Klimatic Scale

Strong by Form is a materials technology company founded in 2018, originally in Santiago, Chile, and now operating across Europe with its headquarters in Madrid, Spain. At the heart of their work is a proprietary technology called Woodflow®. Woodflow is a biomimetic technology inspired by the structural genius of trees, combining digital fabrication with computational design to optimize wood’s natural properties and enable the creation of complex, high-performance components. The result is a material that is carbon-negative, using wood in more intelligent formats, such as chips or veneers, engineered to place material only where it’s needed, minimizing waste while maximizing carbon storage. The technology comes in two forms: Woodflow-skin, a cladding and surface product already commercially deployed, and Woodflow-core, a structural solution currently in advanced prototyping. Strong by Form has designed a structural floor piece that can span longer distances than existing engineered wood making it a viable replacement for steel or concrete, while being lighter than all three. Connect with Andres on LinkedIn here.00:00 – Founder journey: from corporate venturing to deep tech 02:00 – Vision: decarbonizing the built environment at scale 03:44 – What’s broken in construction materials today 05:23 – The “lazy construction” problem 06:34 – Why concrete, steel & oil-based materials still dominate 09:12 – How Strong By Form’s technology works 12:08 – First pilot: Deutsche Bahn & the Berlin Südkreuz project 17:25 – Why pilots don’t scale and why that’s okay 18:28 – Certification: the hidden bottleneck 26:28 – “Sell nails, not furniture”: go-to-market insight 27:11 – What’s next: funding, certification, and scale-up 27:45 – What industry gets wrong about innovation The Material Shift: Why Sustainable Construction Starts with What We Build WithThe decarbonization of the built environment is often framed around energy efficiency, electrification, and smart systems. But there is a more foundational layer to address: the materials themselves. Steel, cement, aluminum, and plastics form the backbone of modern construction, and together, they account for a significant share of global emissions. Cement alone is responsible for roughly 7–8% of global carbon dioxide emissions.If the last decade was about how buildings operate, the next will be about what they are made of.Embodied carbon is becoming the new frontier.Embodied carbon, the emissions associated with material extraction, production, and construction, is emerging as the largest remaining source. In some new buildings, embodied carbon already accounts for up to 50% of total lifecycle emissions. Unlike operational emissions, which can be reduced over time, embodied carbon is locked in from day one. Once a building is constructed, those emissions are already in the atmosphere.This shifts the optimization problem. It is no longer just about designing better buildings, it is about choosing better materials.Traditional construction materials are carbon-intensive by design. Cement production requires high-temperature kilns powered largely by fossil fuels, while also releasing CO₂ through chemical processes. Steelmaking depends on coal-based blast furnaces. The result is a system optimized for cost, durability, and scale, but not for carbon.At the same time, global demand for construction materials is expected to double by 2060, driven by urbanization and infrastructure growth, particularly in emerging markets. Without intervention, this locks in decades of high emissions.The good news is innovation in sustainable materials is accelerating across multiple fronts, each targeting different parts of the value chain.* Low-carbon cement alternatives are reducing clinker content through supplementary materials such as fly ash, slag, and calcined clay, cutting emissions by 30–50%.* Green steel is emerging through hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI) processes, with pilot plants in Europe already producing near-zero-emission steel.* Engineered timber (see episode), including cross-laminated timber (CLT), is enabling mid- and high-rise construction with significantly lower embodied carbon while storing carbon within the structure itself.* Carbon-cured concrete technologies inject captured CO₂ into concrete during production, permanently mineralizing it and improving material strength.* Circular materials, such as recycled steel, reclaimed aggregates, and reused structural components, are reducing the need for virgin resource extraction.Each of these innovations addresses a different constraint, whether it is emissions intensity, material performance, or resource scarcity. Together, they point toward a more diversified and resilient materials ecosystem.The cost curve is moving, but not evenly.One of the persistent barriers to adoption is cost. Low-carbon materials often carry a premium, particularly at early stages of deployment. Green steel, for example, can cost 20–50% more than conventional steel today, depending on energy prices and scale.However, this premium is not static. As production scales, supply chains mature, and carbon pricing mechanisms strengthen, the gap is expected to narrow. In some cases, it already is. Blended cements and recycled materials can be cost-competitive—or even cheaper—depending on local availability.The more important point is that cost cannot be assessed in isolation. Developers and contractors operate within tight margins, but they are also increasingly exposed to regulatory risk, carbon pricing, and investor pressure. A material that is slightly more expensive upfront may reduce long-term financial and compliance risks.The decision is shifting from lowest cost to lowest total risk.Adoption is a coordination challenge.The transition to sustainable materials is not blocked by a lack of innovation—it is constrained by fragmentation across the value chain.Architects specify materials, engineers validate them, contractors procure them, and developers absorb the costs. Each actor has different incentives, and no single player controls the entire decision.This creates a coordination problem. A developer may be willing to pay a green premium, but only if the materials are available at scale. A manufacturer may be ready to invest in low-carbon production, but only if there is predictable demand. Contractors may hesitate to adopt unfamiliar materials without proven performance and clear standards.Breaking this cycle requires alignment across multiple stakeholders at once.Policy is beginning to play that role.Governments are starting to move beyond operational energy codes toward embodied carbon regulations. France’s RE2020 and the Netherlands’ MPG standard already set limits on lifecycle emissions for new buildings. Public procurement is also emerging as a powerful lever, with cities and governments requiring low-carbon materials in infrastructure projects.These policies do not mandate specific technologies—they set performance targets. This creates space for multiple solutions to compete, whether it is green steel, timber, or novel cement alternatives.The signal is clear: carbon is becoming a design constraint.From niche to default.Sustainable materials are still a minority in global construction, but the trajectory is familiar. Early adoption is concentrated in pilot projects, flagship developments, and regions with strong policy support. Over time, as costs fall and standards evolve, these materials move into the mainstream.We have seen this pattern before with renewable energy and electric vehicles. What begins as a premium option becomes the default.The same shift is now underway in construction materials.What will determine the pace is not just technological progress, but system-level coordination—between policy, industry, and finance.The builders who move early will not just reduce emissions. They will shape supply chains, influence standards, and position themselves in a market where carbon constraints are tightening.Thanks for reading! Subscribe for episodes in your inbox. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com

