Los Angeles’ skyline whispers of change, as pioneers of green technology integrate sustainable solutions. These visionaries sculpt the city’s eco-friendly tomorrow, ensuring each skyscraper and street pulses with green innovation. From solar-paneled rooftops to energy-efficient transit systems, their work is crucial. The pioneers not only sculpt a greener landscape but also instill a consciousness of conservation. By embedding sustainability in the city’s heartbeat, they ensure that Los Angeles’ progress is sculpted with the well-being of the planet in mind.
The recent LA Tech Week event, sponsored by Lowercarbon Capital and Climate Draft, highlighted the intersection of aerospace and greentech startups in the region. Several startups with ties to SpaceX participated, showcasing their innovative solutions to address climate change. Here’s a glimpse of these forward-thinking greentech companies and their contributions to a sustainable future:
Arbor: Situated in El Segundo, Arbor is a young startup dedicated to converting organic waste into energy and fresh water. Additionally, it employs biomass carbon removal and storage to mitigate carbon emissions, contributing to the preservation of the ozone layer. With ambitions to repurpose five billion tons of organic waste annually, Arbor seeks to meet a substantial portion of global electricity demand. CEO Brad Hartwig, formerly of SpaceX, brings aerospace expertise to the venture.
Antora Energy: Founded in Sunnyvale in 2017, Antora Energy focuses on modernizing thermal energy storage using ultra-hot carbon. By capturing thermal energy from heated carbon blocks and storing it in proprietary batteries, Antora aims to provide a scalable solution to green the energy sector. The challenge lies in transforming variable renewable electricity into reliable and on-demand power.
Arc: Arc is an electric boating company that has swiftly transitioned from design to delivering its first e-boats in just two years. With a design centered around battery packs, the company aims to make battery-powered speedboats competitive with traditional gas boats in terms of range and cost. While premium-priced, Arc boats have already gained attention from investors and celebrities, much like Tesla’s early models.
Clarity Technology: LA-based Clarity Technology, founded by Yale graduate Glen Meyerowitz, is dedicated to carbon removal through direct air capture, a process involving massive fans that capture CO2. The challenge is to scale up this process efficiently while making a significant impact on carbon emissions. Meyerowitz’s previous experience at SpaceX informs his approach to tackling gigaton-sized problems.
Parallel Systems: Located in Downtown LA’s Arts District, Parallel Systems is developing zero-emission rail vehicles suitable for long-haul transportation typically handled by trucks. By offering an energy-efficient alternative to the $700 billion trucking industry, Parallel Systems seeks to reduce emissions and transportation costs. Supported by grants and investments, the company is making strides in sustainable transportation.
Terra Talent: Unlike other startups at the event, Terra Talent focuses on building talent teams for greentech companies. Founder Dolly Singh, with a background at SpaceX, Oculus, and Citadel, operates a talent and advisory firm that helps recruit top talent in the greentech sector. She emphasizes the urgency of addressing current environmental challenges to ensure Earth remains habitable for future generations.
These LA-based greentech startups are pioneering solutions to address pressing environmental issues and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
