Inevitable

Brent Minchew, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist at Arête Glacier Initiative, dives into the urgent crisis posed by melting glaciers, particularly the Thwaites or 'Doomsday Glacier.' He discusses how glacial intervention could mitigate sea-level rise and explores innovative solutions like thermo-siphons. Brent emphasizes the stark funding gap in glaciology research and its economic implications for coastal communities. He also highlights the need for international cooperation in Antarctic governance and urges investment in proactive climate strategies.

Jonathan Godwin, Co-founder and CEO of Orbital Materials, dives into the innovative world of AI-driven materials designed to cool data centers while capturing CO₂. He shares insights on transitioning from DeepMind's AI roots to material engineering, emphasizing a 'design-before-experiment' philosophy. The conversation reveals how advanced materials are revolutionizing sustainability, the significance of developing a 'hero' product, and the strategic partnerships essential for maintaining an agile, asset-light operation in the industrial sector.

Matt Loszak, CEO and co-founder of Aalo Atomics, shares his journey from SaaS to spearheading innovations in nuclear energy. He discusses designing 50-megawatt reactors tailored for data centers and the importance of mass manufacturing. The conversation dives into engineering challenges, regulatory hurdles with DOE and NRC, and the synergistic relationship between AI and nuclear power. Loszak highlights how Aalo's modular approach aims to drive down costs and enhance reliability, positioning the company for a transformative impact in the energy sector.

Brandon Middaugh, Senior Director of Microsoft's $1 billion Climate Innovation Fund, dives into the tech giant's ambitious goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. He discusses the fund's unique 'invest-to-procure' model and its alignment with Microsoft’s sustainable demand, noting a five-fold increase in carbon removal contracts. Hear about strategic partnerships, including with airlines for sustainable fuel, and the vital need for scaling markets in climate innovation. Brandon shares insights on the collaboration necessary to drive meaningful sustainability progress.

Jacob Sandry, CEO and co-founder of Euclid Power, shares insights from his extensive background in renewable energy, including stints at Generate Capital and Goldman Sachs. He discusses how AI is transforming clean energy project development by enhancing efficiency and data management. Jacob reflects on the evolution of the industry, the challenges of transitioning to software solutions, and the importance of innovative partnerships. He emphasizes the critical role of solar and storage in meeting growing power demands while navigating the complexities of project financing.

Patrick Maloney, Co-founder and CEO of CIV, shares his remarkable journey from leading Inspire, a clean tech company sold to Shell, to navigating the venture capital landscape. He discusses how the recent LA wildfires reshaped his perspective on energy innovation. The conversation dives into the importance of blending energy with philosophy and politics, the strategic decision behind impactful acquisitions, and the revitalization of nuclear energy amidst evolving demands. Maloney's insights highlight the critical role of collaboration in today's climate tech ecosystem.

Zack Bogue, co-founder and managing partner at DCVC, shares his fascinating journey from a Colorado outdoors kid to a venture capitalist focused on climate technology. He discusses the strategic evolution of DCVC as it embraces deep tech and launches a climate-centric fund. Key highlights include navigating the challenges of investing in climate tech, the role of AI in revolutionizing geothermal energy, and the importance of creative financing in sustainable energy solutions. Bogue also touches on measuring investment impact and bridging the funding gap for innovative startups.

Liz Muller, CEO and Co-founder of Deep Fission, discusses innovative underground nuclear reactors that could reshape energy production. She shares insights from her previous venture and the core idea that led to Deep Fission's creation. The podcast explores how underground placement enhances safety and security, while also addressing cost comparisons with traditional reactors. Liz outlines the company's modular designs, initial partnerships, and her vision for the future of nuclear energy in response to growing global demands.

John Mills, Co-founder and CEO of Watch Duty, a nonprofit that provides real-time wildfire alerts, shares his journey from Silicon Valley to building a vital public safety tool. He discusses the platform's success during the LA wildfires, highlighting how it enables first responders to communicate effectively. John emphasizes the importance of empathy in entrepreneurship and the challenges of scaling a nonprofit in disaster response. He also explores the necessity of innovative solutions outpacing government tech to enhance community safety during wildfire emergencies.

Roman Arutyunov, Co-founder and SVP of Products at Xage Security, dives into the pressing cybersecurity threats facing our energy systems. He discusses the vulnerabilities in aging infrastructure and the rise of ransomware and nation-state attacks. The conversation highlights the challenges of merging operational technology with information technology, emphasizing a Zero Trust security approach. Arutyunov shares insights on how AI is reshaping threats and defenses, including the sophistication of phishing attacks and the essential need for robust protective measures.