and regulations enable the positives. https://lnkd.in/ezA2bEzX

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🚀 Calling all adopters of #proptech and #construction tech: real estate developers, builders, and owner-operators, and more! 🌟 Big News! I’m thrilled to announce our partnership with Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2), co-administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, to accelerate cleantech adoption. This is a first-of-its-kind initiative bringing public and private industry together to drive the digitization and decarbonization of the built environment with a focus on the adoption of startup technologies by end customers. I couldn’t be more excited to collaborate closely with IN² and NREL’s incredible teams to build the industry’s first Adoption Playbook, and the impact this program will have to catalyze more sustainable innovation implementation to our built world. Led by Program Manager Sarah Derdowski, NREL's team is backed by world-class research and a history of running successful incubators. 💡 If you're a forward-thinking organization that is seeking to innovate your real estate footprint, apply today. Adopters can receive up to $250,000 in grant funding to pilot cutting-edge technologies, while startups have the chance to scale and engage with major corporations. This groundbreaking program offers incredible opportunities for both adopters and startups to drive sustainability and innovation—and we're kicking it off this month! 🌍 With our team at Overlay Build, we will design the curriculum in partnership with IN² for corporate adopters through their Adoption Playbook. The playbook will prioritize pain points, identify innovation areas, and form peer groups for implementation strategies. Overlay will also develop due diligence criteria, help to determine the top startups for potential pilots, and form internal innovation working committees that will drive change. Additionally, Overlay will build a change management strategy to ensure practical evaluation and implementation of pilot projects, helping companies with significant real estate ownership reduce construction inefficiencies, costs, and carbon footprints. 🔍This initiative addresses the "missing middle" in technology adoption of built environment solutions—let's bridge that gap together. For more information or to discuss how you can get involved, feel free to reach out to me directly. 👉 Join us in shaping the future of the built environment! Adopters, apply here today: https://lnkd.in/eCRHCXfm #Sustainability #Cleantech #Innovation #BuiltEnvironment #IN2 #OverlayCapital #DigitalTransformation #Decarbonization #ESG #NetZero

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The Maryland Climate Tech Look Book is a dynamic guide that highlights the exciting companies and organizations that help Maryland achieve its climate goals. This updated Look Book presents an overview of MEIA ventures past and present who are creating novel technologies https://lnkd.in/eYzwSX6j

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Fantastic event (and ecosystem) that Patrick Meier, PhD and his team at the Climate Robotics Network are creating. Highly recommend you check out the Climate Robotics Summit, done in partnership with EPFL, SOSV, Cybernetix Ventures, ETH Zürich, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. I just had the pleasure of moderating a panel just now on investing in climate robotics, alongside Urvi Nagrani, Malini Samtani, Sashi Jayatileke and Fady Saad. Here are some of the key insights: 1) Applications for robotics to climate challenges (adaptation AND mitigation) are enormous: support to farmers as conditions for humans become too hot to farm for long hours, drones that help capture data on forests and wildlife, supporting with installation of maintenance in large solar fields, wind turbines, circular economy applications - e.g. de-manufacturing - to just name a few. 2) Investing in robotics is simply different - it doesn't fit the standard SAAS VC strategies, often having a lot of engineering input and require non-dilutive funding upfront - e.g. similar barriers to investing in hardware writ large. Thus, it sits in a bit of its own asset class, so investors and entrepreneurs alike need to understand how these solutions behave, esp. in the early-stages of building/testing. That said, there is a growing pool of funds that have been specializing in this area. 3) So how do we move robotics solutions up the TRL ladder faster? It can take a LONG time for any robotics solution to be truly market ready. Even when there is theoretical product-market fit doesn't mean that it's ready in investors' eyes. Lots of testing as well as setting proper expectations with customers is critical, and part of this long process. Non-dilutive funding is rare to find in most countries, but in the US in particular there is a growing pool of grant funding that can help. 4) Development finance institutions and donors have a critical role here, especially in vulnerable countries/communities: Robotics could have bit impact in supporting climate solutions in vulnerable communities, but we need to ensure that there is an enabling environment for these solutions, which means that the policy, academic, and traditional finance space (e.g. local commercial banks)

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I congratulate Aepnus Technology, a deep-tech startup, for raising $8M to commercialize its National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded research work to develop an electrochemical platform to improve circularity and reduce emissions in battery supply chain chemicals, enabling GHG emissions reduction by an expected 3 gigatons by 2050. I congratulate Rhonda Shrader, Executive Director of UC Berkeley Haas Entrepreneurship & NSF I-Corps Bay Area. She is an inspiring instructor; I am so fortunate to be in her class during the Summer 24 #Icorps Cohort. I am an Industry Mentor (IM) to Professor Ratnesh Kumar and Professor Shawana Tabassum, PhD who are inventors of plasmonic metamaterial-based gas sensing technology, based on NSF-funded research. It offers an order-of-magnitude lower-cost alternative to techniques like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR). The technology helps with environmental compliance for GHG emissions in agriculture and manufacturing, Condition Monitoring of gases produced during process control in manufacturing plants, and monitoring of gases in Transformers (HW used in utilities - not the ones for implementing attention 😀). If you're interested in turning your NSF-funded research into a real-world product or service, consider the #Icorps program. It provides intense customer discovery training, where you'll interview 100+ potential customers in just seven weeks. This might sound grueling, but it's an invaluable experience. Remember, in startups, the founder is often the first salesperson. Understanding your customers' needs early on is crucial for success.