Concular is a German climate tech company transforming the construction industry by enabling circular construction, keeping building materials in use instead of sending them to waste.Founded in 2020 and based in Berlin, Concular operates as a digital and physical ecosystem that connects demolition projects with new construction, ensuring materials are reused rather than discarded.00:00 – Dominic’s journey: from Google to climate tech 02:31 – The real problem: construction as a climate driver 04:46 – The economics of waste: landfill vs reuse 06:29 – How Concular works (end-to-end model) 08:47 – Can circular construction actually scale? 09:01 – Regulation as the unlock (EU perspective) 12:12 – Why construction is so slow to change 12:50 – How to drive adoption in a risk-averse industry 14:05 – The insurance insight: building trust to sell innovation 16:02 – Scaling through standards (DIN example) 17:18 – What’s next for Concular (12–24 months) 19:26 – Open knowledge & building a movement 20:30 – How to access Concular’s resources 20:40 – Call to action: what the industry needs nowFrom Waste to Supply Chain: The Secondary Markets for Construction MaterialsMost people think aviation is one of the biggest climate problems. But the construction sector is actually responsible for ~40% of global CO₂ emissions and ~60% of global waste (aviation is around 3%).And yet, every day, we demolish buildings, send valuable materials to landfill, and produce the same materials again. So how do we scale the secondary market for construction materials?Circular construction depends on one thing: a functioning market where materials from old buildings can be reused in new ones.Without that, materials get downcycled or landfilled. A functioning market is one where materials retain value, emissions drop, and costs go down.However, there are barriers in making a functioning market.* Supply is fragmented. Materials are hard to standardize, difficult to inventory, and time-sensitive (tied to demolition schedules).* Trust is low in secondary materials. Buyers ask if it’s certified, who takes liability, and what happens if it fails? Trust is the real bottleneck.* Virgin materials are too easy to procure. They are cheap, standardized, and always available. For reuse to win, it has to be better, cheaper, and lower risk.* Coordination challenges. Construction is project-based, risk-averse, and logistically complex.Regulation is critical for the secondary market to compete. The EU is requiring pre-demolition audits, which creates supply and CO2 limits for buildings, which creates demand. This combination creates an enabling environment that is policy-driven.The ROI of reused materials is also becoming evident. Financial calculations must be part of the solution to be viable to construction companies:* Cut embodied emissions by up to ~95%* Reduce deconstruction costs by up to ~30%* Compete with rising landfill and transport costsLast, secondary markets require infrastructure, taking the form of digital passports to match supply and demand, material passports to track their quality and origin, and physical hubs to store, refurbish, and redistribute materials. This is causing large construction and materials companies to invest in recycling and reuse, build refurbishment capabilities, and position themselves for a circular supply chain.Startups thus should prepare themselves to build a marketplace, not just a product. They must solve for supply aggregation, demand creation, trust (certification, insurance, guarantees), logistics and timing, and policy alignment. Concular is doing just that.Secondary markets have a way to go. They work in pockets, but are not yet fully mature. But policy is becoming aligned, economics are improving, and infrastructure is emerging, making this an exciting space for investors and policymakers to watch. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com

