Social entrepreneurship has evolved dramatically over the past few years, becoming a critical driver for addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and education.

Social enterprises—businesses that prioritize social and environmental goals alongside profit—are paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future.

For over a decade, the Social Entrepreneurs to Watch list has spotlighted leaders and innovators who are using their talents and skills to impact the world.

This annual feature celebrates leaders tackling global issues through transformative ideas and initiatives.

From ethical fashion to regenerative agriculture, these social entrepreneurs are driving meaningful change in sectors such as:

• Ethical Fashion
• FoodTech
• ClimateTech
• EdTech
• Web3
• Impact Investing
• Regenerative Agriculture

Over the past ten years, I've had the privilege of interviewing over nearly 1,000 social entrepreneurs across the globe.

These conversations offer a glimpse into the passion, creativity, and determination that fuel the global impact movement.

Each year, I take time to reflect on the stories and insights gained from these remarkable individuals.

Whether it’s reinventing education, addressing climate instability, creating new materials, or transforming supply chains, these visionaries are proving that solutions to society’s most complex challenges are within reach.

What is Social Entrepreneurship?

Social entrepreneurship refers to a business model focused on addressing social or environmental issues.

Social entrepreneurs are individuals who pursue opportunities to create positive change, whether through for-profit or non-profit models.

At Causeartist, we emphasize social entrepreneurship through the lens of for-profit businesses.

Social entrepreneurs identify social challenges and develop innovative business solutions to tackle them.

Unlike traditional businesses, their primary motivation is creating impact within their sector or community, rather than solely generating profit.

A Year of Social Impact: Data and Developments

The broader social enterprise sector has seen significant progress over the past year:

• Global Footprint: Approximately 10 million social enterprises worldwide contribute $2 trillion in revenue annually, employing nearly 200 million people.
• Gender Equality in Leadership: 50% of social enterprises are led by women, compared to just 20% in conventional enterprises.
• Technological Integration: Social enterprises are increasingly adopting AI and blockchain to enhance efficiency and transparency, with AI expected to improve operational efficiency by 30% over the next five years.
• Economic Contribution: The UK has around 131,000 social enterprises, contributing £78 billion annually and reinvesting over £1 billion into social and environmental missions.
• Growth Outlook: In 2023, 40% of UK social enterprises anticipated turnover growth, with 77% expecting to break even or profit.
• Policy Milestones: Over 35 states in the U.S. have adopted Benefit Corporation (B Corp) legislation, supporting social enterprises in pursuing dual goals of impact and profit.
• Government Support: South Korea now has over 12,000 certified social enterprises, employing 370,000 people under supportive legal frameworks.
• Industry Investing: Impact investing assets under management (AUM) have grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18% between 2017 and 2022, with investors collectively managing USD 213 billion, up from USD 95 billion in 2017.

The Future of Social Entrepreneurship

Looking ahead, the social enterprise sector is expected to grow rapidly, driven by increased consumer demand for purpose-driven businesses and growing awareness of global challenges. Key focus areas for the future include:

• Expanding access to funding through innovative mechanisms like impact bonds and blended finance.
• Leveraging AI and data analytics for better impact measurement and scalability.
• Strengthening collaborations between governments, corporations, and social enterprises to create more enabling environments.

Social entrepreneurship is gaining global traction, fueled by the demand for businesses that deliver both social and environmental impact alongside financial returns.

As the sector evolves, data reveals a steady increase in social enterprise startups, along with rising revenues and investment in the field.

The social entrepreneurs highlighted here represent just a fraction of those driving meaningful impact worldwide. Their work underscores the potential to create a more just, sustainable, and regenerative future.

Derwin Sisnett - Adaptive Commons

Derwin Sisnett is the founder and CEO of Adaptive Commons, a real estate development and investment firm dedicated to transforming public spaces to benefit communities.

Previously, he co-founded Maslow Development Inc., focusing on mixed-use communities centered around schools, and Gestalt Community Schools, a network of high-performing charter schools in Memphis, Tennessee.

His leadership has earned recognition from the White House and the U.S. Department of Education, and he spearheaded transformative projects, including a 40-acre mixed-use development with affordable housing and a performing arts center.

Derwin co-founded the Obsidian Catalyst Fund, a real estate investment vehicle empowering Black developers and driving social impact. He also serves as a faculty lecturer at UC Berkeley and has been featured in Urban Land Magazine, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

Essential workers across the U.S. struggle to afford housing near their jobs, while vacant buildings threaten urban vitality. Adaptive Commons offers turnkey solutions, repurposing underutilized spaces into workforce housing, reducing emissions by 40%, and supporting sustainability.

Adapting existing structures is a cost-effective, sustainable solution to housing and climate challenges. With a focus on environmental responsibility, Adaptive Commons ensures every project positively impacts communities.

Kory Hoang and David Zhang - Stably

Stably is revolutionizing financial inclusion through Web3 technology. Based in Seattle, the company is breaking down barriers between traditional banking and digital assets, making cryptocurrency accessible to billions of potential users worldwide.

At the heart of their mission is Stably Ramp, a seamless bridge that enables anyone with a bank account or credit card to participate in the digital economy. Operating across 200+ countries, Stably brings reliable financial services to previously underserved regions, fostering economic growth and opportunity.

Their unique Stablecoin-as-a-Service solution, Stably USD (USDS), extends stable digital currency to emerging blockchain networks that previously lacked access.

By expanding to 10+ networks including XRP Ledger, Stellar, and Tezos, Stably is democratizing access to digital assets while maintaining strict regulatory compliance through FinCEN registration and partnerships with regulated institutions.

Emily Stone - Uncommon Cacao

Uncommon Cacao is leading systemic change in the global cacao market as the first Transparent Trade cacao supply chain company. The specialty cacao trader sources from 10,000+ smallholder producers across 15+ countries and supplies cacao to hundreds of chocolate makers globally.

As a certified B Corp and Public Benefit Corporation, Uncommon Cacao has pioneered a new cacao economy that pays farmers more and is grounded in real partnerships that deliver improved stability and success for all.

Their Transparent Trade model has been recognized as best-in-class for transparency on farmgate pricing – they remain the only international cacao trader to publicly disclose prices paid across their value chain after 10+ years of operation.

This commitment drives their ultimate goal of scaling a market that enables producer prosperity and provides the entrepreneurial ecosystem for producer success.

Uncommon Cacao serves as a problem solver and innovation partner for cacao buyers and chocolate makers. The company provides reliable quality cacao products accompanied by Transparent Trade data and stories from their cacao sourcing relationships, while driving transformative supply chain solutions for cacao producers and chocolate makers.

Justin Barad, MD - Osso VR

Dr. Justin Barad is a UCLA and Harvard-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeon, combining his expertise in bioengineering and medicine with a passion for technology to revolutionize surgical training.

As the founder of Osso VR, an award-winning virtual reality platform, Dr. Barad addresses the limitations of traditional surgical education by creating immersive, clinically accurate simulations.

Founded in 2016, Osso VR leverages virtual reality to provide hands-on, scalable surgical training for healthcare professionals worldwide. The platform features:

• Immersive Training: Realistic modules to practice surgical procedures.
• Performance Analytics: Objective assessments for tracking skill development.
• Collaborative Learning: Multi-user functionality for team-based training.

Osso VR has demonstrated a 230% improvement in surgical performance compared to traditional methods and is available in over 50 countries, making advanced surgical education accessible globally. The platform has earned accolades such as:

• TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions
• Fast Company’s Most Innovative Healthcare Company
• SXSW Innovation Award

Osso VR aims to expand its training offerings and explore new technologies, such as augmented reality and artificial intelligence, to further enhance surgical education and improve patient care outcomes.

