, a Harvard-trained architect now based out of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, help female and diverse entrepreneurs and innovators dramatically reduce the time it takes to get scientifically-vetted climate tech to market. These projects are calledon the horizon. In some cases, it can take decades before a climate technology reaches commercialization. Through IMPEL and Cradle to Commerce , Reshma and her team are working on accelerating the process.
I’ve experienced this throughout my career. Years ago I had an edutech startup. In pitch meetings, the audience would only address the hard technical questions to my male partner, even though this was my expertise and his focus was in other areas of the business. I still experience discrimination to this day.
Lastly, it’s our programming itself. We provide our innovators with the scientific expertise, business coaching, and funding connections they need to commercialize their projects faster than if they hadn’t received this support. According to Pitchbook data, women-founded startups received 2% or less of venture capital funding in the United States in 2023. We’re helping our women entrepreneurs overcome this challenge.
We need better, more sustainable buildings to keep communities safe during extreme weather events that are exacerbated by climate change. While the need to decarbonize the built environment is urgent, hard tech tends to need years to develop from concept to market. To what degree is women-led climate tech a niche industry – one that appeals to a market primarily composed of women?
Sustainable prosperity is a form of economic development that benefits all people and the planet. Radiant Exchange, led by recent University of Pennsylvania graduate Rowan Bortz, uses radiant cooling to keep outdoor spaces cool during periods of extreme heat. Radiant surfaces absorb heat directly from your body, unlike air conditioners which rely on cooling the air around you. Radiant Exchange will enable us to spend more time outdoors in hot weather.