In this episode of Klimatic Scale, Dash speaks with Brian Koh, an architect turned entrepreneur who founded Integra D&C after 27 years of designing sustainable buildings across the US and South Korea.Brian takes us inside his product IUES - a prefabricated modular envelope system that retrofits existing buildings fast, without the mess of conventional renovation. See the video of the installation here.👉 Listen to find out why Brian thinks the slowness of the construction industry is actually a startup opportunity.1:00 From architect to entrepreneur: Brian’s journey 5:00 Why pretty buildings are an energy disaster 9:00 The building envelope as an energy efficiency solution 13:00 IUES - a success case 17:00 Retrofitting a building in a summer break 25:00 What it takes to sell to the construction industry 30:00 Advice for built environment startupsConnect with Brian if you want to continue the conversation!This is one of the episodes of the Urban Chapter of Klimatic Scale, where we talk to innovators in built environment, real estate, and construction. We show the toughest challenges and the best working solutions.See our previous episode in the Urban Chapter that shares the perspective of a real estate developer on the energy innovation in the built environment: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com

In this episode of Klimatic Scale, Dash speaks with Sarah Perumalla, who leads innovation at DIEAG, a Berlin-based real estate developer that excels in high-value buildings and district projects. Sarah takes us inside a specific 1.4 billion project where the goal from day one was full energy self-sufficiency. She shares the key challenges and how innovation was managed to keep the project on track.👉 Listen to find out how DIEAG prefers to work with startups. This is one of the episodes of the Urban Chapter of Klimatic Scale, where we talk to innovators in the built environment, real estate, and construction. We show the toughest challenges and the best working solutions.1:00 Intro and cities of tomorrow 5:00 Energy self-sufficiency at district scale 9:00 Innovation challenge example: deep geothermal 12:00 25 stakeholders to the same table 17:00 How DIEAG works with startups 25:00 What startups get wrong when approaching real estate developers P.S. This episode was recorded in August 2025.Connect with Sarah if you want to continue the conversation! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com

