Meet the innovators under 35 shaping climate tech
Each year, the editorial team at MIT Technology Review puts together a list of 35 innovators under 35—a group of researchers, inventors, and other young minds worth following. The team worked on the newest edition of the list for months, and the final slate includes nine individuals from all over the world in the climate…
The MIT Technology Review has released its annual list of innovators under 35, focusing on those making a difference in climate and energy technology. This year's edition includes nine individuals from around the globe who are tackling important challenges in the field. The group of innovators showcases a range of approaches and technologies that are shaping the future of climate tech.
Artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as the dominant technology of the moment, both in potential and challenges. Jae-Won Chung developed software to make AI more energy-efficient by measuring the energy demands of open-source models. This work could help the industry better understand and address the impact of AI on energy consumption. Additionally, Jing Wei leverages AI to track pollution more effectively, using machine learning algorithms to fill gaps in data from various sources like satellites and weather stations.
Zhonghua Zheng's AI climate models are designed to work better for cities, addressing the well-known blind spot in traditional climate models. The need for critical materials used in building new technologies is another area of focus. Mohammad Alkhadra, cofounder and CEO of Lithios, is working on a process to extract lithium from brines more quickly and efficiently, as the metal is essential for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage.
Benjamin Mowbray, cofounder and CTO of Rock Zero, is developing a method to extract lithium from hardrock ore, which is more expensive than brine but could eventually become a viable solution.
Climate change mitigation also requires addressing seemingly less obvious areas, such as heavy industry, including steel production, which accounts for around 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Laureen Meroueh is working on a cleaner, cheaper process for steel production using a new kind of furnace that simplifies the chemical process.
As for plastics, which are generally made with fossil fuels, Joseph Nguthiru is developing a bioplastic replacement for fossil-derived packaging using an invasive weed. Meanwhile, Diana Orembe is creating fish food from food waste, further utilizing available materials in innovative ways.
Refrigerants, often powerful greenhouse gases, are another area where innovation is needed. Jinyoung Seo is developing solid refrigerants that could eliminate concerns about leakage, potentially reducing energy consumption by 20% compared to conventional technology. Overall, the under-35 innovators featured in this year's list offer a glimpse into the diverse and dynamic landscape of climate tech, highlighting both challenges and promising solutions as we move towards a more sustainable future.
Written by urgent.news from MIT Technology Review's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