Akonkwa Mubagwa - Winko Solar

Akonkwa Mubagwa is the CEO and co-founder of Winko Solar, a Kenyan-based company providing solar power, energy storage, and connectivity solutions for healthcare and other facilities in Africa. A Congolese-born Belgian citizen, Akonkwa holds advanced degrees from UC Berkeley, HEC Paris, and Ecole Polytechnique de Louvain.

After a career in computer forensics at SWIFT, IBM, PWC, and Bain, Akonkwa founded Winko Solar to address Africa's growing energy and communication challenges. With over a decade of experience in solar initiatives across East and West Africa, he is dedicated to meeting the continent's infrastructure needs.

Winko Solar's mission is to power Africa's future by delivering off-grid solar and internet solutions for homes, healthcare, education, and commercial facilities.

By employing local labor and offering certified training, the company empowers Africans to deploy these solutions independently. Winko Solar aims to bring internet access to every home and sustainable solar energy to all major healthcare facilities in Africa.

Vanessa Barboni Hallik - Another Tomorrow

Vanessa Barboni Hallik is the founder and CEO of Another Tomorrow, a B Corp Certified sustainable fashion brand committed to ethical design, transparency, and circularity. Born from Vanessa’s desire to address the apparel industry’s impact on people, animals, and the planet, the brand focuses on human, animal, and environmental welfare.

After a successful career at Morgan Stanley, where she held leadership roles in emerging markets and spearheaded philanthropic initiatives, Vanessa’s sabbatical research into sustainable finance revealed troubling truths about the fashion industry, inspiring her to create a new paradigm for fashion.

Another Tomorrow leverages a technology-enabled ecosystem that includes full product transparency and authenticated recommerce, promoting mindful consumption and reducing waste.

The brand’s collections feature timeless, versatile pieces made from sustainable materials such as recycled cashmere, European linen, ethical wool, organic hemp, peace silk, and FSC-certified viscose.

To minimize its environmental footprint further, the company avoids harmful materials like virgin cashmere, conventional cotton, polyester, and down feathers, ensuring every design aligns with its values.

Vanessa is also an early-stage investor in companies driving systemic change and serves on the Advisory Board of Harvard’s Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, focusing on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.

Jamie Burrows - Vertical Future

Jamie Burrows leads Vertical Future, a global leader in vertical farming technology and research. With over 15 years of experience and a background in Life Sciences at EY, Deloitte, and the UK Department of Health, he brings valuable healthcare expertise to the company's mission of improving population health through enhanced food and pharmaceutical infrastructure.

A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy's LEAD programme, Burrows holds degrees from Buckingham University and Cass Business School. Under his leadership, Vertical Future has become the top-ranked technology provider in the FoodTech 500, designing autonomous vertical farming systems that address food security, carbon sequestration, and climate challenges.

As a World Economic Forum Global Innovator and Unreasonable Impact Fellow, the company focuses on advancing planetary and human health through efficient crop production technologies.

Bailey Farren - Perimeter

Bailey Richardson, CEO and co-founder of Perimeter, leads an organization transforming disaster response through improved information sharing. Drawing from her personal experience as both a five-time wildfire evacuee and the daughter of first responders, she has developed the Perimeter Platform, a unified system that enables emergency managers and responders to coordinate disaster response efficiently.

The platform streamlines evacuation management and interdisciplinary collaboration through a single application, allowing public safety personnel to share incident pre-plans, update real-time information, and communicate evacuation instructions directly to the public, ultimately helping save lives during natural disasters.

Ryan Bethencourt - Wild Earth

Ryan Bethencourt, a pioneering scientist and entrepreneur, leads Wild Earth as CEO and co-founder, transforming the pet food industry through sustainable, plant-based alternatives.

His extensive background spans both entrepreneurial ventures and scientific innovation, including roles as Partner at Babel Ventures and co-founder of IndieBio, a prominent biology accelerator and early-stage seed fund.

With advanced degrees from Warwick University and Cambridge University, Bethencourt's career has encompassed significant contributions to both the biopharmaceutical industry and sustainable innovation.

Under his leadership, Wild Earth has established itself as a revolutionary force in pet nutrition, developing high-quality, plant-based dog food products that challenge traditional animal-based formulations.

The company's approach aligns with Bethencourt's broader commitment to sustainability and cruelty-free innovation, demonstrated throughout his career through various ventures including Berkeley Biolabs, Counter Culture Labs, and his advisory role with The Good Food Institute.

Miranda Wang and Jeanny Yao - Novoloop

Miranda Wang and Jeanny Yao, childhood best friends turned co-founders, lead Novoloop, a company revolutionizing plastic waste transformation through their innovative Lifecycling™ platform.

Wang serves as CEO, bringing her background in engineering entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania and her passion for building impactful organizations to drive the company's technology development and growth.

Yao, as COO, oversees operations and facility expansion, having co-developed the company's groundbreaking ATOD™ technology. Together, they founded Novoloop in 2015 with a vision of creating a circular world where hard-to-recycle plastics become building blocks for new materials, rather than landfill waste.

Their technology enables the conversion of plastic waste into performance materials that are molecularly identical to conventional products, offering a solution for plastics that currently have no recycling pathway.

Yao's achievements have been recognized through Forbes 30 Under 30 and the Echoing Green Climate Fellowship, while Wang continues to pursue her dual passions for innovation and environmental impact, with future aspirations that include establishing a botanical garden.

Morgan Cros - Original Duckhead

Original Duckhead is a London-based, design-driven and eco-friendly umbrella brand that emerged from founder Morgan Cros's personal journey spanning Paris, New York, and Miami.

The brand's origin story traces back to a pivotal moment when Cros's bodega umbrella collapsed during a trip from Miami to Paris, coupled with childhood memories of her mother's cherished umbrella featuring an intricate duck handle.

Launched in January 2012, Original Duckhead set out to transform the umbrella industry by addressing a critical environmental concern: the annual disposal of over 1 billion non-recyclable umbrellas globally.

The brand has become known for its distinctive duck-shaped handles, vibrant colors, and patterns that add personality to rainy days, while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability.

Each umbrella is thoughtfully crafted using eco-friendly materials like recycled plastic and biodegradable handles, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern, sustainable materials. Through partnerships with 1% For The Planet, Original Duckhead ensures every purchase contributes to meaningful ecological causes.

Now, twelve years since its inception, Original Duckhead has evolved beyond being just an umbrella brand – it has fostered a community of conscientious consumers who demand accountability from the brands they support, all while maintaining a light-hearted approach to life.

The company continues to pursue its mission of redefining umbrellas from disposable necessities to cherished accessories that are built to endure, designed to delight, and crafted to make a positive impact on both their users and the planet.

For Cros, seeing the brand's instantly recognizable umbrellas on the streets of London still brings the same wave of gratitude as when she first started.

Emma Bukowski - Noserider

Noserider Surf Club, founded by Emma in Bali in March 2022, represents a fusion of surf culture, sustainability, and community empowerment. Born from Emma's dream of embracing an active, beach-oriented lifestyle, the brand has evolved from a personal project launched with a celebratory surf retreat into a movement championing sustainable surf culture.

At the heart of Noserider's commitment to environmental responsibility are their surf suits, crafted from 78% ECONYL® regenerated nylon and 22% elastane, offering durability and protection while minimizing environmental impact.

The brand's dedication to sustainability extends throughout their operations, from production carried out by a female-owned manufacturer in Bali supporting local craftsmanship and small batch production, to their eco-conscious packaging choices including biodegradable bags, recycled card paper tags, and reusable bags.