Nyobolt was founded in 2019 by Professor Dame Clare Grey and Dr. Sai Shivareddy, building on research from the University of Cambridge. Nyobolt is a battery technology company focused on ultra-fast charging, high-power energy storage. It builds battery systems and related power electronics for applications like data centers, electric vehicles, robotics, heavy-duty equipment, grid storage, and other industrial uses that need rapid charging and reliable uptime.The company develops proprietary battery materials, cell designs, and integrated software/power electronics to deliver very fast charging without the usual tradeoff of rapid battery degradation. Its technology is positioned for demanding use cases such as warehouse automation, commercial vehicles, grid support, and AI/data-center infrastructure.Connect with Annie on LinkedIn here.00:00 Solving the problem03:48 Nyobolt’s solution06:10 Commercializing from the lab08:18 Figuring out where to start when there are many use cases09:33 Inbound to scaling step by step17:44: How to be disciplined with customer inquiry21:30: Defining success23:37: The power of testimonials and referralsSuper-fast charging batteries are becoming infrastructure, not just a mobility featureFor years, battery innovation was discussed primarily through the lens of electric vehicles: longer range, lower cost, faster charging. That framing is still relevant, but it is no longer sufficient. The real shift now underway is broader and more consequential. Super-fast charging batteries are emerging as critical infrastructure for data centers, robotics, and commercial electrification, sectors that increasingly run on the logic of always-on uptime rather than occasional use.That distinction matters. In an always-connected economy, the battery is no longer just a store of energy, it is a performance layer. It has to absorb power quickly, discharge predictably, survive repeated cycles, and integrate into systems where downtime is expensive and operational windows are narrow. For hyperscale data centers, warehouse robotics, and high-performance EVs, the demand is shifting from “Can it work?” to “Can it work fast, repeatedly, and at scale?”“We’re solving high-power, ultra-fast charging, long cycle life challenges for an always-on world.” - Annie WechterThat framing captures the market very well. The opportunity is not simply to build a better battery. It is to build a battery that matches the cadence of modern industry.The new demand profileThe most important trend in super-fast charging is not just technical progress, it is demand pressure. AI has pushed data centers into a new power era, with GPU-driven workloads creating sudden and substantial spikes in electricity demand. Robotics fleets, meanwhile, are being asked to move faster, stay online longer, and complete more tasks with less human intervention. Commercial EV operators are facing the same expectation: more uptime, less waiting, and tighter total-cost-of-ownership discipline.“Charging taking hours rather than minutes doesn’t work for this new age of 24/7 operations”That is becoming the central business case for this category. Where traditional lithium-ion has been optimized for energy density and long range, these new use cases reward power density, thermal performance, and cycle life.This shift is also changing how customers buy. In the past, battery procurement might have been driven by spec sheets or lab performance. Today, buyers increasingly want proof that a battery can improve an operational metric: robot availability, rack resilience, fleet utilization, or avoided downtime. That changes the sales cycle, but it also creates a more durable value proposition.Data centers are the next battery frontierAmong the most compelling new markets is AI infrastructure. Data centers historically relied on backup systems and predictable load profiles. AI is breaking that assumption. Training and inference workloads can create rapid fluctuations in demand, and hyperscalers are under pressure to keep systems stable while managing grid constraints, cost, and resilience.This is why battery companies are moving from EV adjacency into data center power. Annie described its “Dynamic Response System” as a rack-level solution designed to sit near GPUs and provide an additional power source when needed. The logic is straightforward: if compute demand is becoming more dynamic, the power architecture has to become more dynamic too.For investors, this is a meaningful signal. Data center power is no longer just a facilities issue. It is becoming an application layer for advanced storage and response technologies.Robotics is the clearest near-term use caseIf data centers represent the strategic frontier, robotics may be the clearest near-term commercial fit. Warehouse automation and industrial robotics live and die by utilization. Every minute a robot is charging is a minute it is not producing value. For fleet operators, the key metric is not battery capacity in isolation. It is how effectively the battery supports continuous operation across shifts, sites, and cycles.Nyobolt’s early market traction illustrates this well. Annie said one of its first customers came inbound after seeing a five-minute charging EV demonstration, then recognized that the same underlying performance profile could solve a warehouse robotics problem. The issue was familiar across the industry: existing technology could charge quickly, but it could not provide enough energy or range to complete the job.This is also where cycle life becomes especially important. Industrial customers do not want to replace batteries constantly. They want systems that can handle repeated, high-frequency charge-discharge behavior without degradation becoming the limiting factor. In a fleet environment, that is a direct economic lever.Check out our episode with ANYbotics where we discuss robotics for the energy sector.EVs still matter, but the bar is risingEVs remain the most visible battleground for fast-charging innovation, and they are still a major market driver. But the category is maturing. What once counted as a breakthrough, simply faster charging, is now becoming a baseline expectation in premium and performance segments.The next phase is more demanding. Fast-charging batteries now have to balance speed, durability, safety, and cost. They also have to work within increasingly complex vehicle architectures and charging networks. In other words, ultra-fast charging is no longer just a consumer convenience feature. It is part of a larger systems challenge across the transport stack.This is one reason the super-fast charging market is attracting both large incumbents and specialized startups. The startups are often moving faster on materials and system design, while established players have scale, manufacturing, and distribution. That creates a dynamic market, but also a crowded one. The companies most likely to win will be those that can prove not only technical superiority, but commercial readiness.What startups need to get rightNyobolt’s story highlights a lesson that applies far beyond one company: in deep tech, focus beats breadth. The company described a disciplined approach to customer selection, saying it prioritizes cases where the performance gap is large enough to justify bespoke development. That is smart strategy in a capital-intensive category.“The bigger the problem, the better the customer fit for us at this stage”That mindset is useful for startups across the sector. The best early customers are not necessarily the largest in the abstract. They are the ones with the most acute pain, the clearest validation pathway, and the strongest willingness to co-develop.Just as importantly, the winning companies are engineering-led but commercially disciplined. They need to balance lab innovation with field validation, certification, manufacturing readiness, and customer trust. In battery markets, a compelling demo is not enough. The real test is whether the product survives the real world.A market moving from promise to proofThe deeper trend across data centers, EVs, and robotics is that battery innovation is becoming operational rather than speculative. Industries are no longer asking whether fast charging sounds impressive. They are asking whether it can reduce downtime, increase uptime, and fit into workflows that now run around the clock.That is what makes this moment interesting for industry players, investors, and startups. The technical problem is hard, but the market need is real and urgent. Super-fast charging batteries are moving from a niche feature into a critical enabler of the always-on economy.And that may be the biggest change of all: batteries are no longer just supporting products. In the right applications, they are becoming part of the infrastructure itself. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com

