Hardware to Save a Planet

In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett talks with Scott Mercer, Founder and CEO of Focused Energy,  about the future of nuclear fusion. They explore how laser-driven fusion, inspired by breakthroughs at Lawrence Livermore Labs, could offer limitless clean power by the 2030s. From physics to commercialization, Mercer shares how Focused Energy plans to bring fusion to the grid—and why this could be a game-changer for climate tech and global energy.What you will learn:How fusion energy worksThe laser-driven process that compresses deuterium-tritium fuelFocused Energy's approach, which builds upon the successful ignition achieved at Lawrence Livermore National Labs in 2022The key engineering challengesHow fusion energy could transform global energy systems and address climate changeScott Mercer is the CEO of Focused Energy, a pioneering company developing commercial nuclear fusion technology for energy generation. With a remarkable background in clean technology, he previously founded and led Volta, an EV charging company, for 13 years before its acquisition by Shell. Under his leadership, Focused Energy has raised over $175 million and is advancing laser-driven fusion technology similar to what achieved ignition at Lawrence Livermore National Labs. Scott brings unique expertise in scaling complex infrastructure projects and transitioning scientific breakthroughs into commercial applications. His vision for fusion energy as the ultimate solution for clean, abundant power generation, combined with his experience in building successful clean technology companies, positions him as a leading voice in the future of sustainable energy infrastructure.Episode ResourcesScott Mercer on LinkedInFocused Energy WebsiteDylan Garrett on LinkedInSynapse WebsiteHardware to Save a Planet Apple PodcastsHardware to Save a Planet SpotifyHardware to Save a Planet is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Peter Reinhardt of Charm Industrial, Carlos Araque of Quaise, Noah McQueen of Heirloom, Areeb Malik of Glacier, Jeff Satwicz of Bigbelly, Abe Schneider of Natel Energy, Insiya Jafferjee of Shellworks, Paul Gross of Remora, Erika Boeing of Accelerate Wind and Daniel Betts of Blue Frontier.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Going Big on Clean Energy with Small Fusion Reactors with Robin Langtry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avalanche EnergyThe Role of Energy Storage Systems in Combating Climate Change with Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESSMarine Electrification to Reduce Costs and Environmental Damage: A Conversation with Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon MarineIf you have an interesting hardware solution to the climate crisis and would like the opportunity to share this with our audience, please complete this Guest Application form: https://fame.so/syn

In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett talks with Greg Williams, VP of Product at Sublime Systems, about their groundbreaking low-carbon cement. They discuss how Sublime’s electrochemical process eliminates fossil fuel kilns and limestone-derived emissions, tackling 8% of global CO2 output. Greg shares insights on scaling their technology, industry partnerships, and the path to making sustainable cement the new standard.What you’ll learn:Greg's Journey to Decarbonizing CementThe Basics of the Cement vs. Concrete DebateWhy Cement Production is So Emissions-HeavyHow Sublime's Solution Decarbonizes Cement ProductionMore about the Scaling Journey From Pilot Plant to Commercial ProductionThe Value of Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with Industry LeadersThe Book & Claim Model and How Microsoft is Supporting Green CementGreg Williams is the VP of Product at Sublime Systems and an accomplished product leader with over 15 years of experience driving hardware and software innovation across startups and public companies. Now focused on climate solutions, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving, rapid learning, and clear communication. Greg excels at identifying market opportunities, as demonstrated in his leadership at a robotics AI startup, where he spearheaded a strategic pivot that led to a successful acquisition. Passionate about mentoring and impact-driven innovation, he is dedicated to developing technologies that address the climate crisis.Episode ResourceGreg Williams on LinkedInSublime Systems WebsiteSublime Systems Project ImageDylan Garrett on LinkedInSynapse WebsiteHardware to Save a Planet Apple PodcastsHardware to Save a Planet SpotifyHardware to Save a Planet is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Peter Reinhardt of Charm Industrial, Carlos Araque of Quaise, Noah McQueen of Heirloom, Areeb Malik of Glacier, Jeff Satwicz of Bigbelly, Abe Schneider of Natel Energy, Insiya Jafferjee of Shellworks, Paul Gross of Remora, Erika Boeing of Accelerate Wind and Daniel Betts of Blue Frontier.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Going Big on Clean Energy with Small Fusion Reactors with Robin Langtry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avalanche EnergyThe Role of Energy Storage Systems in Combating Climate Change with Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESSMarine Electrification to Reduce Costs and Environmental Damage: A Conversation with Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon MarineIf you have an interesting hardware solution to the climate crisis and would like the opportunity to share this with our audience, please complete this Guest Application form: https://fame.so/syn

