
Hardware to Save a Planet
Our planet is warming at an unsustainable rate. This climate crisis is being caused by humans and it will take human ingenuity to stop or reverse it... Hardware to Save a Planet explores the technical innovations that are giving us hope in the fight against climate change. Each episode focuses on a specific climate challenge and explores an emerging physical technology solution, with the person bringing it into reality. Hosted by Dylan Garrett, Head of Climate Tech Business at Synapse.
Latest episodes

Jan 16, 2025 • 55min
The Deep Tech Revolution: Solving Climate Change with Five Industry Leaders
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.soIf you are interested in sponsoring Hardware to Save a Planet, please see our sponsorship offer here.Previous 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

Jan 2, 2025 • 28min
What It’s Really Going to Take to Save the Planet: Lessons from 2024
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.soIf you are interested in sponsoring Hardware to Save a Planet, please see our sponsorship offer here.Previous 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

Dec 19, 2024 • 37min
The Future of Energy: Generating Sustainable Natural Gas with Casey Handmer of Terraform Industries Part 2
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.

Dec 5, 2024 • 35min
Turning Air, Water, and Sunlight into Natural Gas: Casey Handmer’s Vision for Sustainable Energy Part 1
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.soIf you are interested in sponsoring Hardware to Save a Planet, please see our sponsorship offer here.Previous 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

8 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 42min
Fostering a Circular Carbon Economy with Direct Air Capture: Insights from Rob van Straten of Skytree
Rob van Straten, CEO of Skytree, leads a company revolutionizing direct air capture technology for climate change action. He discusses how their modular systems can be deployed locally for efficient CO₂ removal, transforming industries like vertical farming. The conversation delves into historical innovations in sustainability, the evolution of CO₂ capture technology, and the importance of innovative partnerships to improve efficiency. Rob also emphasizes individual responsibility in climate action and the potential of sustainable practices to shape a circular carbon economy.

Nov 7, 2024 • 54min
Sustainable Kitchens: Smart Induction Stoves for Fighting Climate Change with Sam D’Amico
In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, Dylan talks to Sam D’Amico, Founder and CEO of Impulse, Dylan chats with Sam about Impulse’s electric induction stove with built-in battery storage designed to reduce household reliance on the grid. They explore how this innovative stove combines high performance and precise temperature control, bringing convenience and efficiency to users. Sam shares insights on how Impulse sets the stage for a cleaner future with distributed energy storage, virtual power plants, and seamless integration of renewable energy. Sam D’Amico is the founder and CEO of Impulse, a climate tech company developing smart induction stoves that combine premium performance with sustainable energy solutions. Sam launched Impulse in 2021 after a decade of experience in high-profile hardware roles, beginning his career as a hardware engineer at Google X on the Google Glass team. He then held engineering positions at Oculus, Facebook, and Google, culminating in a product architect role at Facebook, where he worked on innovative consumer hardware. Sam’s journey reflects his commitment to pushing technology’s boundaries, now focused on building solutions that contribute to a cleaner energy future.Episode ResourceSam D’Amico on LinkedInImpulse 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.soIf you are interested in sponsoring Hardware to Save a Planet, please see our sponsorship offer here.Previous 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

Oct 24, 2024 • 43min
Seabound’s Bold Approach to Carbon Capture in Shipping with Alisha Fredriksson
“Shipping drives 90% of the world's economy. It's our most efficient way to move things around the world, better than land or air shipping, but it still emits around 3% of global CO2. Because of that, ship owners face growing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from regulations, customers, and shareholders.” Dylan GarrettIn this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, Dylan talks to Alisha Fredriksson, Co-Founder and CEO of Seabound. The company has developed a simpler, more efficient, and cheaper technology to address maritime emissions. Alisha explains how Seabound’s system, housed in modular shipping containers, helps ship owners reduce CO2 emissions using the latest second-generation carbon capture technology. Alisha co-founded and leads the team at Seabound. Previously, she helped build the leading maritime electro-fuel startup, Liquid Wind, and managed global partnerships. She has also launched a climate program at Generation, a global non-profit founded by McKinsey & Company. Alisha was in the Founding Class at Minerva University, ranked the world’s most innovative university, and studied at the Mahindra United World College of India, where she founded a social enterprise called Seema.Episode ResourceAlisha Fredriksson on LinkedInSeabound 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.soIf you are interested in sponsoring Hardware to Save a Planet, please see our sponsorship offer here.Previous 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