Linda Zarai is the key author of two reports: * EU-level impact assessment and policy options: transitioning ZEMCON in European cities, a comprehensive study on the benefits, cost impacts, and policy options for Zero Emission Construction Sites across Europe with the Norwegian consulting firm Hafslund. * From Oslo to the EU: The journey towards clean construction, a case study on how Oslo has paved the way for ZECS across Europe. The report is the outcome of a collaboration with the city of Oslo and other partners of the Power Up a REnewable Society (PURE) Project.First established in 1986, Bellona is an international, independent non-governmental organisation (NGO) combating climate change. Their 30 years of experience on the ground has been marked with active collaborations with civil society, academia, governments, institutions, and industries. Connect with Linda Zarai on LinkedIn.Interested in more? Join us on Zoom March 26th at 14:00 CET for a deep dive on the topic with industry leaders paving the path forward on ZECS from Volvo Construction and the City of Stockholm.00:00: What are Zero Emission Construction Sites?04:04: Health impacts of ZECS06:51: Oslo case study08:19: Role of procurement10:27: Olav v Gate, the first ZECS14:04: Other cities leading on ZECS16:57: Barriers to scaling ZECS19:14: How to scale ZECS?21:32: Opportunity for startups25:29: Construction sites of the futureDeep Dive on Zero Emission Construction Sites (reposted with permission from Bellona Europa. Original here: https://eu.bellona.org/focus-area/embodied-carbon/zero-emission-construction-sites/) Zero-Emission Construction Sites (ZECS) are worksites where only zero-emission construction machinery and transport can operate. This approach seeks to decarbonise one of the most emission-intensive phases of the built environment: the construction stage. By focusing on this critical window, ZECS aim to reduce embodied carbon in buildings and infrastructure.Why do ZECS matter?ZECS address multiple urban challenges at once:Climate actionSignificantly reduce emissions from construction and embodied carbon in building and infrastructureAir pollutionCut construction-machinery-related particulate matter, NOx, and CO emission to zero.Noise pollutionNoticeably reduce noise levels, improving conditions for residents, workers, and nearby businessesCities as drivers of changeCities account for a large share of global greenhouse gas emissions, and their impact on climate crisis cannot be ignored.But they also hold the power to lead. Oslo’s progress illustrates that by embedding ZECS into local climate strategies, procurement frameworks, and urban development policies, municipalities can:* Meet climate goals through practical interventions* Create lead markets for clean construction products* Demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of sustainable models to national and EU-level decision-makersGreen public procurement is a powerful tool. Oslo has shown that by including environmental criteria in tenders, cities can drive innovation and influence markets far beyond municipal borders.Bellona has developed the Emission-Free Construction Equipment Database to help cities and contractors identify market-ready and upcoming construction machinery and equipment.Like this episode? Subscribe to get notified about the next one! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com

ANYbotics is a Swiss robotics company that develops autonomous, AI‑driven legged robots to improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of industrial operations, especially in demanding environments.This episode serves as a companion piece to our Podcast episode “Scaling Energy Tech with Siemens Energy”. At the 6 minute mark, find out how Siemens Energy as the customer implemented ANYbotic’s solution to scale throughout its operations. On the same Substack post, you can also read our deep dive on the robotics for the energy industry. ANYbotics is a leading robotics company specializing in advanced autonomous legged robots that transform how heavy industries inspect and operate their assets. Founded in 2016 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich, they combine cutting-edge AI, robust mobility, and industrial-grade hardware to deliver reliable robotic inspection solutions for sectors such as energy, power, chemicals, metals, and mining.ANYmal robots are designed to autonomously navigate complex, hazardous sites, capturing rich visual, thermal, acoustic, and gas data to enable safer, more informed and more efficient decision-making. By taking over dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks, their systems help customers tackle labor shortages, reduce unplanned downtime, and advance their decarbonization, digitalization, and safety goals.Connect with Péter Fankhauser on LinkedIn and read more about their partnership described in the podcast in Siemens Energy blog here.00:00: What is ANYbotics?02:29: Why data is critical in implementing robotics04:19: What customers care about05:54: Customer integration requirements07:09: Use cases in the energy sector09:24: How robotics can solve operational challenges faced by utilities10:30: environmental factors11:34: Pilot to scaling with a customer13:44: How they landed a project with Siemens Energy18:52: Landing and expanding with an industrial client20:20: The importance of excellent customer success processes23:00: Next steps for ANYbotics25:20: Dealing with media disinformation (robots taking jobs) and customer confusion.Like this episode? Subscribe to get notified about the next one! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com

Komm:Transform brings together clean tech startups and SMEs with local public utilities, welfare organizations, and businesses to jointly develop and scale tailored and versatile solutions for a sustainable energy supply.Clean tech startups and SMEs contribute innovation, flexibility, and technical expertise. Local partners provide infrastructure, market access, and networks – and actively seek technical solutions for clean and affordable heating, electricity, and mobility.This project is ongoing and run by Endeva, Climate Tech Hub, and Join Transition and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus). If you are a German clean tech startup or a German utility, you can reach out to participate. Connect with Christian Pirzer on LinkedIn.00: Introduction1:22: The role of Utilities in the Energy Transition3:45: Building Trust & Communications9:26: What is Komm:Transform13:46: Startups participating20:44: Advice for startups in talking to Utilities24:00: Risk management & demystifying procurement25:32: Are German utilities becoming more innovative? 26:57: Next steps for the program and how startups and utilities can participate. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com