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A New Report  Highlights Potential Strategies to Dramatically Reduce Carbon Emissions for the United States and Canada Aluminum Industry The Aluminum Association has released a groundbreaking roadmap detailing pathways to achieve significant carbon emission reductions in alignment with the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Net Zero by 2050 goals. Key findings and strategies include: Significant Head Start: North America's aluminum products have a carbon footprint approximately 50% lower than the global average, thanks to the use of low carbon primary aluminum, increased recycling, and voluntary emission reduction efforts. Aggressive Targets: Achieving net zero by 2050 will require aluminum production emissions to decline by: 24% by 2030 63% by 2040 92% by 2050 (compared to 2021 levels) Projected Growth: Aluminum output is expected to increase by 80% to meet the growing demand for sustainable metal across various sectors. Key Pathways: Technology and Efficiency: Innovations like inert anode smelting and energy efficiency improvements. Alternative Fuels and Carbon Capture: Transition to green hydrogen and electrification of furnaces. Grid Decarbonization: Use of clean energy technologies supported by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Enhanced Recycling: Optimizing scrap utilization to cut emissions significantly. Investment Needed: Achieving these goals will require substantial investment—estimated at $60 billion for North America alone—to meet global net-zero climate targets in the primary aluminum production segment. Charles Johnson, president & CEO of the Aluminum Association, emphasizes the industry's vital role in the clean energy transition, noting, “Achieving these ambitious targets by mid-century will require an all-of-society approach to decarbonization. The aluminum industry won’t be able to do this alone.” This research underscores the necessity of decarbonizing the energy sector to ensure broader industrial decarbonization. The North American aluminum industry is positioned to lead globally, but collaborative efforts and significant investments are critical to meeting the net-zero targets by 2050. https://lnkd.in/e_h_5q_5 #aluminium‍ #CLEANENERGY

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3D printing is having a breakout moment, turning its long held promise into a reality that is arriving at pace and at scale. Over the next 5 years: - Consumers will expect customized products at scale - Computers will surpass human creativity and skill in product design - New infrastructure is needed to protect IP if anything can be printed anywhere  - Global supply chains will be meaningfully dismantled as products get printed at their point of sale I sat down with Philip DeSimone, Co-founder of Carbon, the most advanced 3D printing company already operating at scale serving customers in 17 countries ranging from Adidas to Ford. With over 300 patents filed, Carbon has raised $680M from the likes of Sequoia, Temasek, and Google. Check out 5YF Episode #14: 3D printing breakthroughs, AI designed products, mass customization, spare body parts, dismantling global trade, IP piracy, and the future of production w/ Carbon Co-founder Philip DeSimone https://pod.fo/e/234185 #3Dprinting

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A new electric grid and power systems laboratory is now open in New York State to test, model, and validate emerging technologies. The Advanced Grid Innovation Laboratory for Energy (AGILe) is housed in the Albany NanoTech Complex, which Gov. Kathy Hochul described as “the nation’s most advanced non-profit semiconductor research and development facility.” The lab will allow customers the ability to test technologies in real time on a digital model of the New York State power grid and its ancillary systems. It enables testing, modeling, and validation of new electrification technologies, electric grid improvements, transmission-related products and services, and novel solutions for energy systems. Created by the New York Power Authority, the nation’s largest state electric utility, the lab provides real-time electric grid simulation to evaluate future scenarios and to test the impacts of new and improved technologies on the bulk electric system without placing the state’s electric grid at risk. The lab’s capability to simulate multiple electric grid conditions and to connect equipment physically and virtually to the test environment could help accelerate the reliable integration of new technologies and products. The AGILe lab will collaborate with various energy-focused organizations, including Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), the New York Independent Systems Operator (NYISO), New York investor-owned utilities, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to support research, evaluation and testing of emerging technologies. #energytransition #electricgrid #nypa #lipa #nyserda #epri #digitaltwin #nyiso #smartgrid #worldgameworkshop

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At Clean Energy Ventures, we believe decarbonization of industry is one of the most critical investment areas in order to reduce GHGs on a global basis. Thermal energy is an essential part of so many industries such as steel, cement, chemicals and just about everything in between. That's our thesis for investing in Electrified Thermal Solutions which differentiates itself by achieving the highest temperatures of any thermal energy storage solution, and doing so at a cost entitlement competitive with existing solutions while using zero-carbon electricity supplies. And, it doubles as a long duration grid-scale storage solutions too. It's not surprising that Fast Company profiled the company given its game-changing proprietary technology, extraordinary team, and major industry players leaning into partnerships. The future looks brighter! #climatecrisis #decarbonizeindustry #climatetech #electrifiedthermalsolutions #cleanenergyventures https://lnkd.in/e62WrvhQ

