There are days when I feel like nobody cares or does anything to mitigate the increasing threats against humanity. Then I remember that there are always people who made it their mission to tackle those challenges. Looking for good practice is an enjoyable way to pass the time and feel better again. Luckily, more and more Sustainability events are popping up all over the world. Loads of ideas, innovation and inspiration from people like you and me, because they care and they understand that with action comes change. Change is what we urgently need.

In August 2022, I visited the Queensland Climate Showcase organised by Climate Salad in partnership with the Office of Queensland Chief Entrepreneur.

Over 200 climate tech founders, investors and supporters attended this evening event. It was the biggest climate tech showcase in Queensland so far and I’m very glad that I attended this event. Seeing all those passionate and dedicated people pitching their ideas was a relief when it so often seems that we can’t stop the many crises.

What was truly inspiring was the diversity of solutions. It wasn’t all about carbon, but the variety of solutions to contribute to more sustainability was mind-blowing. The start-ups consisted of companies, accelerators, researchers and people. In the end, around 30 different start-ups pitched their ideas in only 30 seconds!

At first, I wanted to present only the most memorable start-ups, but to be honest: They were all great! So I decided to provide you, dear reader, with a short description of every start-up, because they deserve to be seen, heard and supported. Additionally, I added a link to all the companies so that you can easily find more information.

Ready, set, go: 30 startups want your attention!

Airconnect. This energy solution works as a link between energy-consuming and energy-harvesting systems in buildings. It helps to effectively manage HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and energy systems equipment. Plus, it enhances an equipment’s lifecycle and optimises energy consumption.

Civic Ledger. Is a next-generation marketplace supported by blockchain technology and smart contracts to create auditable ecosystems. Moreover, it helps to take accurate stock of shared public resources through a trusted shared information system.

Vaulta. This battery case technology company develops lighter and smaller battery cases. With fewer parts and a no-weld-design, Vaulta’s battery cases can be easily assembled and disassembled. The cells can be reused and recycled. Due to the flexible design, they can keep up with battery technology progression.

Bloom Impact. This climate impact investing app helps the user to invest in clean energy projects and cleantech companies. In the sustainable finance space, Bloom Impact acts as a gate to a sustainable climate future. 

Sustainable Choice. Their mission is to make it easier to find sustainability information from a business before you shop. They support sustainable choices with traceable and transparent information about products and services. On the platform, brands can communicate their sustainable commitments. 

Leakster. Developed the hardware and software to enable water utilisers to make more efficient asset management decisions. It’s a water distribution condition monitoring solution that detects, classifies and spots pipeline leaks.

Powerlake. The Powerlake MarketActiv app connects to Smart Devices to give access to cheaper and more renewable energy. It reduces your carbon footprint as well as your spending costs.

Zero Fins. Creates sustainable surfboard fins which are made from 100% biobased and renewable materials, 100% non-toxic and 100% circular. Zero Fins also invented a new manufacturing process for their cutting-edge technology. Zero Fins help to eliminate waste from the surf industry and keep toxic compounds out of nature.

Let’s take a break from all the greatness

We are not halfway through, but I wanted to give you a little break. To reflect and enjoy the diversity of minds who came up with such specific but necessary solutions. So far the start-ups have directly or indirectly tackled the climate crises, but most of them do so much more. It’s really inspiring to see people identifying a problem which needed a solution – and they did it.

Everledger. A digital transparency company which provides technology solutions to increase transparency in global supply chains. Their technology is backed up by blockchain.

Tidal Master. Harvests the power of every tide; high as well as low. With their unique tidal energy solution, they’re contributing to generating renewable energy from an underutilised power source.

Essential Water and Energy Services. Offers water and energy products to businesses and governments. Their products range across water, wastewater, solar power and energy storage technologies. 

Montycompost. The process of composting is captured with a Monty monitor which connects to an app on your device. The app provides you with data about health, gamifying decomposition to make it easier to engage with the organics. For smart, efficient and sustainable composting.

Wildfire Energy. Generates energy from waste and contributes to carbon negativity, renewable energy supply, reduced landfill and a circular economy. With their patented Moving Injection Horizontal Gasification they ticked many sustainability boxes. 

Earth Tech. A platform for impact innovation and investment to mobilise human and financial capital for entrepreneurs. By making the process of matching investors with entrepreneurs, Earth tech enables users to raise capital faster to accelerate entrepreneurs in tackling the climate crisis.

Misio. Sets the standard for sharing public Environment Social Governance (ESG), carbon footprint and sustainability progress. The Misio Operating System connects, aggregates and summarises complex ESG, carbon footprint and sustainability information into an easy-to-understand source of truth. Consequently, companies can share their progress with everyone and everywhere.

Charith Rathnayaka of USC. Charith is a researcher. He didn’t introduce a start-up, but he was looking for funding for a project to solve global warming issues.

Diversity rocks! Not only in nature but also in the startup world

Looking for funding in academia is crucial, as researchers gain the most recent knowledge ahead of governments and businesses when it comes to the impacts of humanity’s crises. It still baffles me how entrepreneurs created such a diverse solution space. It’s awesome!

Katalyst.Earth. Builds technology to accelerate climate-positive solutions. They link environmental project developers with investors to finance climate solutions. Regenerative Finance (ReFi) and blockchain is used to scale climate solutions and provide a valuation model for environmental projects.

Sustainable Food at Home. With their Smart “High Speed” Food Waste Recycling Machines for home composting, everyone can start composting their food scraps. With or without a garden. It makes home composting easier and reduces waste.

Ocean Impact Org. Is an ocean impact innovation ecosystem and start-up accelerator. The purpose is to increase ocean health through inspiration, innovation, and good business. They’re providing a range of start-up programs, mentoring and support to help people to start, grow and invest in businesses that positively impacts the ocean.

Areth. Provides simple, automated and proven climate risk assessment and monitoring. They also provide services that result in zero-carbon certifications which are internationally recognised.

Planet Price. Helps large organisations to reduce their impact of supply chains on people and the planet. Their platform streamlines supply chains and procurement analytics. 

Collaboration for the reef. This collaboration of Sobah and The Good Beer Co produce a non-alc Tropical Lager to support First Nation people to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Avodah Global. A sustainable ethical clothing manufacturer that empowers women in sewing centres in Cambodia. They manage end-to-end production processes.

Aidhub. AidHub Foundation’s Mission Empowerment Platform (AidHub) is an empowerment platform for end-to-end program management. 

Leaf Resources. Focuses on sustainable pine chemical production. They replace petroleum-based chemicals and plastics with natural wood resin and turpentine.

Fablefood. Produce plant-based products which are based on Shiitake mushrooms. Their products have a meaty texture and flavour. 

Alright, the last block was a long sprint, but it was worth it. Not only are those companies contributing to a more sustainable world, but they also provide opportunities like inspiration or workplaces where people can find their purpose. Consider that this was only one event of many which are happening worldwide. If you ever feel alone and helpless due to the crises we are facing, remember that you’re not alone. There are plenty of people who tackle humanity’s crises like a boss.

Do you need more inspiration and the startup scene is not your cup of tea or coffee (yet)? Check out this article, on how we can achieve sustainability by repurposing urban spaces: Repurposing Urban Spaces To Finally Make Them Liveable And Enjoyable