Oct 10, 2024 • 48min
Decarbonizing Water Heating with Intelligent Water Heaters: Insights from Michael Rigney of Cala Systems
Residential water heating accounts for 3% of all US greenhouse gas emissions and 19% of home energy use, which means it uses a large chunk of a home's energy while adding emissions to our environment. An intelligent heat pump-based water heater is a step in the right direction on both fronts. In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, Dylan talks with Michael Rigney, CEO and co-founder of Cala Systems, about their innovative heat pump water heater. They delve into the environmental impact of residential water heating and the need for sustainable solutions. They also discuss the challenges of finding a job at the intersection of hard tech and climate and how the current climate tech wave has opened up more opportunities in this field. Michael is the CEO and co-founder of Cala Systems; a company focused on developing intelligent heat pump water heaters that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and optimize energy use in residential settings. With over 20 years of leadership experience in climate and energy startups, Rigney has a strong background in building products and thermal sciences.Episode ResourceMichael Rigney on LinkedInCala Systems Website1,500,000 Kettles YouTubeFeel Good Warmth with Cala - The World’s First Intelligent Heat Pump Water Heater Dylan 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.soIf you are interested in sponsoring Hardware to Save a Planet, please see our sponsorship offer here.Previous 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

Sep 26, 2024 • 51min
The Climate Hardware Playbook: Strategies for Founders and Investors with Christian zu Jeddeloh and Sophia Escheu
In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, Dylan interviews Christian zu Jeddeloh and Sophia Escheu about their newly developed Climate Hardware Playbook, designed to help founders build and scale climate tech startups. They discuss key challenges facing climate hardware companies, including the European funding gap, the chicken-and-egg problem of commercial traction, and the common talent shortage in founding teams. The conversation also touches on creative financing solutions, the evolving climate tech investment landscape, and differences between the US and European markets. Christian and Sophia offer valuable insights into emerging trends and practical advice for those looking to make an impact in climate tech.Christian is an Investment Associate at Norrsken VC, where he focuses on the German-speaking market. Prior to joining, he was at biotech scale-up Atai Life Sciences, where he worked on business development topics, including the firm’s IPO. He has an educational background in Finance from Frankfurt School, with exchanges at Harvard and MIT.At Speedinvest, Sophia is looking for next-generation technologies to tackle the most polluting industrial sectors. Before joining Speedinvest’s Climate Tech and Industrial Tech team in Munich, she gained experience at several startups and in strategy consulting. She is also the co-founder of Amelia, a personal growth accelerator for female young professionals. Episode ResourceSophia Escheu on LinkedInSpeedinvest WebsiteChristian zu Jeddeloh on LinkedInNorrsken VC 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.soIf you are interested in sponsoring Hardware to Save a Planet, please see our sponsorship offer here.Previous 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

Sep 12, 2024 • 42min
Turning Idle Wells into Renewable Power Solutions with Kemp Gregory of Renewell Energy
Energy storage is a vital cog in building a sustainable grid. It helps us manage the intermittent supply of renewable energy from wind and solar energy sources. Our guest today brings a unique solution to energy storage by repurposing idle gas and oil wells for gravity energy storage.Welcome to this special episode of Hardware to Save a Planet. Joining us today is Gregory Kemp, Co-founder and CEO of Renewell Energy. Dylan and Kemp discuss Renewell's innovative approach to repurposing idle oil and gas wells for gravity-based energy storage. Kemp explains how this solution addresses renewable energy's intermittent supply, repurposes existing infrastructure, and offers economic incentives for oil companies. Kemp Gregory is the CEO and co-founder of Renewell Energy. His career foreshadows the more significant energy transition required to decarbonize the electrical grid. Before Renewell Energy, Kemp worked for Shell for five years, installing cutting-edge downhole technology, managing capital-intensive projects, and coordinating large operations teams across North and South America. Episode ResourceKemp Gregory on LinkedInRenewell Energy WebsiteYard Stick 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.soIf you are interested in sponsoring Hardware to Save a Planet, please see our sponsorship offer here.Previous 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