Innovation Partnerships

Don't go it alone - collaborate to deliver global impact with your research! Delighted to share findings from our newly published pilot-scale study on CO₂ capture heat integration. It's exciting not only because of new approach to reducing the reboiler duty by 6% and cooling duty by 24%, resulting in operating cost savings of CO2 capture. It's exciting because it proves that collaboration is essential for credible, impactful research. Our team brought together multi-institutional expertise, industrial partners, and real-world site access on a coal-fired power plant. This work was possible because this collaboration enabled: - Access to infrastructure - Operating a mobile pilot on a live power plant requires partnerships beyond any single lab. - Data rigour - Validating marginal energy gains demanded cross-disciplinary expertise, including thermodynamics, advanced data reconciliation, and process engineering. - Industrial validation - Co-developing with site operators built credibility and practical insight from day one. - Diverse expertise - Chemistry + engineering + simulation + field operations. Individual researchers miss insights that teams can easily identify. The lesson: Impact = great ideas + rigorous execution + real-world validation. Collaboration is how you deliver all three. If you're pursuing energy research with genuine traction, treat collaboration as a core strategy, not optional. Build networks early. Your best work will come from teams you haven't yet assembled. #science #research #scientist #researcher #professor #phd #CCUS #engineering

The era of subtle interventions and one-off climate fixes is behind us. What we need now are bold, integrated solutions that address multiple challenges simultaneously. Seaweed—specifically, sargassum—is an interesting and not-so-obvious example of what I’m talking about. Algae blooms are surging as oceans warm. Caribbean sargassum hit a new record in 2022, up 20% from 2018. When rafts of sargassum reach the shore, they harm aquatic ecosystems by reducing dissolved oxygen, blocking sunlight needed for photosynthesis in corals and grasses, and elevating water temperatures. But here’s where perspective matters: sargassum inundation isn’t just an ecological problem—it’s an emerging, multi-sector opportunity. 🔬 At the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, R&D is underway to convert sargassum into renewable biofuels, including jet fuel that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90%. 🐄 Researchers at Penn State University are exploring how sargassum can be used as a livestock feed additive to reduce methane emissions. Other studies have also shown promising results for its use in poultry feed and aquaculture. Desalinating it is a hurdle, but innovators like Phyto Corporation are already pioneering techniques with other salt-tolerant crops that could potentially be adapted to sargassum. This is what climate leadership looks like: connected thinking, integrated action, and solutions that cross sectors. Sargassum inundation isn’t just a symptom—it’s a signal. It shows us that complex problems require multifaceted, systems-level answers. In a world of converging climate crises, it's crucial to connect the dots and turn today’s threats into tomorrow’s solutions. Let’s reframe what’s possible: climate solutions can be systemic, scalable, and profitable. But only if we lead boldly and think holistically. #Innovation #Sustainability #ClimateAction #GreenInnovation #RenewableEnergy #TechForGood

Very excited to share my most recent article in Forbes, focusing on the role of philanthropy in supporting climate innovation in emerging markets. Over the past few weeks, our team has had some great conversations with foundations and other partners who are supporting climate entrepreneurs in the some of the most vulnerable countries. Philanthropy is uniquely positioned to play a role here, but we need a wider aperture in terms of what it can and should do. The article proposes five areas where philanthropy can take on a wider agenda to not just fund more climate startups in these markets, but to build the talent pools and enabling ecosystems that support these companies. Here's a breakdown of the five areas: 1. New company building models: We don’t need just more climate entrepreneurship and innovation in developing countries, but we need it to be targeted at solving the most pressing problems. Purpose-built platforms - venture studios and builder models - can incubate startups with greater intentionality, offering technical capacity, market access, and tailored support that meet local needs. 2. Build fractional leadership networks: As much as more funding is needed to support climate startups in their early stages, matching them with the right talent at the right time can be critical. And there’s no guarantee that this talent is locally available. We need specialized programs that can match seasoned leadership - e.g. fractional CFOs, CMOs, and other C-level executives along with technical experts - who can provide critical guidance, strategic discipline, and credibility, making ventures more investment-ready and sustainable. 3. Ecosystem enablers and hubs: Climate tech benefits from enabling ecosystems, which often entail complex networks of universities giving birth to ideas, funds financing the development of prototypes, executive talent coming in from the corporate world and policymakers assessing how to incentivize the adoption of climate technologies. 4. Create linkages between emerging markets: Most funding, technology and talent transfer in climate tech tends to be concentrated between wealthy countries, but there are opportunities to strengthen ties between emerging markets themselves. Creating networks between regions fosters peer learning, market entry, and collaboration. 5. Prioritize adaptation and resilience: Often, adaptation and resilience (A&R) risks are the primary ways in which emerging markets first and foremost experience climate change. Increasing finance, company building and entrepreneurship support for A&R - health, disaster resilience, agriculture, and water - reflects the acute realities on the ground and brings direct benefits to vulnerable communities.

