About episode
At the center of climate progress are scientists. They’re developing new technologies with which we can build a new, more sustainable global economy. Moving inventions from a lab to startup companies to scaled products, however, takes more than science.
Research scientists had long lacked a support structure to help them build successful businesses. That’s where Activate came in. Founded in 2015 at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Activate is a fellowship program that has helped almost 200 science fellows create companies that have now collectively created about 2,000 jobs and have raised about $1.5 billion.
To learn more about Activate’s important work, we’re joined today by Activate CEO Cyrus Wadia. Cyrus brings a unique background spanning time in the Obama Administration, academia, Nike, and Amazon. We talk about how Activate works, lessons they’re gathering across climate tech verticals, examples of companies emerging from their fellowship, opportunities, gaps, and much more. I’m a big fan of the work Activate is doing and I’d guess you’ll soon be too. Enjoy.
In today’s episode, we cover:
- [3:13] Cyrus’ background & career journey
- [6:01] Activate & the problem that its aiming to solve
- [9:47] The ideal Activate Fellow
- [12:38] The support that Fellows get & how the Fellowship works
- [14:25] Activate’s achievements
- [16:41] Success stories & companies that have emerged from the Fellowship
- [20:02] What’s coming & gaps
- [22:20] Examples of where friction is lower for climate tech to scale
- [26:35] Applications of AI
- [31:54] The involvement of corporate partners & how they can show up
- [34:36] How else do we need to change our approach to addressing climate change
Activate & the problem that it’s aiming to solve
Activate is a nonprofit organization focused on nurturing a new wave of entrepreneurial scientists. Reflecting on his own experience transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship, Cyrus highlights the lack of support available at the time. Activate was founded eight years ago to address this gap, specifically targeting scientists in fields such as chemistry, materials, and engineering. Their fellowship program seeks individuals with strong technical expertise and a desire to tackle society’s pressing issues through innovative solutions. Additionally, Activate prioritizes the development of leadership skills among its participants, recognizing the long-term impact they can make beyond the initial stages of their ventures. Cyrus emphasizes Activate’s belief in the teachability and cultivability of entrepreneurship, underscoring their commitment to guiding emerging scientists through the process with tangible results.
The ideal Activate Fellow
With over 40,000 hard tech scientists graduating annually, Activate selects around 40 or 50 individuals each year from a pool of highly talented applicants. While proud of their rigorous selection process, Cyrus acknowledges the challenge of choosing from a surplus of qualified candidates. He emphasizes the importance of identifying individuals with ambitious, world-changing ideas and the ability to navigate complex systems. Recognizing that successful leaders continually develop and expand their skill sets, Activate looks for candidates who demonstrate potential for growth and impact. Additionally, they value diversity among fellows, believing it strengthens the community and fosters a supportive environment conducive to rapid advancement.
The support that Fellows get & how the Fellowship works
Activate’s fellowship program offers a comprehensive package spanning two years, which includes financial support, access to a vibrant community, and hands-on guidance. Fellows receive a competitive salary, stipend, travel allowance, and health insurance, along with $100,000 in R&D funds. Additionally, Activate facilitates connections with venture partners to provide flexible capital. This financial backing aims to afford fellows the time and resources needed to pursue their projects without the pressure of seeking alternative employment opportunities. Recognizing the historical challenge of securing patient capital for hard tech endeavors, Activate aims to fill this gap by offering sustained support. The fellowship not only encompasses financial compensation, but also access to a robust network of advisers, partners, and champions across various sectors. This community, comprising scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, corporates, and policymakers, is deeply invested in the success of the fellows, recognizing them as future leaders poised to make significant contributions. Moreover, the program involves ongoing engagement and support, with senior managing directors embedded in the communities and a dedicated support team offering direct coaching and assistance. Activate’s commitment to providing comprehensive, hands-on support throughout every stage of the entrepreneurial journey sets its fellowship program apart, aiming to equip fellows with the tools and guidance needed for success.
Success stories & companies that have emerged from the Fellowship
Cyrus highlights several success stories and emerging companies that have originated from Activate’s Fellowship program. Sublime Systems, for instance, has garnered significant recognition and awards, including being named one of MIT’s Technology Review 15 climate tech companies to watch. Their CEO, Leigh Ellis, has even testified before Congress, demonstrating their impact beyond business. Sublime Systems has developed an environmentally friendly alternative for cement, addressing crucial issues in hard-to-abate sectors like industrial materials. Another notable company, CalWave, focuses on harnessing carbon-free power from ocean waves, a sector with vast decarbonization potential. Similarly, Fervo is making strides in geothermal energy, enhancing drilling and subsurface analytics to make geothermal energy more commercially viable. Other companies like Noon Energy are democratizing brain imaging technology, while low-carbon cement manufacturers like Brimstone are contributing to sustainable construction practices. These success stories underscore the transformative impact of Activate’s Fellowship program in fostering innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.
Resources Mentioned
- Activate
- Sublime Systems
- CalWave
- Fervo
- Project Red
- Noon Energy
- Sonera
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
- Cyclotron Road
Connect with Cyrus Wadia
- Connect with Cyrus on LinkedIn
Connect with Jason Rissman
Keep up with Invested In Climate
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