LanzaTech ( NASDAQ: LNZA) turns waste carbon into new beginnings.Using proprietary bio-fermentation technology, they transform industrial emissions, carbon dioxide, and gasified waste into ethanol—a building block for a wide range of sustainable products, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other critical chemical derivatives.With six commercial facilities already in operation and more on the way, they are scaling fast to meet the world’s growing demand for fuels and materials. Their technology helps industrial sectors by unlocking value from emissions that would otherwise go to waste.00: Introduction to LanzaTech3:31: LanzaTech’s founding story & market access before sustainability teams existed10:30: Dealing with competition and new innovations15:59: Safe Aviation Fuels19:49: Call to action and what’s next for LanzaTechLike this episode? Subscribe to get notified about the next one! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com

Tecloman specializes in providing electrical energy storage for distribution networks.Tecloman is headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, with dual headquarters in Chengdu, China. It employs 1,001-5,000 people and operates over 60,000 m² of production bases as a full industry chain supplier integrating R&D, manufacturing, sales, and after-sales service. Recognized as a Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) Tier 1 provider, Tecloman focuses on renewable energy semiconductor manufacturing.Products serve residential, commercial/industrial, utility-scale storage, data centers, mining/oil systems, electric vehicles, mobile energy storage, distribution networks, and DC microgrids. Systems are certified for grid compliance in Germany (TÜV SÜD, ZEREZ), Poland, Belgium, South Africa, and Hungary, with proven use in harsh environments like oilfields.Listen to our episode with Felicia Gao, COO00:00 Felicia’s journey3:14 What Tecloman does8:33 Diversity of products on offer12:32 Biggest challenge 14:54 Tecloman’s scaling journey23:25 Success cases25:32 What’s next for Tecloman This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com

In this episode of Klimatic Scale, Dash speaks with Erik Wirsing, a logistics innovation veteran who has implemented dozens of startups into corporate operations. Drawing from decades in leadership roles, Erik breaks down the practical reality of corporate venturing.How to scale a startup solution across 100 countries, navigate internal politics, and convince both the C-suite and warehouse workers that change is worth it. Erik shares hard-won lessons on when to use venture clienting vs. venture building, why German companies struggle to kill projects, and the critical mistake that made employees reject a self-driving bus they initially loved.Here’s one question to set the scene: Should you fall in love with a technology first, or find the pain point first?👉 Listen to find out why Erik completely reversed his approach.This is the last of four episodes in the Venture Tools Chapter of Klimatic Scale, where we focus on venture clienting and venture building as the most practical innovation tools for climate-critical industries to move beyond pilots and into real-world impact. Both corporate and startup listeners can take valuable insights from real cases.1:00 From toy trucks to autonomous driving: Erik’s logistics DNA13:00 The corporate venturing toolbox: clienting, building, CVC17:30 Push vs. pull: why “cool technology” doesn’t scale21:00 Stakeholder mapping: from board to shop floor27:00 Budget reality: who pays after the pilot ends?30:00 Business case drivers: cost savings vs. new revenue36:00 How to pitch to corporatesConnect with Erik if you want to continue the conversation - he’s currently exploring new adventures in corporate venturing! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com

In this episode of Klimatic Scale, Dash speaks with Jelle Goertz, co-creator of inno2fleet, a venture building success case at the intersection of energy and mobility, built by inno2grid together with Schneider Electric.Jelle dives right into the details of what it actually took to turn a corporate fleet electrification challenge into a scalable business. He touches on how the inception happened, who was involved, how the first customers were acquired, and more. Here’s one question to set the scene. What do you think:👉 Listen to the episode to find out.This is the second of four episodes in the Venture Tools Chapter of Klimatic Scale, where we focus on venture clienting and venture building as the most practical innovation tools for climate-critical industries to move beyond pilots and into real-world impact. Both corporate and startup listeners can take valuable insights from real cases.1:00 The fleeting spark: how inno2fleet began3:30 From idea to first customer6:40 The key decision makers10:30 It takes a village14:00 What unlocked adoption18:30 Go-to-market lessons: one specific fail22:00 Where the money came from25:30 Scaling the venture without getting slowed down29:30 Jelle’s advice for venture buildersConnect with Jelle if you want to continue the conversation!And check out our companion episode with Alexander Soechtig, COO of inno2grid to learn how a venture builder creates success cases like inno2fleet. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com