In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett talks with Luke Iseman, founder of Make Sunsets, about tackling climate change through stratospheric aerosol injection. They explore the challenges of scaling hardware solutions, the urgency of immediate climate action, and the ethical debates around geoengineering. Luke shares his vision for using sulfur dioxide balloons to cool the planet, sparking a thought-provoking discussion on innovation and sustainability.Luke Iseman founded Make Sunsets, a pioneering company dedicated to combating climate change through stratospheric aerosol injection. With a background as a hardware startup veteran and former director of hardware at Y Combinator, Luke has a wealth of experience in launching innovative hardware solutions across various sectors, including precision agriculture and affordable housing. His current venture aims to cool the Earth by releasing sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, a process inspired by natural volcanic eruptions that have historically led to global cooling.Luke's work is particularly relevant in the context of the need for urgent climate action and he seeks to respond rapidly to the escalating effects of climate change. Notably, he has successfully engaged over 700 customers, generating significant interest in his cooling credits, which offer a tangible way for individuals and organizations to contribute to climate solutions.Episode ResourcesLuke Iseman on LinkedInMake Sunsets WebsiteDylan Garrett on LinkedInSynapse WebsiteHardware to Save a Planet Apple PodcastsHardware to Save a Planet SpotifyHardware to Save a Planet is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Peter Reinhardt of Charm Industrial, Carlos Araque of Quaise, Noah McQueen of Heirloom, Areeb Malik of Glacier, Jeff Satwicz of Bigbelly, Abe Schneider of Natel Energy, Insiya Jafferjee of Shellworks, Paul Gross of Remora, Erika Boeing of Accelerate Wind and Daniel Betts of Blue Frontier.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Going Big on Clean Energy with Small Fusion Reactors with Robin Langtry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avalanche EnergyThe Role of Energy Storage Systems in Combating Climate Change with Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESSMarine Electrification to Reduce Costs and Environmental Damage: A Conversation with Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon MarineIf you have an interesting hardware solution to the climate crisis and would like the opportunity to share this with our audience, please complete this Guest Application form: https://fame.so/syn

Curtis VanWalleghem, Co-Founder and CEO of Hydrostor, shares his journey from management consulting to pioneering compressed air energy storage. He explains how this innovative approach can stabilize renewable energy grids, providing a cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The conversation covers engineering breakthroughs, site requirements, and operational strategies for autonomous energy plants. Curtis also discusses the future of energy storage and the vital policies needed to support renewable integration, offering a hopeful perspective on climate change activism.

In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett interviews Allan Adams, founder and CEO of Aquatic Labs, about revolutionizing ocean measurement technology. Allan shares his journey from theoretical physics professor to climate tech innovator, inspired by the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems. They discuss Aquatic Labs’ innovative alkalinity sensor, which offers scalable, real-time measurement of seawater chemistry to help address challenges in ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR). The episode highlights the potential for better ocean data to transform carbon markets, advance climate solutions, and foster sustainable innovation in oceanography by combining cutting-edge technology with entrepreneurial vision.Episode ResourceAllan Adams on LinkedInAquatic Labs WebsiteAquatic Labs CareersAllan’s Medium PostDylan Garrett on LinkedInSynapse WebsiteHardware to Save a Planet Apple PodcastsHardware to Save a Planet SpotifyHardware to Save a Planet is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Peter Reinhardt of Charm Industrial, Carlos Araque of Quaise, Noah McQueen of Heirloom, Areeb Malik of Glacier, Jeff Satwicz of Bigbelly, Abe Schneider of Natel Energy, Insiya Jafferjee of Shellworks, Paul Gross of Remora, Erika Boeing of Accelerate Wind and Daniel Betts of Blue Frontier.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Going Big on Clean Energy with Small Fusion Reactors with Robin Langtry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avalanche EnergyThe Role of Energy Storage Systems in Combating Climate Change with Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESSMarine Electrification to Reduce Costs and Environmental Damage: A Conversation with Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon MarineIf you have an interesting hardware solution to the climate crisis and would like the opportunity to share this with our audience, please complete this Guest Application form: https://fame.so/syn