Most of the advice for breaking into a climate career is now dangerously out of date. For years, the playbook has been singular: learn about solar, wind and EVs. That advice just became a fraction of the story. Last week, the Australian Government released two landmark documents: the National Climate Risk Assessment and the National Adaptation Plan. More than simply policy papers, they are a formal declaration that a second, parallel climate economy is here. The '𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆'. Backed by a A$9 billion commitment, the focus is no longer just on preventing future change. It’s on managing the reality that’s already here. The Risk Assessment provides the sobering 'why', confirming in stark detail the cascading impacts on our infrastructure, economy and communities. The Adaptation Plan provides the 'how', like investing in nature-based solutions such as the mangrove ecosystems that protect our coastlines (pictured). It creates a vast new frontier for career-transitioners. And it’s already the lived reality of the professionals building this new economy, many of whom are members of our Climate Crew community. It requires the urban planning skills of leaders like Roland Chanin-Morris of Ramboll, who is designing our future resilient cities. But physical assets are only half the picture. True resilience is built at the community level, which is why the strategic engagement work of founders like Nicole Dennis of Cobalt Engagement – leading those complex on-the-ground conversations – is now an essential service. This new reality also demands a new kind of strategist. People like Josue Castro of BWD Strategic, who has pivoted his high-level government experience to help organisations navigate climate risk, and systems thinkers like Oliver Dykes at Deloitte, who redesign entire organisations for a resilient future. Underpinning it all is a revolution in finance, driven by innovators like Renate Crollini of Adaluma Tech, who is building the tools to embed risk into capital decisions, guided by the global expertise of policy architects like Linda Romanovska of Melomys Advisory, who co-authors the international frameworks that make this possible. If you are a career seeker, I encourage you to connect with the people whose work you find most relevant. This is what Climate Crew is for: to make the connections that build the future. The message is clear. We don't 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 need renewable energy engineers. We need builders, planners, financiers and organisers. Your skills are now climate skills. The opportunity to find your life's work in climate has never been greater. #ClimateCareers #ClimateAdaptation #GreenJobs #ClimateAction #CareerTransition #NationalAdaptationPlan #WorkOnClimate Image: Mangroves in Woy Woy, NSW. Sourced from the National Adaptation Plan (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water). © Commonwealth of Australia. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International.

☀️ Capital is voting for #cleanenergy 🌬️ In 2024, the top 10 FDI sectors drew $1T. #Renewables led with $270.1B (27%). What this means: The #energytransition isn’t short of interest... but Investors need reliable climate intelligence to make projects bankable, resilient and scalable. The World Meteorological Organization helps de-risk clean energy investment by: 📈 Turning variability into visibility: Advanced weather, sub-seasonal and seasonal forecasts improve siting, yield estimates and grid integration for wind, solar and hydro. 🌀 Protecting assets and uptime: Early Warnings for All and multi-hazard services help developers, operators and TSOs prepare for extremes—reducing downtime and insurance/exposure. 🌍 Unlocking emerging markets: The WMO closes critical observation gaps, improving data quality that lenders require for bankability, especially in LMICs and SIDS. If capital is to keep flowing to clean energy—especially in high-growth regions—we must pair it with world-class weather water and climate data and services. Partnering with WMO and National Meteorological & Hydrological Services turns climate risk into investment-grade insight.