Emma's journey of building Noserider demonstrates the power of passion and perseverance in creating a business that challenges industry norms through its prioritization of sustainability.

As the brand looks toward global expansion and future sustainability certifications, it maintains its core focus on community building and environmental responsibility.

Noserider's evolution from Emma's late-blooming surf passion to a sustainable swimwear brand embodying community values serves as an inspiring example of how personal dreams can translate into meaningful impact, proving it's never too late to pursue one's passions while contributing positively to the world.

Nicholas Flanders - Twelve

Twelve is a pioneering carbon transformation company that has developed an innovative approach to converting CO2 into useful chemicals and fuels.

At the heart of their technology is the Opus™ System, an industrial-scale electrolyzer that mimics photosynthesis by transforming CO2, water, and renewable electricity into valuable chemical products that have traditionally been derived from fossil fuels.

Using CO2 electrolysis through a PEM-based system (polymer electrolyte membrane), the company's technology employs novel transition metal catalysts to break down CO2 into building blocks for materials, chemicals, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

This process offers a groundbreaking solution to both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate the need for fossil fuels as a feedstock in chemical manufacturing.

Operating from facilities in Alameda and with a commercial demonstration facility for jet fuel production in Moses Lake, WA, Twelve is actively working to scale their industrial photosynthesis technology.

The company's mission focuses on decarbonizing and "de-fossilizing" chemical production through electrochemical processes, positioning themselves as a catalyst for transformative change in how essential products are manufactured while addressing climate change.

Ifeoma Uddoh - Shecluded

Ifeoma Uddoh is the founder and CEO of Shecluded, a financial services company dedicated to closing the funding gap for women-owned businesses. With a deep passion for empowering women, she brings extensive expertise in strategy consulting, operations, product development, and financial inclusion across emerging markets.

Her accomplishments include recognition as a 2021 Google for Startups Black Founders Fund recipient, winner of the 2022 SelectUSA Tech Nigeria Pitch Competition, and a 2022 Halcyon Fellow.

Ifeoma holds a bachelor's degree in Industrial Mathematics from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, and a master's degree in Management Science from Lancaster University.

Shecluded is a finance company dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs by addressing the gender financing gap. Through its innovative approach, Shecluded provides inclusive access to financial growth services tailored to the unique needs of women-led businesses.

The company leverages a proprietary credit risk assessment algorithm that analyzes both social and financial data, utilizing big data and alternative data sources to create comprehensive profiles for loan applicants and determine creditworthiness.

Shecluded’s mission is to deliver personalized debt and equity capital solutions that enable women entrepreneurs to achieve their goals.

Beyond financing, Shecluded operates within a transformative ecosystem, fostering support, collaboration, and mentorship to drive long-term success and empowerment for the women it serves.

Pedro Siciliano - Teachy

Pedro Siciliano, the founder and CEO of Teachy, has dedicated his career to transforming education through innovative technology. Inspired by his grandmother, a teacher, and his mother, who instilled in him a lifelong passion for learning, Siciliano has always recognized the transformative power of education.

A Brazilian native, he holds a degree from the prestigious Instituto Militar de Engenharia and gained valuable experience as a McKinsey business analyst and during his tenure at Descomplica, a leading digital education company in Brazil.

His journey has been shaped by the belief that empowering teachers is the key to improving educational outcomes, particularly in developing economies. Siciliano’s work has been informed by his firsthand understanding of the challenges teachers face, from excessive administrative burdens to limited access to modern digital tools.

This vision and commitment to social impact led him to create Teachy, a company that leverages AI to revolutionize the teaching experience and enhance educational quality globally.

Teachy is an edtech company dedicated to supporting teachers by addressing the administrative and planning challenges that prevent them from focusing on what matters most: their students.

Through its innovative AI-powered platform, Teachy streamlines the teaching workflow, enabling educators to create lesson plans, grade assignments, and manage administrative tasks with unprecedented efficiency.

By integrating tools tailored to the specific needs of teachers, Teachy cuts out-of-class preparation time by over 80%, allowing teachers to focus on delivering personalized and impactful education.

Teachy’s platform, built on a proprietary database of over 1 million vetted teaching materials and 40,000 verified lesson plans, empowers teachers to create high-quality, customized content in minutes.

Its grading tools accommodate open-ended questions and even paper-submitted exams, making it particularly effective in regions with limited digital access. The app also provides insights into student performance, helping teachers tailor their instruction to individual learning needs.

Inna Braverman - Eco Wave Power

Inna Braverman, founder of Eco Wave Power, was inspired to start the company by her personal experience with the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, which fueled her passion for clean and sustainable energy.

Founded in Tel Aviv, Israel, in 2011 and now operating in Sweden, Eco Wave Power stands at the forefront of renewable energy innovation with its patented technology that converts ocean and sea waves into electricity.

With 40% of the global population living within 100 kilometers of a coastline, the potential impact of this technology is vast.

Eco Wave Power’s approach is uniquely cost-effective and reliable, utilizing land-based installations rather than traditional offshore systems. This design significantly reduces construction, operation, and maintenance costs by taking advantage of proximity to grid connection points.

Modular and scalable, the technology adapts to various scales and settings while maintaining competitive costs, with a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) forecasted at approximately EUR 42 per MWh.

By integrating its wave energy converters into existing man-made structures like piers, jetties, and breakwaters, Eco Wave Power transforms coastal infrastructure into sources of clean electricity, exemplifying sustainable development.

Hannah Diop - Sienna Naturals

Hannah Diop, the founder of Sienna Naturals, grew up with a deep appreciation for earth-friendly practices but faced challenges in finding haircare products that delivered results for textured hair.

Recognizing that many products marketed to textured hair rely on harsh chemicals that compromise health and fail to perform, she decided to create a solution.

In 2012, after extensive research, testing, ingredient evaluation, and hundreds of formula iterations, Sienna Naturals was born. In 2020, after more than eight years of evolution, actress Issa Rae, a longtime product tester and advocate, joined the brand as co-founder.

Sienna Naturals combines ancestral traditions with innovative Rooted Technology™ to create high-quality natural formulas that nurture the scalp and hair.

By reimagining textured haircare with the customer at its center, Sienna Naturals has developed a unique approach to clean chemistry. Its dermatologist-tested formulas prioritize safety and non-irritation while repairing hair health from the root.

This clean technology promise underscores the brand’s commitment to delivering effective, safe, and empowering solutions for the textured hair community.

Jordan Wexler - EarlyBird

Jordan Wexler is a serial entrepreneur known for developing innovative solutions to complex challenges through strategic planning and effective execution.

With extensive experience in product development, sales, program design, team management, and business growth, Wexler has built a career focused on creating impactful ventures.

As the CEO of EarlyBird, a fintech mobile app, Wexler leads a platform designed to empower parents to open custodial investment accounts for their children.

EarlyBird also enables friends and family to gift investments, fostering a community-driven approach to building a child’s financial future.

Operating as a registered investment advisor (RIA) and all-in-one robo-advisor, EarlyBird aims to democratize generational wealth by making investing accessible and meaningful for all U.S. families.

In addition to his work in fintech, Wexler has spent eight years in the fields of education and criminal justice reform.

In 2014, he co-founded Recovery Through Entrepreneurship (RTE) alongside his father, Dr. Harry K. Wexler. RTE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing recidivism by teaching digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills to ex-felons.

By bridging the gap between recidivism reduction and sustainable employment opportunities, RTE provides tools and training to support personal and professional growth for individuals re-entering society.

Through EarlyBird, Wexler is on a mission to simplify investing for families and create a platform where parents, friends, and loved ones can collectively contribute to a child’s financial foundation, celebrating life’s most meaningful moments.