In this episode of Klimatic Scale, Dash speaks with Gregor Gimmy, known as the father of venture clienting and founder of 27pilots, the first venture clienting agency.Venture clienting emerged from Gregor’s time working in Silicon Valley and his experience inside large European corporates. Having seen how U.S. companies adopt startup technologies quickly and at scale, he began questioning why corporates in Europe were spending large innovation budgets on tools that rarely led to real technology adoption.In the conversation, Gregor compares corporate venture capital and venture clienting head-on. He explains the limitations of CVCs, and why venture clienting is the fastest and cheapest way for any corporate to sharpen its competitive edge.This is the third of four episodes in the Venture Tools Chapter of Klimatic Scale, where we focus on the most practical tools for climate-critical industries to move beyond pilots and into real-world impact.Agenda:1:00 Gregor’s story and lessons from Silicon Valley6:30 Flying dogs and corporate venture capital12:00 Two-and-half startups and other CVC limitations17:30 Venture clienting is not an innovation tool24:00 The future of venture clientingConnect with Gregor if you want to continue the conversation! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com

In this episode of Klimatic Scale, Dash speaks with Alexander Soechtig, COO of inno2grid, a Berlin-based venture builder operating at the intersection of energy, mobility, and built environment.Drawing on more than a decade of hands-on experience, Alexander breaks down how venture building actually works in practice: when it makes sense to build a venture outside the core business, when to integrate early, and when to consciously not build at all. The conversation describes concrete decision criteria, real failure signals, and examples of ventures that successfully made it to market.This is the first of four episodes in the Venture Tools Chapter of Klimatic Scale, where we focus on venture clienting and venture building as the most practical innovation tools for climate-critical industries to move beyond pilots and into real-world impact. Both corporate and startup listeners can take valuable insights from real cases.1:00 Alex’s path into venture building3:40 When venture building is the right tool (and when it’s not)6:30 The secret ingredient of energy ventures9:50 Case deep dive14:25 Kill your darlings: which ideas should not become ventures18:20 Red flags and rookie mistakes in corporate venture building22:27 Where the money comes from26:50 What success looks like and more examplesConnect with Alex if you want to continue the conversation! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com

Siemens Energy Ventures works with a variety of young companies, bringing their expertise, ideas and new technology into our organization and scaling them up for impact.Siemens Energy is present in 90 countries and covers the entire energy landscape - from conventional to renewable energy, from grid technology and storage to the electrification of complex industrial processes. Their mission is to support companies and countries with what they need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make energy reliable, affordable, and sustainable.Want to hear the perspective from the solutions side? Check out our companion episode with ANYbotics CEO on how they landed Siemens Energy as a customer and scaled through their operations. Connect with Jaydeep Naha on Linkedin and read more about the partnership described in the podcast in Siemens Energy blog here.00:00 - Introduction and Jaydeep’s foray into energy2:12 - Siemens Energy Challenges3:46 - Venture Building vs Venture Clienting6:00 - Success stories and scaling with Anybotics8:44 - the process behind scaling12:58 - Digitalization priorities for Siemens15:25 - Advice for StartupsLike this episode? Subscribe to get notified about the next one!Robotics Powering Digital TransformationRobotics innovations are driving a profound transformation within the European energy sector, as companies embrace advanced automation, collaborative partnerships, and data-driven solutions to meet climate, efficiency, and reliability goals. Recent developments, including Siemens Energy’s approach and multiple partnership successes, reveal several essential trends and strategic priorities shaping the future of energy in Europe.European energy companies now integrate advanced robotics and artificial intelligence across operations to unlock efficiency and operational resilience. These systems handle inspections, predictive maintenance, and asset management—often in hazardous locations or around the clock—dramatically reducing safety risks and downtime while optimizing resource allocation. Quadruped robots, wall-climbing machines, and autonomous drones regularly monitor assets in complex industrial environments, supporting creation of digital twins and enabling early fault detection at scale.The EU’s strategic focus on climate action, digital transformation, and industrial competitiveness makes it fertile ground for robotics innovations in energy. Through open innovation, collaborative funding, and robust ecosystem-building, European companies can rapidly test, scale, and deploy the latest technologies while meeting ambitious regulatory, safety, and sustainability benchmarks.A key lesson echoed by leaders in the industry: the real breakthroughs come from forging trusted, mutually beneficial partnerships—combining the strengths of large corporates and nimble startups. It is not the technology alone, but the ability to scale it across borders, business units, and use cases, that delivers lasting impact.Partnering with specialist robotics startups, rather than building solely in-house, allows for flexible and rapid innovation. Siemens Energy’s approach exemplifies this: its venture arm collaborates with startups to bring “digital brains” to robots, speeding up deployment, enhancing adaptability, and reducing the time and cost to reach market readiness. Leveraging the expertise and R&D of external partners ensures even the most sophisticated autonomy solutions are robust, reliable, and readily scalable across geographies and business lines.Market Trends: Ecosystems and Agile AdoptionSeveral market trends stand out:* Open Innovation: Energy leaders are actively fostering innovation ecosystems that integrate solutions from both internal teams and external startups. This collaborative approach helps rapidly address technical challenges and build multifaceted, future-proof robotics platforms.* Scalable Pilots and Expansion: Pilots begin in one location or domain—often power generation or transmission—and then scale rapidly if successful, crossing both business units and national borders. The underlying robotics platforms are designed for adaptability, enabling efficient rollout in diverse technical and regulatory environments.* Flexible Business Models: Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) and hybrid service models are increasingly adopted, shifting robotics from capex-heavy investments to pay-as-you-go operational solutions. This not only democratizes access for smaller operators but aligns incentives for continuous improvement from solution providers.* Human Expertise and Digital Enablement: Contrary to fears of job loss, digital and robotics adoption often addresses acute talent shortages. Many European energy companies lack sufficient specialized expertise for complex, remote, or high-risk sites—robots and AI agents step in to supplement human skills, not replace them.Robotics and AI are establishing themselves as core enablers of the European energy sector’s ongoing digital transformation. Their adoption is driven not by abstract technological promise, but by pragmatic goals—safety, efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. Companies that embrace collaborative innovation, scalable business models, and people-centric transformation will shape the future of energy in Europe, ensuring robust progress toward decarbonization and energy security. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com

