The Stack Overflow Podcast Can climate tech startups address the current crisis?
Mar 14, 2025
Elizabeth Kaufman, Head of climate tech startups at AWS, co-leads the Compute for Climate Fellowship, funding startups innovating in climate tech. She discusses how these startups leverage advanced cloud computing and AI to tackle environmental challenges. The conversation highlights examples like SmartX, which reduces fashion waste, and explores the potential of fusion energy technology. Kaufman emphasizes the importance of agility and innovation in transforming the energy sector, showcasing how diverse solutions can address climate change effectively.
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Early Inspiration
- Lisbeth Kaufman's father, Lloyd Kaufman, is an independent filmmaker known for cult horror films.
- One of his films, The Toxic Avenger, features an environmental superhero, inspiring Lisbeth's interest in climate.
AI in Fashion
- SmartX, a climate tech startup, uses AI and computer vision to identify flaws in fabrics.
- This helps manufacturers reduce waste and carbon emissions in the fashion industry.
Renewable Energy
- Renewable energy resources offer both environmental and economic advantages.
- Once set up, they provide energy from sources like the sun.