By combining the power of love, community, and capital, EarlyBird seeks to transform access to generational wealth and inspire a brighter financial future for all.

Hedvig Alexander - Powered by People

Powered by People is transforming the global wholesale industry by connecting independent makers with markets worldwide through a digital platform focused on small-batch, responsibly made products.

With partnerships spanning over 700 artisans across 70+ countries, the company empowers makers—many of whom are women-led—with access to global markets, financing, and digital tools to scale their businesses while adhering to ethical and sustainable practices.

Leveraging innovative technology, Powered by People simplifies the wholesale process, enabling artisans to easily showcase and manufacture their products while providing retail buyers with seamless access to unique, handcrafted goods.

Founded by experts in retail, design, tech, and international development, the company operates with a mission to support artisans, foster fair-employment practices, and meet the growing demand for ethically produced goods.

With a global presence and real-time support, Powered by People celebrates the beauty of handmade products in a world of automation, ensuring that responsibly crafted goods remain a vital part of the modern marketplace while driving sustainable economic impact.

Sanchali Pal - Commons

Founded by Sanchali Pal, Commons is a platform born from a personal and collective response to the climate crisis. Inspired by her firsthand experiences with the devastating impacts of climate change in Ethiopia, India, and the US, Sanchali’s journey began with a decade-long commitment to tracking and reducing her carbon footprint.

By adopting mindful habits, she reduced her emissions by over 30%, realizing that sustainable living could enhance both health and happiness.

Commons harnesses this philosophy to empower individuals to make informed, eco-friendly choices while amplifying their collective impact on the market.

The app integrates advanced tools to make sustainable living accessible, actionable, and rewarding, proving that small, everyday decisions can drive significant global change.

Features of the app

• Rewards for Climate-Friendly Choices: Commons motivates users by rewarding eco-conscious actions like shopping secondhand, using public transit, or charging electric vehicles. Rewards, including “seeds” and badges, can be redeemed for cash or carbon offsets, offering tangible incentives for sustainable behavior.
• Trustworthy Green Brands: The app simplifies sustainable shopping by curating a list of vetted eco-friendly brands across categories such as clothing, groceries, and beauty. This transparency helps users avoid greenwashing while supporting businesses committed to reducing their environmental impact.
• Personalized Sustainability Guidance: Commons provides practical, personalized guides on topics like green banking, sustainable laundry practices, and eating locally. These actionable tips help users save money while minimizing their carbon footprint.
• Carbon Footprint Tracking: A sophisticated carbon tracker analyzes transactions to give users an accurate picture of their individual emissions. Progress tracking and tailored reduction tips enable users to align their lifestyle with sustainability goals.
• Offsetting Unavoidable Emissions: For emissions that can’t be avoided, Commons offers an offsetting program that invests in vetted climate solutions such as bio-oil storage, kelp farming, and mangrove restoration. These initiatives not only cut global emissions but also support local communities and ecosystems.

Commons embodies the belief that individual actions, when combined, can create meaningful global impact. With a mission to align daily choices with a sustainable future, the platform is at the forefront of empowering individuals to tackle the climate crisis—one decision at a time.

Jorge Correa - EatCloud

Jorge is a seasoned expert in marketing, sales, ecosystem development, digital transformation, and triple-impact innovation. Over two decades at Nodrizza, Jorge spearheaded commercial digital transformation projects, automating operations for leading multinational and multi-Latin mass consumption companies in Colombia.

Currently, Jorge leads the corporate strategy at EatCloud, a groundbreaking startup addressing food waste, hunger, and environmental sustainability.

Under Jorge's leadership, EatCloud has achieved the world’s largest annual average volume of rescued food, making a profound impact on global food systems. Recognized by Google, Microsoft, and the World Food Programme, EatCloud has been celebrated as one of the most innovative startups worldwide.

EatCloud is a transformative platform designed to combat hunger on a large scale by redistributing unsold food within the food ecosystem. Through its innovative model, EatCloud not only addresses food insecurity but also contributes to environmental sustainability and operational efficiency for its partners.

By facilitating the redistribution of surplus food, EatCloud reduces logistical costs and CO2 emissions, helping businesses lower their environmental impact. Additionally, the platform provides significant tax benefits and enhances the reputational standing of its partners, positioning them as leaders in social and environmental responsibility.

A key feature of EatCloud’s approach is its real-time analytical data delivery, which empowers the food industry to optimize processes and uncover the immense value potential of surplus management.

This data-driven insight enables companies to better understand and refine their operations, from supply chain efficiency to surplus handling, ultimately driving triple-impact benefits: social, environmental, and economic.

With its focus on leveraging technology to address pressing global challenges, EatCloud stands as a vital player in fostering a more sustainable and equitable food system.

Dr. Jasmin Hume - Shiru

Jasmin Hume, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Shiru, a biotechnology startup revolutionizing the food industry with sustainable, scalable, and nutritious ingredients for plant-based products.

With a mission to combat global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and public health crises, Hume leads a multidisciplinary team driving innovation in sustainable food systems.

Previously the Director of Food Chemistry at JUST and a summer associate at Lux Capital, Hume holds a PhD in protein engineering from NYU, a Master’s in Materials Engineering from Chalmers University, and a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from McGill University.

A 2019 Y Combinator graduate and dedicated mother, Hume is committed to building a more sustainable future through food innovation.

Shiru's mission is to transform the global food system by creating sustainable, nutritious, and scalable ingredients for plant-based products.

With a mission to empower food companies of all sizes—from emerging brands to global corporations—Shiru helps accelerate the development of innovative, environmentally responsible foods.

Harnessing the power of data science, precision fermentation, and protein engineering, Shiru identifies and produces functional ingredients that deliver exceptional taste, nutrition, and performance.

By providing food manufacturers with an accessible catalog of cutting-edge ingredients, Shiru enables the production of plant-based products that meet the growing demand for sustainability without compromising quality.

Stephen Garten - Charity Charge

Stephen Garten is the founder and CEO of Charity Charge, a mission-driven company transforming the way nonprofits manage their finances. With a deep commitment to empowering organizations that drive social impact, Garten created Charity Charge to offer tailored financial solutions specifically for nonprofits.

Charity Charge is a social enterprise dedicated to supporting nonprofits, schools, and associations by providing financial tools and resources tailored to their unique needs.

Recognizing the challenges nonprofits face in managing finances while staying focused on their missions, Charity Charge developed the first credit card designed exclusively for the nonprofit community.

Yael Shemer and Yishai Lehavi - TULU

TULU is transforming the way urban residents access and consume household products by integrating on-demand solutions directly within buildings.

Founded in 2018 at MIT’s DesignX incubator by architect Yishai Lehavi and environmental entrepreneur Yael Shemer, TULU combines innovative perspectives on the built environment with a commitment to sustainable consumption.

Operating across three continents with offices in New York City, London, Tel Aviv, and Amsterdam, TULU is reshaping urban living for thousands worldwide.

With a mission to enable more responsible consumption habits and reduce the cost of city living, TULU provides a seamless way for residents to access shared household products such as appliances, tools, and even snacks.

Through a user-friendly app, residents can conveniently borrow what they need, contributing to a minimalist lifestyle and a lower environmental impact.

By focusing on community-driven solutions, TULU bridges technology, sustainability, and convenience, fostering a smarter way of living in urban spaces.

As a diverse team of engineers, designers, architects, and data scientists, TULU is dedicated to building a global movement that redefines consumption and promotes sustainable urban lifestyles.

Daniel Neetzel - Liquid Trees

Liquid Trees is an innovative initiative leveraging the extraordinary natural abilities of microscopic plants called diatoms to address climate change and support environmental restoration.