In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett sits down with Ross Bonner, CTO and co-founder of Transaera, to discuss innovative solutions for energy-efficient air conditioning. They explore the critical role of cooling in combating climate change, the equity challenges in access to climate technologies, and Transaera’s use of metal-organic frameworks to reduce energy consumption. Tune in to learn how these advancements make cooling more sustainable and accessible for everyone.Ross Bonner is the CTO and co-founder of Transaera, a company revolutionizing air conditioning technology. With a focus on energy efficiency, his team’s approach reduces energy consumption by 40% compared to conventional systems, specifically targeting hot and humid climates. Ross has a background in systems architecture, fluids, and heat transfer. He is a graduate of GE Aerospace’s Edison Engineering Development Program and holds a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University, along with a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from MIT. His work at Transaera aims to make cooling technology more sustainable and accessible worldwide.Episode ResourceRoss Bonner on LinkedInTransaera WebsiteTransaera Project ImageDylan Garrett on LinkedInSynapse WebsiteHardware to Save a Planet Apple PodcastsHardware to Save a Planet SpotifyHardware to Save a Planet is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Peter Reinhardt of Charm Industrial, Carlos Araque of Quaise, Noah McQueen of Heirloom, Areeb Malik of Glacier, Jeff Satwicz of Bigbelly, Abe Schneider of Natel Energy, Insiya Jafferjee of Shellworks, Paul Gross of Remora, Erika Boeing of Accelerate Wind and Daniel Betts of Blue Frontier.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Going Big on Clean Energy with Small Fusion Reactors with Robin Langtry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avalanche EnergyThe Role of Energy Storage Systems in Combating Climate Change with Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESSMarine Electrification to Reduce Costs and Environmental Damage: A Conversation with Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon MarineIf you have an interesting hardware solution to the climate crisis and would like the opportunity to share this with our audience, please complete this Guest Application form: https://fame.so/syn

In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, recorded on the sidelines of the New York Climate Week, host Dylan Garrett moderates a compelling panel discussion on the role of deep tech in addressing the climate crisis. Joining him are Colin Campbell, SVP of Technology at Cambridge Consultants; Trudy Wang, VP of Innovation at Hala Technologies; Lisa Hansmann, Principal at Engine Ventures; Kate Kelly, Chief of Staff at Avalanche Energy; and Catherine Mizrahi Rodriguez, Co-founder of Osmoses. The panel delves into deep tech's complexities, its challenges, the importance of scaling innovations, and the critical need for collaboration across industries. They highlight how integrating new technologies within existing infrastructures and fostering partnerships can drive sustainable solutions. This insightful conversation emphasizes the intersection of technology, policy, and global efforts in the fight against climate change. Tune in for an in-depth exploration of how deep tech can shape a sustainable future.The topics discussed include:The Case for Deep Tech in Climate SolutionsFusion Energy: A Revolutionary ApproachOvercoming Infrastructure ChallengesEquitable Energy TransitionNavigating the Complexities of Scaling Deep TechThe Role of Partnerships in InnovationEpisode ResourceColin Campbell on LinkedInCambridge Consultants WebsiteTrudy Wang on LinkedInHala Technologies WebsiteLisa Hansmann on LinkedInEngine Ventures WebsiteCatherine Mizrahi Rodriguez on LinkedInOsmoses WebsiteDylan Garrett on LinkedInSynapse WebsiteHardware to Save a Planet Apple PodcastsHardware to Save a Planet SpotifyHardware to Save a Planet is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Peter Reinhardt of Charm Industrial, Carlos Araque of Quaise, Noah McQueen of Heirloom, Areeb Malik of Glacier, Jeff Satwicz of Bigbelly, Abe Schneider of Natel Energy, Insiya Jafferjee of Shellworks, Paul Gross of Remora, Erika Boeing of Accelerate Wind and Daniel Betts of Blue Frontier.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Going Big on Clean Energy with Small Fusion Reactors with Robin Langtry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avalanche EnergyThe Role of Energy Storage Systems in Combating Climate Change with Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESSMarine Electrification to Reduce Costs and Environmental Damage: A Conversation with Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon MarineIf you have an interesting hardware solution to the climate crisis and would like the opportunity to share this with our audience, please complete this Guest Application form: https://fame.so/syn

