VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good has announced its participation in three new funding rounds, with equity investments in clean technology startups Climate Robotics, erthos™, and Plentify. The fund will invest a total of $30.5 million in these companies, further expanding its support for innovative solutions that address environmental issues.
Climate Robotics, a Houston-based startup, is using advanced robotics and AI to sequester carbon and improve the health of agricultural soils. By leveraging biochar, a soil amendment technology with high carbon sequestration capacity, Climate Robotics helps farmers reduce their use of chemicals and enhance nutrient and moisture retention in the soil. The investment from TELUS Pollinator Fund will enable Climate Robotics to scale its technology, making biochar production more accessible and cost-effective for farmers.
erthos, based in Mississauga, is leading the charge against global plastic pollution. The company offers plant-based resin alternatives to traditional plastic, addressing the urgent need for sustainable materials. With the additional funding from TELUS Pollinator Fund, erthos will continue developing next-gen solutions and collaborating with leading brands to replace single-use plastics with compostable alternatives.
Plentify, a smart energy company located in South Africa and the United States, is using AI and IoT technologies to connect household appliances to cleaner and more affordable energy sources. Their flagship product, HotBot, enables electric water heaters to use up to 30 percent less energy by shifting energy consumption to times when excess renewable energy is available. The investment from TELUS Pollinator Fund will support Plentify’s mission to ease the strain on global electricity grids and promote the transition to renewable energy.
These investments bring the number of impact startups supported by the Pollinator Fund to 30, showcasing TELUS’ commitment to sustainability and promotion of zero-emission solutions. By deploying capital to scale clean tech innovations, TELUS aims to contribute to climate resilience and the circular economy.
FAQ
What is the TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good?
The TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good is a corporate social impact fund that focuses on investing in for-profit companies committed to driving social innovation and addressing environmental challenges.
What is biochar?
Biochar is a soil amendment technology with high carbon sequestration capacity. It helps improve soil health and reduce the use of chemicals in agriculture.
What are plant-based resin alternatives?
Plant-based resin alternatives are sustainable materials that can replace traditional plastic. They are made from natural ingredients, are compostable, and compatible with existing plastic manufacturing systems.
How does Plentify’s HotBot work?
Plentify’s HotBot connects electric water heaters to renewable energy sources. It shifts energy consumption to times when excess renewable energy is available, reducing energy consumption and supporting the transition to clean energy.
Source: GlobeNewswire