These microorganisms absorb 10-20 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually, equivalent to the carbon captured by all the world’s rainforests.

Additionally, diatoms are critical oxygen producers, contributing 20% to 40% of the oxygen we breathe through photosynthesis.

The "Keeping the Planet Cool with Diatoms" campaign seeks to raise awareness about the immense potential of diatoms in CO2 removal and their role in maintaining ecological balance.

Liquid Trees is actively working to remove 10 gigatonnes of CO2 by accelerating the growth of native diatoms in polluted open water systems, combining natural processes with scalable innovation to restore ecosystems.

Godfrey Riddle - Civic Saint

Godfrey Riddle, founder and president of Civic Saint. With an MPA from the University of Kansas and early experience as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Phoenix addressing blight, food insecurity, and sustainability, Riddle understands the transformative power of quality housing.

Since returning to Kansas City, he has raised $20 million for arts and nonprofit initiatives, launched nearly 30 nonprofit programs, and contributed to three successful startups.

Civic Saint, Riddle’s for-profit social enterprise, aims to dismantle the legacy of brutality and discriminatory policies affecting Black communities.

Using innovative approaches such as compressed earthen blocks (CEBs) and modular construction, Civic Saint creates artful, affordable homes and adaptive communities.

These CEBs are bulletproof, fire-resistant, non-toxic, and cost-efficient, offering sustainable solutions for housing.

Beyond construction, Civic Saint fosters community pride and investment by hosting production facilities and restorative artist residencies in affected neighborhoods.

These initiatives amplify neighborhood storytelling and beautification while generating employment, increasing homeownership, and building generational wealth in formerly redlined areas.

Haïkel Balti - Faircraft

Faircraft is at the forefront of a new era in material science, combining cutting-edge cell biology with a passion for sustainability to create revolutionary materials. Starting with real leather made without animals, Faircraft is pioneering a class of materials designed to be both inspiring and environmentally responsible.

Using the fundamental building blocks of life—cells and proteins—Faircraft develops materials that are versatile, low-impact, and unmatched in touch and feel.

The company’s innovative material discovery platform allows for precise customization, empowering brands to create extraordinary products that evoke the right emotions and tell their unique stories.

With a commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of traditional materials, Faircraft delivers solutions that blend exceptional performance with sustainability.

Whether you're a designer, a brand, or simply curious about the future of material science, Faircraft invites collaboration to help shape the future of fashion and beyond.

Based in Paris, Faircraft is redefining the possibilities of material innovation while staying true to its mission of creating a better, more sustainable world.

Halen Mattison and Luke Neiseume - General Galactic

General Galactic is at the forefront of clean energy innovation, transforming CO₂ emissions into fossil-free fuels through cutting-edge technology.

With a mission to decarbonize the global energy supply chain, the company provides clean, affordable, and accessible energy while leveraging existing infrastructure to ensure a seamless transition to sustainability.

At the heart of General Galactic’s operations is the Genesis system, a breakthrough inspired by aerospace technology.

This proprietary solution captures CO₂ from industrial emissions, waste, or air, and combines it with water and renewable electricity to produce high-purity, renewable hydrocarbon fuels.

Their first product, fossil-free natural gas, is a 100% carbon-neutral alternative that integrates effortlessly with current systems, expediting the transition to greener energy without the need for drastic infrastructure overhauls.

General Galactic addresses the critical energy needs of industries such as maritime transportation, agriculture, and industrial processes by offering energy-dense, carbon-neutral fuels and chemicals.

The company’s modular, scalable approach enables deployment across diverse applications, democratizing access to clean energy while eliminating the need for CO₂ venting or sequestration.

Founded and led by industry experts including CEO Halen Mattison and CTO Luke Neise, General Galactic combines a deep understanding of technology and sustainability to drive its mission.

The team’s vision extends beyond Earth, as their Genesis system is also designed to support space exploration by refueling spacecraft and enabling future settlements on other planets.

Carl Madi, Tressia Hobeika, and Edoardo Serra, Stepful

Founded by Carl Madi, Tressia Hobeika, and Edoardo Serra, Stepful is revolutionizing healthcare training through its accelerated, affordable programs tailored to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals.

By combining technology and partnerships with healthcare providers, Stepful bridges the healthcare labor gap while expanding access to career pathways, particularly for underserved communities.

Stepful’s AI-powered platform provides fast, cost-effective training for roles such as medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and licensed practical nurses.

Unlike traditional trade schools, its online, instructor-led courses cater to working adults, offering flexibility through cohort-based learning, one-on-one coaching, and interactive modules.

This model empowers students to learn at their own pace while balancing work and personal commitments.

Since its launch in 2021, Stepful has grown rapidly, scaling from 50 students in its first year to an anticipated 30,000 enrollees by the end of 2024.

Students achieve impressive outcomes, with an 87% pass rate on the National Healthcareer Association CCMA exam—10 points above the national average—and a 75% program completion rate.

Stepful addresses the urgent healthcare workforce shortage, projected to reach 3.2 million workers by 2026.

By partnering with healthcare systems like Providence, Ohio State University Physicians, and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Stepful not only trains and screens skilled workers but also helps employers onboard them efficiently, improving patient care.

With a focus on scaling its B2B offerings and enhancing partnerships, Stepful is evolving into an end-to-end workforce solution, positioning itself as a critical player in the $28 billion healthcare training market.

Melinda Su-En Lee and Mallory Barrett - Parcel Health

Parcel Health was founded by Melinda Su-En Lee and Mallory Barrett, two visionaries committed to revolutionizing pharmaceutical packaging by addressing the global issue of plastic waste. Together, they bring a unique blend of expertise and passion for sustainability to redefine the industry.

Melinda Su-En Lee, born and raised in Malaysia, witnessed the devastating effects of plastic pollution on her homeland, sparking a lifelong commitment to environmental sustainability.

After earning a pharmacology degree from Stony Brook University and conducting research at Harvard University, Melinda pursued a doctoral pharmacy degree at the University of Michigan.

Her work in patient care illuminated a troubling issue: the billions of plastic pill bottles contributing to global waste.

Motivated by her experiences and deep concern for the environment, Melinda set out to create a sustainable alternative to conventional pharmaceutical packaging, driven by a mission to balance healthcare delivery with environmental stewardship.

Mallory Barrett, a graduate of North Carolina State University, began her journey in sustainable design by winning the prestigious "Cradle to Cradle Product Design Challenge" in 2017.

Her innovative project, Rex, reimagined pharmaceutical packaging through a circular design lens. Mallory’s early career in the paper packaging industry solidified her passion for sustainable materials but also highlighted the stagnation in the industry’s creativity.

Eager to push boundaries, she joined forces with Melinda to reimagine pharmaceutical packaging, combining her expertise in materials sourcing and design with a drive to create impactful change.

Together, the founders launched Parcel Health, a company dedicated to creating pharmaceutical packaging solutions that prioritize patient safety and environmental protection.

Their vision is to fill medicine cabinets with safe, sustainable parcels instead of plastics. Parcel Health’s innovative designs blend safety, user experience, and sustainability to set a new industry standard.

By combining years of industry experience with a relentless commitment to innovation, Parcel Health aims to replace single-use plastics with environmentally conscious alternatives, ensuring their products serve both patients and the planet.

Their ethos of creating "parcels with a purpose" reflects a profound respect for the intimate role pharmaceutical packaging plays in healthcare and environmental stewardship.

Katrin Oeding and Christian Sigmund - WILDPLASTIC

WILDPLASTIC is on a mission to tackle the global plastic crisis by transforming discarded plastic into a valuable resource. The company focuses on collecting "wild plastic" from countries with inadequate waste management systems, where plastic waste often ends up polluting the environment.