🌟 NEWSLETTER ALERT: The uninsurable world is a choice, not a certainty. 💫 We're told climate risk and cyber threats are making the world uninsurable. But that sounds to me like a convenient narrative for inaction. 💥 The truth? A new class of leaders is rewriting the rules. While incumbents wring their hands, PING AN is processing 1.5 billion AI-powered customer interactions. Allianz X is deploying $2 billion across 26 portfolio companies. Chubb is building the platform that turns digital partners into tech-first insurers. This isn't happening in PoC focused corporate innovation labs. It's happening at the frontier—where capital, technology, and corporate strategy converge, where commercial engines of growth are being reimagined. This is the age of the #AgenticEnterprise. The workforce is a hybrid of human talent and AI agents. Competitive advantage is no longer about owning data—it's about the agility to act on it. And when we think about the partnership and ecosystem requirements, this is where enterprise venture adoption models become the assembly line for building this future, today. This week, I wanted to write a Frontier Briefing dissecting the moves of giants across three continents: 🇺🇸 USA: The AI arms race is widening. State Farm (44% AI visibility) vs. GEICO (15%). Chubb's embedded insurance platform is scaling distribution at unprecedented rates. 🇪🇺 Europe: Allianz X has industrialized corporate investment with partnerships. Aviva launches AI underwriting tool. Generali is attracting mission-driven founders with purpose-driven challenges. 🇨🇳 Asia: Ping An saved $1.2B through AI-driven fraud detection in 2024. WTW's insight: agility is trumping data. Japan's national digital infrastructure is creating a fertile ground for wallet-native experiences. The patterns are clear for those willing to see them. Five steps to building your Agentic Enterprise: 1️⃣ Embrace the Venture-Client model (not pilots, partnerships at scale) 2️⃣ Modernize your core (legacy systems = innovation inhibitor) 3️⃣ Cultivate your digital workforce (the "AI Agent Manager" is the new pivotal role) 4️⃣ Think in ecosystems, not silos (orchestrate, don't own) 5️⃣ Lead with purpose (attract the best talent and partners) The tools to build a more resilient, more secure, and more sustainable future are in our hands. The question is: Are you a spectator or a player? Read the full Frontier Briefing. 👇🏽 I look forward to reading your comments below. #AgenticFrontier #AITransformation #FutureOfWork

Have you ever considered appointing an “Innovator in Residence”? Many organisations invest heavily in innovation programs — but struggle with alignment, governance, and momentum once the workshops end. In startup accelerators, venture capital firms, and business schools, Entrepreneurs in Residence are seasoned founders and venture leaders who provide strategic guidance and oversight, helping new ventures scale with discipline. What if corporates, government agencies, or small-to-medium firms applied a similar model? Enter the Innovator in Residence — your corporate version of an Entrepreneur in Residence, delivered as a practical embedded innovation partner, bringing strategy, governance, and execution expertise directly into your teams. This is someone who works alongside your teams and leadership to: • Align innovation initiatives directly to strategic priorities • Bring executive-level portfolio visibility and decision discipline • Reduce risk through structured governance and clear evaluation frameworks • Lead quarterly strategy sessions and innovation portfolio oversight • Support teams through innovation projects and initiatives, offering guidance, mentoring, and coaching to ensure progress and results • Bridge the gap between strategy and execution, helping teams deliver tangible results • Build internal capability and embed innovation beyond one-off programs • Maintain momentum between major programs and leadership changes The result? Innovation becomes embedded, disciplined, and sustainable — supported by experienced, independent expertise. I’ve seen firsthand how this model helps corporate, government, and small-to-medium organisations accelerate pipelines, embed repeatable frameworks, and sustain innovation beyond one-off initiatives. If this idea resonates, or if you’re curious how an Innovator in Residence could work in your organisation, I’m happy to share what this looks like in practice. #leadership #innovation #strategy #transformation #organisationaldevelopment