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A compelling new report from Columbia University's Sabin Center for Climate Change Law sheds light on a critical challenge in the renewable energy sector. As we strive to combat climate change, local opposition to clean energy projects is intensifying, potentially jeopardizing our climate goals. 🌡️🌍 The study reveals: 🚫 395 local restrictions severe enough to block renewable projects across 41 states 📈 55 new restrictions added in the last year alone 🌊 Offshore wind projects grappling with multiple legal challenges 🗺️ Only 3 states without contested renewable projects 🏆 Virginia, Michigan, New York, and Ohio leading with over 18 contested projects each This trend underscores a growing tension between global climate objectives and local concerns. It highlights the urgent need for: 🤝 Enhanced community engagement strategies 💡 Innovative approaches to project design and implementation 📢 Improved communication about the benefits of renewable energy ⚖️ Balanced policies that address both climate goals and local needs As industry leaders, policymakers, and concerned citizens, we must ask ourselves: 1. How can we better align renewable energy development with community interests? 🤔 2. What role can technology play in mitigating local impacts? 🖥️ 3. How do we ensure a just transition to clean energy that benefits all stakeholders? ♻️ #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergyTransition #CommunityEngagement #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment

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Offtake agreements are critical to scaling climate solutions. But, what can climate tech companies do to increase the probability of getting an offtake agreement? At Patch's recent "Navigating Limited Supply in High Integrity Durable Removals" webinar, Arnaud Defrance of Puro.earth offered five strategies to advance offtake agreements. 🤖 Mitigate technology risk. As you draft a buildout plan, work backwards. Think through how you can use off-the-shelf components, test smaller versions of the technologies that will be used in the full-scale commercial deployment, and draw comparisons to other industries that are familiar to offtakers. 📉 Reduce price. Simple supply & demand suggests lower prices will entice more customers (offtakers). For your initial offtake agreements, don't get greedy. Set a reasonable price. Plus, as your technology matures, prices should naturally decline. 💵 Conditional commitments. There is a chicken & egg problem between offtakers and investors. Neither will commitment without the other. So, use conditional commitments. Offtakers will purchase X tons at price $Y if the company obtains funding of $Z. Similarly, funders will invest $A if offtakers agree to purchase B tons at price $C. 🚶‍♀️ Walk away option. This is a legal innovation that allows the offtaker out of the contract if certain conditions are not met. For example, allow the offtaker to pay a reduced price if the quality of the carbon credit declines. This basically reduces the risk for the offtaker. ⛈ Allocate risks to other parties. This can come in many forms. Maybe it is participating in a government support program, or maybe an insurance policy. Regardless, having other parties helping the company succeed will increase offtakers' confidence in the project, making them more likely to sign a deal. Thanks Arnaud Defrance for great advice! And, thanks to Patch for another great session. #climatechange #climatetech #climatecareers #FOAK #climateaction #climatesolutions

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The new Large-Scale Thermal Program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), will competitively award funding to colleges and universities, multi-family complexes, medical campuses and communities for projects that use heat pumps and low carbon thermal resources such as geothermal, wastewater, waste heat, surface water, and thermal energy storage to effectively integrate different clean heating and cooling systems and equipment into their buildings. Project sites may consist of a single large building or multiple co-located buildings (e.g., multiple buildings served by a shared thermal system and/or resource), either existing or new construction.

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Exciting Opportunity for Innovators at the Crossroads of AI and Chemistry! I am thrilled to announce the Standard Industries Chemical Innovation Challenge: Advancing AI-Assisted Molecular Synthesis, brought to you by Standard Industries and W. R. Grace & Co. This is a call to action for all startups and innovators at the intersection of AI and chemical manufacturing. This challenge represents a unique opportunity to impact an industry at the cutting edge of technology and chemistry. We encourage all eligible startups focused on chemistry AI to apply and bring your innovative ideas to the forefront of chemical manufacturing. Why Participate? 🏆 Prize: The winner will receive a whopping $1.4 million for the best use of AI in transforming fine chemical production processes. 📅 Deadline Extension: Submissions are now due by May 10th – more time to polish your innovative solutions! Let’s innovate and shape the future of chemical industries together! #AI #Chemistry #InnovationChallenge #StartupOpportunity 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g956b4zf Let’s transform the future together! Standard Industries, a leader in the global industrial sector, together with its business unit W. R. Grace & Co., renowned for its specialty chemicals and materials, are seeking groundbreaking solutions in AI-assisted molecular synthesis. The challenge aims to revolutionize the way chemicals are produced, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Beth Xie Stefan Wan Gloria Chyr Plug and Play New Materials & Packaging

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