This plastic is then repurposed into sustainable products like WILDmailingbags and WILDBAGS, which are designed to reduce CO₂ emissions and eliminate the need for producing new plastic.

Beyond environmental impact, WILDPLASTIC prioritizes social responsibility by partnering with local waste collectors and sorters, ensuring fair working conditions and empowering communities.

By combining ecological and social innovation, the company creates a unique dual impact: cleaning up the planet while supporting livelihoods.

With a vision to build a circular plastic economy, WILDPLASTIC is not just addressing the symptoms of the plastic crisis but also reimagining waste as an opportunity to drive meaningful change.

Their approach offers a scalable solution to plastic pollution, transforming the way we think about waste and sustainability.

Nathan King - itselectric

Nathan L. King is a LEED-certified, licensed architect with over 20 years of experience in designing and managing sustainable urban developments. Throughout his career, Nathan has led large-scale, complex urban construction projects, shaping cities to be more resilient and environmentally friendly.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, while serving as Senior Technical Architect at the global architecture firm SOM, Nathan spearheaded the design of the new NYC Public Health Laboratory.

This pivotal project inspired the creation of itselectric, enabling Nathan to leverage his deep expertise in permitting and urban infrastructure to accelerate the adoption of electrified transportation in cities across the U.S.

itselectric is on a mission to revolutionize urban transportation by bringing accessible and affordable curbside EV charging to cities across the U.S.

By addressing the challenges of urban EV charging, the company aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, leading to cleaner air and healthier communities.

Through innovative partnerships with property owners, itselectric taps into underutilized electricity sources, enabling property owners to earn passive income while expanding EV charging infrastructure.

This approach not only makes charging more convenient but also supports a sustainable transition to electric mobility in densely populated areas.

While currently awaiting operational authorization in New York City, itselectric is committed to working closely with governing agencies to deploy its cutting-edge hardware and deliver solutions that benefit both property owners and urban residents.

With a focus on equity and environmental impact, itselectric is poised to play a pivotal role in the transformation of urban transportation.

Connie Lo and Laura Burget - Three Ships Beauty

Founded by Connie Lo and Laura Burget, Three Ships Beauty has become a leader in the clean beauty industry by offering transparent, science-backed, and sustainable skincare solutions.

The brand is committed to using plant-derived ingredients and packaging all products in 100% recyclable materials, setting a new standard for eco-friendly beauty.

Three Ships' hero products, such as the Skin Hero Bio-Retinol Serum and Dew Drops Serum, have gained widespread acclaim, achieving multiple sell-outs.

The brand prioritizes upcycled ingredients and innovative packaging, demonstrating its dedication to sustainability and minimizing its environmental impact.

Guided by the vision to make clean skincare accessible without compromise, Three Ships Beauty merges transparency, innovation, and eco-consciousness.

From their thoughtfully formulated products to their mission-driven ethos, the brand continues to lead the movement toward a more sustainable future in beauty.

Matanya Horowitz - AMP

AMP is at the forefront of modernizing the global recycling industry by applying AI and automation to waste sorting and resource recovery.

Headquartered in Colorado, AMP develops advanced technologies that make recycling more efficient, scalable, and sustainable, addressing critical challenges such as labor shortages, low recycling rates, and stringent material purity standards.

With hundreds of systems deployed across three continents, AMP is reshaping the economics of recycling to maximize the recovery of valuable resources.

AMP’s intelligent automation solutions enable precise separation and identification of recyclables, improving bale purity and reducing operational costs. By diverting materials from landfills and enhancing the efficiency of recycling processes, AMP is helping to drive a circular economy.

This approach not only reduces waste and pollution but also ensures a steady supply of high-quality raw materials needed for global supply chains, safeguarding production and supporting economic growth.

In addition to environmental benefits, AMP creates jobs and revitalizes the recycling workforce by advancing modern infrastructure and collaborating with industry leaders to expand capabilities.

With applications spanning single-stream recycling, plastics, metals, and more, AMP continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible in recycling technology.

Hafeezah Muhammad - Backpack Healthcare

Hafeezah Muhammad is a trailblazing mompreneur dedicated to leveraging technology to solve critical societal challenges.

With a deep understanding of leadership and the transformative potential of AI, she founded Backpack Healthcare to revolutionize mental health support for children. Her visionary approach has positioned the company as an industry leader, setting new benchmarks for accessibility and inclusivity in mental wellness.

Hafeezah’s leadership goes beyond technological innovation. She has cultivated a company culture rooted in empathy, collaboration, and personal growth, prioritizing her team’s well-being and professional development.

By fostering a collective spirit of excellence, she inspires her team to deliver impactful solutions while empowering them to reach their full potential.

Hafeezah’s authentic leadership exemplifies her belief that creating groundbreaking products is only part of the journey—true success lies in uplifting others and driving meaningful change.

Backpack Healthcare (formerly Youme Healthcare) is dedicated to providing inclusive, accessible, and comprehensive mental health support for children, young adults, and their families.

With a commitment to serving individuals from all backgrounds, identities, and circumstances, Backpack Healthcare ensures that high-quality mental healthcare is within reach for everyone.

The name reflects the universal reality that we all carry invisible backpacks filled with our emotions, traumas, and life experiences.

When those backpacks become too heavy, Backpack Healthcare steps in to help lighten the load through therapy and a range of mental health resources.

Their mission is to empower individuals and families with the tools and support they need to navigate life’s challenges and achieve emotional well-being.

Shiv Bhakta and Richard Swartwout - Active Surfaces

Shiv Bhakta, MS/MBA at MIT, is a passionate advocate for climate solutions with a rich background in energy and sustainability.

His experiences at the Department of Energy, ExxonMobil, Verizon, and MUUS Climate Partners, along with his academic focus on corporate sustainability, have equipped him with deep expertise in commercializing climate-focused deeptech innovations.

As the public face of Active Surfaces, Shiv drives key relationships for capital investment, customer acquisition, and talent recruitment.

Dr. Richard Swartwout, an MIT PhD specializing in Solar R&D and Printed Electronics, brings over a decade of energy innovation experience to Active Surfaces.

As a Tata Center Fellow, he identified the transformative potential of flexible solar panels for powering remote areas, co-developing MIT’s GridEdge program to further this vision.

Dr. Swartwout’s technical leadership is integral to Active Surfaces’ success, having invented three core patents in the company’s intellectual property portfolio. His expertise in cutting-edge solar technology drives the development of scalable, flexible photovoltaic solutions.

Active Surfaces is revolutionizing solar energy with its lightweight, flexible panels that can integrate seamlessly into nearly any surface, regardless of size or shape.

This groundbreaking adaptability departs from traditional rigid solar panels, opening up new possibilities for incorporating solar power into everyday environments.

Fueled by an oversubscribed funding round led by Safar Partners and supported by investors like Lendlease, Type One Ventures, and New Climate Ventures, Active Surfaces has garnered significant backing from both institutional and corporate partners.

At the core of Active Surfaces’ strategy is the expansion of its lab-fabricated 4-by-4-inch photovoltaic devices through advancements in industrial roll-to-roll semiconductor printing.

This breakthrough technology enables scalable production of thin, flexible solar materials, paving the way for solar panels of any size. By making solar power more accessible and versatile, Active Surfaces is poised to transform how renewable energy integrates into the world around us.

Samantha Rudolph - Babyation

Babyation was founded with a mission to create a breast pump that truly understands and supports mothers.

Inspired by the challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers, Samantha and Jared designed a product that integrates seamlessly into a mother’s life while prioritizing comfort, efficiency, and discretion.