How can ordinary business become innovation powerhouses? They can start by embracing four, too-rare practices. Here's a summary of them from my Harvard Business Review article and 50+ interviews across companies like Google, Microsoft, and Levi's: 🔍 1. Trend Sensing Don’t just chase hype; develop systems to spot early, actionable signals. PepsiCo’s "Do Us A Flavor" contest, ostensibly to find its new flavor of Lay's potato chip, was really about surfacing emerging consumer tastes in real time. 🤝 2. Strategic Partnerships Innovation thrives beyond company walls. From Johnson & Johnson’s university incubators to Levi’s collaboration on "smart" clothing with Google, long-term alliances often fuel the boldest moves. 💡 3. Intrapreneur Programs Ideas die without oxygen. Give employees space (and safety) to test bold concepts. Google lets teams pitch and develop ideas for 6 months—no penalty if they fail. 🌐 4. Innovation Communities Innovation is social. Bayer built a 700-person internal network to swap insights across functions—sparking new business models like agricultural finance from unlikely places. A link to the HBR article is in the Comments below. Innovation isn’t just about serendipity—it’s about systems. Are you investing in the right ones?

Some places remind you that collaboration isn’t just a value — it’s an engine for understanding our planet. Last week, I traveled to Sodankylä in Finnish Lapland for the launch of the European Space Agency - ESA–Finnish Meteorological Institute - Ilmatieteen laitos Arctic‑Boreal Earth Science Supersite — a world‑class hub where science, technology, and international partnership converge. Standing at the Arctic Space Centre, surrounded by decades of atmospheric, cryosphere, and ecosystem observations, you feel the weight of what global cooperation can achieve. The Sodankylä Supersite brings together European Space Agency - ESA, NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration, EUMETSAT, and research partners across Europe, North America, and Asia to develop and validate satellite data products essential for monitoring our climate. Its integrated observation system captures the interactions between the Earth’s surface, biosphere, and atmosphere, supported by reference instruments for missions such as NASA OCO‑2, ESA TROPOMI/Sentinel‑5P, ESA SMOS, and NASA SMAP. This site fills a critical gap in high‑latitude Earth system data, providing the ground truth that ensures global environment and climate monitoring satellites deliver accurate, actionable insights. What struck me most was the spirit of collaboration: Finnish researchers, European agencies, private‑sector innovators, and international partners working side by side. The Supersite isn’t just infrastructure — it’s a shared commitment to understanding a rapidly changing Arctic and, ultimately, a rapidly changing world. In an era where climate challenges cross borders, so must our solutions. And places like Sodankylä show what becomes possible when we build together. More information about the Supersite: https://lnkd.in/dw9gKxGJ

I’m really happy to share our recently published paper on detection and attribution of climate change impacts in natural-human systems across the Andes in South America, in Nature Communications Earth & Environment: https://lnkd.in/eJPrNYT8   Our study attributes observed changes in climatic variables, cryosphere, water, hazards, ecosystems, food security, human health, migration, tourism and culture to anthropogenic climate change – to different extents, accounting for multiple drivers of change. It thus provides evidence of observed (mainly negative) substantial impacts of anthropogenic climate change across a ca 8000 km long North-South transect of the Andes region. Particularly noteworthy, and unique for the Andes, is the assessment of cascading impacts from climate to cryosphere to ecosystems and eventually affecting human systems, and their attribution to anthropogenic climate change. My favorite is Figure 4 – have a look at it! We also included local and indigenous knowledge in the analysis. The study contributes to improved evidence of climate change impacts in the region which is essential to take urgently needed action on climate change adaptation and mitigation.   The paper is led by Ana Ochoa Sánchez and a product of the Mentoring and Training Programme in IPCC processes for Early Career Mountain Researchers, supported by the University of Zurich, Mountain Research Initiative (MRI), Helvetas, and ICIMOD, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), where we trained a number of great early career researchers from developing countries during the past 6th Assessment Cycle of the IPCC. This was a great experience, and our colleagues are now ready to make a great contribution to the 7th Assessment Cycle of IPCC, by assessing the state of science and building highly needed bridges between science and policy. Ana Elizabeth Ochoa Sánchez, Dáithí Stone, Fabian Drenkhan, Daniel Mendoza, Ronald Gualán Geographisches Institut UZH, University of Zurich, NIWA, Universidad del Azuay