We can turn the pages of our calendar, but the chapter on climate change is far from over. While 2024 was the hottest year on record, we also witnessed extreme weather events, ringing up a cost of more than $1 billion each. But in the face of all these challenges, it seems that inspiring action still speaks the loudest.In this year-end special of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett is revisiting the most eye-opening conversations we’ve had on the series in 2024, setting the stage for a hopeful year ahead. From innovative ways to decarbonize the planet to rethinking fusion energy, this episode covers it all. Tune in to hear the bold and ambitious ideas leading the charge against the climate change crisis today, and how these ideas can be implemented in 2025 and beyond. Episode ResourceRobin Langtry on LinkedInAlisha Fredriksson on LinkedInRory Brogan on LinkedInDaniel White on LinkedInNatasha Kostenuk on LinkedInMichael Rigney on LinkedInKemp Gregory on LinkedInChris Tolles on LinkedInAdam Root on LinkedInOliver Gunasekara on LinkedInDylan Garrett on LinkedInSynapse WebsiteHardware to Save a Planet Apple PodcastsHardware to Save a Planet SpotifyHardware to Save a Planet is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Peter Reinhardt of Charm Industrial, Carlos Araque of Quaise, Noah McQueen of Heirloom, Areeb Malik of Glacier, Jeff Satwicz of Bigbelly, Abe Schneider of Natel Energy, Insiya Jafferjee of Shellworks, Paul Gross of Remora, Erika Boeing of Accelerate Wind and Daniel Betts of Blue Frontier.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Going Big on Clean Energy with Small Fusion Reactors with Robin Langtry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avalanche EnergyThe Role of Energy Storage Systems in Combating Climate Change with Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESSMarine Electrification to Reduce Costs and Environmental Damage: A Conversation with Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon MarineIf you have an interesting hardware solution to the climate crisis and would like the opportunity to share this with our audience, please complete this Guest Application form: https://fame.so/syn

In this engaging discussion, Casey Handmer, Founder of Terraform Industries and a former NASA researcher, dives into the revolutionary concept of generating natural gas from sunlight and air. He sheds light on the vital role of vertical integration in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing costs. Casey also tackles the challenges of direct air capture technology and explores innovative solutions like calcium hydroxide for CO2 absorption. Lastly, he paints a hopeful picture for a future powered by affordable solar synthetic fuels and the impact of recent green initiatives.

Welcome to this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet. In this first of a two-part episode, Dylan chats with Casey Handmer, Founder of Terraform Industries. Casey and his team at Terraform are scaling technology to produce cheap natural gas with sunlight and air. Join us as we explore innovative solutions for sustainable energy. Casey shares how TerraForm leverages solar energy, carbon capture, and green hydrogen production to create cost-effective natural gas to combat climate change. Drawing on his diverse background at NASA, Hyperloop, and Caltech, Casey highlights the overlap between space exploration and Earth-bound energy challenges. The discussion delves into the economics of renewable energy, the practicality of hydrogen, and the potential of scalable, modular chemical plants to drive a sustainable energy revolution.Casey Handmer is the founder of Terraform Industries, a pioneering company focused on transforming atmospheric CO₂ into synthetic natural gas using solar energy. With a mission to eliminate net carbon emissions from natural gas production, Terraform aims to scale sustainable energy solutions globally. Episode ResourceCasey Handmer on LinkedInTerraform Industries WebsiteTerraform Industries Project ImagesDylan Garrett on LinkedInSynapse WebsiteHardware to Save a Planet Apple PodcastsHardware to Save a Planet SpotifyHardware to Save a Planet is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Peter Reinhardt of Charm Industrial, Carlos Araque of Quaise, Noah McQueen of Heirloom, Areeb Malik of Glacier, Jeff Satwicz of Bigbelly, Abe Schneider of Natel Energy, Insiya Jafferjee of Shellworks, Paul Gross of Remora, Erika Boeing of Accelerate Wind and Daniel Betts of Blue Frontier.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Going Big on Clean Energy with Small Fusion Reactors with Robin Langtry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avalanche EnergyThe Role of Energy Storage Systems in Combating Climate Change with Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESSMarine Electrification to Reduce Costs and Environmental Damage: A Conversation with Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon MarineIf you have an interesting hardware solution to the climate crisis and would like the opportunity to share this with our audience, please complete this Guest Application form: https://fame.so/syn