The Babyation Breast Pump stands out with its advanced features:

• Quiet Operation: Unlike traditional pumps, Babyation’s pump operates nearly silently, allowing for discreet use in any setting.
• Smart Technology: The pump’s personalized control system mimics a baby’s natural nursing patterns for enhanced comfort and efficiency.
• Portability and Discretion: With a compact design and built-in storage, the pump is optimized for on-the-go use.
• App Integration: A user-friendly app tracks sessions, monitors milk volume, and provides personalized tips, simplifying time management for busy mothers.
• Hygienic Closed System: The pump’s design prevents milk from entering tubing, ensuring cleanliness and ease of maintenance.
• Comfort-Focused Design: Soft, flexible silicone breast shields adapt to different breast shapes for a gentle pumping experience.

The innovative Vacuum-Boost Technology™ ensures effective suction that mimics a baby’s suckling, while the pump’s unique tubing system enhances efficiency and hygiene. Babyation also integrates sustainability into its design, offering recyclable tubing through a partnership with TerraCycle™.

With its sleek, functional design and thoughtful features, Babyation is transforming the breastfeeding experience, empowering mothers to focus on what matters most: their babies.

Taita Ngetich - Synnefa

Taita Ngetich is an innovator and entrepreneur dedicated to addressing challenges in Africa’s agriculture sector. As the founder of Synnefa, he has earned recognition as a Mandela Washington Fellow, a Rainer Arnhold Fellow, a Google Black Founders Fund Awardee, and the MIT Solve Grand Challenges Winner in 2023.

He holds an MBA from Warwick Business School, combining his academic expertise with his passion for impactful solutions.

Synnefa is transforming Africa’s agriculture landscape by creating more prosperous and climate-resilient cash crop farmers.

Through its innovative modular greenhouses equipped with precision farming technology, Synnefa enables smallholder farmers to maximize yields while minimizing resource use.

By integrating IoT technology with on-the-ground farmer support, Synnefa collects and leverages data to provide comprehensive solutions, including training, access to financing, quality farm inputs, and market linkage.

This holistic approach empowers farmers to achieve sustainable growth, adapt to climate challenges, and build thriving agricultural businesses.

Igor Kocis - GA Drilling

Igor Kocis is the CEO of GA Drilling, an innovative company transforming the energy sector with its revolutionary PLASMABIT technology.

This solution unlocks the vast potential of geothermal energy by introducing advanced downhole drilling tools, setting a new standard for sustainable energy extraction.

Under Igor's leadership, GA Drilling has successfully united global experts, industry leaders, and investors to propel the PLASMABIT project forward.

With a strong focus on securing funding and scaling operations, Igor is dedicated to positioning GA Drilling as a global leader in geothermal energy innovation.

He is actively driving the company’s expansion from its base in Slovakia into key markets in Western Europe and the United States, enabling broader adoption of its groundbreaking technology.

Johanna Baare and Anne Lamp - Traceless

Johanna Baare brings extensive business and strategy development expertise to Traceless. With experience as the COO of a social impact startup and as a business developer for an international strategy consultancy, Johanna excels at scaling early-stage ventures and building high-performing teams.

Her entrepreneurial mindset and business acumen are instrumental in positioning Traceless as a leader in sustainable materials innovation.

As COO, Johanna focuses on driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and the successful commercialization of Traceless technologies. Together with Anne, she is transforming the future of eco-friendly materials.

Anne Lamp is the inventor of the groundbreaking technology behind Traceless materials. With a PhD in Process Engineering and extensive research in biorefinery, Anne has a strong foundation in developing innovative, sustainable solutions.

Her expertise extends beyond the lab—she holds four patents and has practical experience in commercial product development.

Anne is also a recognized industry expert in life-cycle assessment and a founding member of Hamburg’s Cradle to Cradle NGO regional group, showcasing her dedication to sustainable and circular economies.

As CEO, she leads Traceless with a vision to revolutionize material science and drive impactful environmental change.

Traceless is a circular bioeconomy startup offering an innovative solution to combat plastic pollution with traceless® materials.

Derived from agricultural plant residues, our materials are fully biobased, plastic-free, and home compostable, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.

Our patent-pending production technology is scalable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

A science-backed life-cycle assessment demonstrates that traceless® materials reduce carbon emissions by 91% and fossil energy demand by 89% compared to traditional plastics, all while preserving agricultural land, conserving water resources, and eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals or additives.

At Traceless, we are setting a new standard for eco-friendly materials, driving innovation in sustainable solutions for a cleaner, healthier planet.

Simon Schwall - Oko

Simon Schwall is a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in developing and scaling innovative insurance solutions for emerging markets.

As the co-founder and CEO of OKO, Simon is dedicated to empowering smallholder farmers by providing them with tools to protect their crops, access financing, diversify production, and grow their farms.

His work leverages technology, data, and strategic partnerships to create affordable and accessible insurance products that improve the livelihoods of millions of farmers worldwide.

Under Simon’s leadership, OKO has achieved significant milestones since its launch in 2019 in Mali. By 2022, the company expanded to Uganda and Côte d'Ivoire, serving over 25,000 farmers and disbursing more than $300,000 in claims.

Simon has built and led a team of 35 employees and forged strategic partnerships with local insurers, mobile operators, agricultural organizations, and NGOs.

Simon oversees multiple aspects of the business, including strategy, partnerships, finance, marketing, and human resources.

His efforts have attracted funding from investors and donors and earned OKO recognition through participation in prestigious accelerator programs.

With a rich professional background and a global perspective gained from working across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, Simon combines analytical skills and strategic expertise to drive OKO’s mission of transforming agricultural insurance and fostering sustainable growth for smallholder farmers.

Adam Root - Matter

Matter is a startup on a mission to end microplastic pollution. Operating on a partnership-driven model, Matter collaborates with global players to create scalable solutions that address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Guided by an in-house R&D team, the company develops innovative technologies to tackle problems that are microscopic in size but colossal in their environmental impact.

Matter’s efforts are focused on disrupting key industries, including the global washing machine market, industrial water filtration in wastewater treatment plants, and industrial water used in manufacturing processes.

By addressing microplastic pollution at its sources, Matter aims to create meaningful, measurable change on a global scale.

Committed to the principles of the circular economy, Matter transforms waste into a valuable resource through thoughtful and innovative design.

The company is driven by an impatience to challenge outdated practices and a bold ambition to operate at the scale necessary to effect lasting change for the planet.

Kevin Martin, Beth Esponnette, Walden Lam - unspun

Unspun was founded by Beth Esponnette, Walden Lam, and Kevin Martin with a mission to lead the fashion industry into a regenerative, sustainable, and intentional future.

Recognizing the need for a new approach to an industry that thrives on overproduction and excess, the founders set out to challenge conventional norms and drive meaningful change.

Unspun aims to reduce global carbon emissions by 1% through innovative solutions like custom-fit jeans and Vega™ 3D weaving technology.

Their made-to-order denim eliminates the need for inventory and size ranges, while Vega™ transforms yarn into garments in minutes, setting a new standard for efficiency and circularity.

Headquartered in Oakland, California, Unspun integrates robotics, digital automation, and textile innovation to create a truly intentional future for fashion—one that prioritizes individuality, reduces waste, and fosters a circular economy.

By combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to sustainability, Unspun is redefining how the world thinks about clothing production.

Jane Palmer - Nature Coatings

Nature Coatings is a pioneering company dedicated to creating bio-based, non-toxic, and renewable solutions from waste materials. Driven by the belief that it is possible to produce high-performance materials without harming the planet or human health, the company is leading the charge in sustainable innovation.

At the heart of Nature Coatings’ offerings is BioBlack TX, a 100% bio-based, non-toxic replacement for petroleum-derived carbon black.

This product provides a carbon-negative, traceable, and certified alternative for industries seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.

By eliminating harmful chemicals and staying ahead of regulatory standards, Nature Coatings prioritizes health, safety, and environmental responsibility without compromising performance or cost.

Trusted by leading global brands, Nature Coatings partners with forward-thinking organizations to drive meaningful impact. From sustainable fashion to cleaner industrial processes, the company’s innovations support a healthier planet while enabling businesses to meet sustainability goals confidently.

Alex Torrey and Byungwoo Ko - The Rounds

The Rounds is an AI-powered home management platform designed to simplify and streamline everyday life. Acting as a personal "Psychic Home Manager," The Rounds automates the inventory management of daily essentials, ensuring households never run out of what they need.

Through a unique two-way last-mile logistics network, The Rounds offers scheduled weekly delivery and refill services for essential consumer goods. This closed-loop system minimizes waste and reduces environmental impact, making sustainable choices effortless for users.

With a mission to make everyday living more convenient and eco-friendly, The Rounds combines advanced technology and innovative logistics to redefine how homes manage resources, one refill at a time.

Jacqueline Ros Amable - Matereal

Jacqueline Ros Amable is the CEO and co-founder of Matereal, a company dedicated to detoxifying and decarbonizing plastic supply chains, starting with toxic plastics in textiles through advanced chemistry and AI.

Previously, she founded and led Venture for ClimateTech and Revolar, where she developed innovative safety devices and built high-performing teams.

Jacqueline has also supported entrepreneurs across the Americas as a leader at Techstars and advises startups focused on sustainability and circular supply chains.

Passionate about innovation and global impact, she is committed to transforming systems and empowering founders to drive meaningful change.

Matereal™ combines breakthrough chemistry and AI to detoxify and decarbonize plastics across industries, from fashion to housing.

Its first chemical platform, Polaris™, offers a biobased, renewable alternative to traditional polyurethane, delivering versatility, durability, and affordability without petrochemicals or isocyanates.

Polaris™ integrates seamlessly into existing production processes, using standard machines and commercially available feedstocks. Its scalable design not only captures CO2 but also provides flexible end-of-life options, allowing partners to choose recyclable or biodegradable solutions.

Competitively priced and easy to implement, Polaris™ helps brands meet sustainability goals and stay ahead of regulatory trends.

John Felts - Cruz Foam

Cruz Foam is a materials technology company revolutionizing the way businesses approach packaging and single-use plastics. Inspired by the ocean and founded in 2017 by a group of surfers, Cruz Foam is committed to replacing harmful plastics with all-natural, renewable, and circular materials.

By integrating seamlessly into existing supply chains, Cruz Foam empowers global brands to adopt sustainable solutions without compromising performance or cost.

The company’s innovative materials are compatible with current equipment and processes, making the transition frictionless for both brands and their suppliers.

Cruz Foam’s solutions are driven by a relentless focus on sustainability and a mission to catalyze the global shift to circular material technologies.

Backed by a world-class team of experts, advisors, and investors—including notable names like Ashton Kutcher and Leonardo DiCaprio—Cruz Foam has achieved significant milestones, such as being a two-time NSF Small Business Innovation Grant recipient, winning the 2022 Global Seafood Alliance Innovation Award, and earning a 2023 Bronze PentAward for sustainable package design.

Dr. Joy Cooper - Culture Care

Dr. Joy Cooper is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Culture Care, a telemedicine startup dedicated to improving healthcare for Black women by connecting them with Black doctors for care and second opinions.

She is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with extensive experience addressing health disparities and promoting culturally concordant care.

As a medical student, Dr. Cooper founded a nonprofit focused on providing reproductive health education to Black adolescent girls.

She later returned to her hometown of Philadelphia for residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where she deepened her commitment to serving Black women and saw firsthand the impact of culturally aligned care.

Culture Care is a telemedicine platform dedicated to addressing health disparities and improving outcomes for Black women by providing virtual second opinions and specialized care from Black doctors.

By leveraging telemedicine, Culture Care ensures Black women have access to culturally aligned healthcare that meets their unique needs.

Through the platform, patients can select services tailored to their specific requirements, including second opinions, adjunctive care bundles for pregnancy, or diagnosis and management of conditions such as fibroids.

Culture Care’s mission is to reduce cancer mortality, maternal mortality, and infant mortality rates for Black women and their children, driving meaningful change in healthcare equity.

Ruben Brands - SeaO2

SeaO₂ is a climate tech company dedicated to reducing global CO₂ levels through innovative ocean-based solutions. Founded in 2021 and built on research from Delft University of Technology and Wetsus, SeaO₂ utilizes Direct Ocean Capture (DOC) technology to efficiently remove carbon dioxide from seawater.

This approach not only reduces atmospheric CO₂ but also restores ocean pH levels, mitigating acidification and supporting marine biodiversity.

The company aims to remove one gigaton of CO₂ by 2045, leveraging partnerships with leading organizations such as XPRIZE Carbon Removal, TU Delft, and Wetsus.

SeaO₂’s scalable technology integrates seamlessly into existing infrastructure, offering a cost-effective solution for addressing climate change at a global scale.

With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and measurable impact, SeaO₂ is positioned to set a new standard in carbon removal while contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.

Patrick Cook-Deegan - Wayfinder

Patrick Cook-Deegan is the founder of Wayfinder, a leading provider of social-emotional and future-ready skills curricula for K-12 education.

Wayfinder was inspired by Patrick's experience teaching character development in Oakland, CA, where he developed purpose-driven curriculum to help students lead meaningful lives.

Since its inception in 2015 during Patrick's education innovation fellowship at Stanford’s d.school, Wayfinder has grown to serve over 1,500 schools and nearly one million students globally.

Patrick has over two decades of experience in leadership and character education, collaborating with schools worldwide.

A Fulbright Scholar and former lecturer at Stanford and UC Berkeley, his work has been featured in The Washington Post, Forbes, NPR, and TechCrunch. Patrick is dedicated to equipping students with the skills to navigate their futures with purpose and resilience.

Developed at Stanford University's d.school, Wayfinder offers a K-12 curriculum that equips students with essential future-ready skills, including Self-Awareness, Adaptability, Empathy, Collaboration, Agency, and Purpose.

Rooted in research, the program bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, fostering meaningful connections and enhancing student engagement.

Wayfinder’s curriculum includes the Waypoints assessment suite, providing real-time insights to guide targeted instruction and interventions.

Since 2015, Wayfinder has served students in over 65 countries, including major U.S. districts like Omaha, Portland, and Philadelphia.

Recognized for its impact, Wayfinder has received top honors from CASEL and Common Sense Education, affirming its role as a leader in social-emotional and future-ready education.

Chris Chavasse - Muddy Machines

Muddy Machines is at the forefront of agricultural transformation, providing advanced electric robots that address critical challenges such as labour shortages and precision harvesting.

By enabling growers to produce more efficiently and locally, the company is helping ensure fresher, more sustainable food for consumers while supporting the future of farming.

The company’s flagship solutions include Sprout, an all-terrain autonomous robot designed for precision horticulture. Sprout carries custom implements and operates independently or as part of a fleet, optimizing selective harvesting and precision tasks.

Squirrel, a logistics robot for soft fruit and berry growers, simplifies farm operations by efficiently transporting freshly picked produce and supplies between workers and collection points.

Muddy Machines combines cutting-edge robotics with practical applications to empower farmers to manage labour-intensive crops more effectively.

By reducing reliance on manual labour and promoting sustainable practices, Muddy Machines is redefining the agricultural landscape, enabling farms to meet the demands of modern food production while building a more resilient and efficient future.