Enpal was founded in 2017 with the goal of making renewable energy accessible to everyone and thus finally achieve the energy transition in Germany. Offering a complete package comprising a solar system, power storage, electric car charging station, and heat pump, Enpal intelligently networks it’s solution via it’s Enpal.One energy manager, to make clean energy transitions possible in the home. Enpal is also a leader in virtual power plant technology and is on its way to becoming the largest virtual power plant in Europe.Connect with Dr. Wolfgang Gründinger on Linkedin.00:00 Introduction and Wolfgang’s personal journey6:53: Energy as national security imperative10:30: Story of Enpal from startup to scaleup15:33: Enpal’s solution to training the installation workforce18:30: Enpal’s B2B strategy22:11: How Enpal works with newer startups26:00: Advice for energy startups28:29: Next 15 years for EnpalLike this episode? Subscribe to get notified about the next one!The Innovation Case for Scaling Heat Pumps: Powering the Net-Zero TransitionAs the world accelerates toward net-zero emissions, heat pumps are a cornerstone technology for decarbonizing heating and cooling. This sector accounts for nearly half of global energy consumption and more than forty percent of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. The innovation case for scaling heat pumps is compelling, driven by their efficiency, versatility, and transformative potential across homes, businesses, and industries.Heat pumps sales growth rate, 2020-2021Source: IEA (2022), Heat pumps sales growth rate, 2020-2021, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/heat-pumps-sales-growth-rate-2020-2021, Licence: CC BY 4.0Why Heat Pumps MatterTraditional heating relies heavily on fossil fuels, locking in carbon emissions and perpetuating energy insecurity. In contrast, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat from sources like air, water, or industrial waste, delivering efficiencies far beyond direct electric or combustion-based systems. For every unit of electricity consumed, modern heat pumps can deliver three to five units of heat—dramatically reducing both energy use and emissions.In Germany, heat pumps were installed in approximately 69.4% of new homes completed in 2024, with nearly 74.1% of new detached and semi-detached houses and 45.9% of new apartment blocks using this technology as their primary heating source. However, in the existing building stock, only about 5% of German homes have a heat pump, while around 80% are still heated with oil or gas,. Across the EU, heat pump adoption varies significantly; for example, Norway and Finland have reached about 50% heat pump penetration in residential buildings, but Germany lags with just 11 heat pumps sold per 1,000 households in 2023, ranking 17th among 21 European countries surveyed.Annual heat pump installations in the European Union, 2021-2030Source: IEA (2022), Annual heat pump installations in the European Union, 2021-2030, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/annual-heat-pump-installations-in-the-european-union-2021-2030, Licence: CC BY 4.0Heat pumps offer a unique advantage because they provide both heating and cooling. As global temperatures rise and demand for cooling increases, this dual capability becomes even more valuable. The flexibility of heat pumps positions them as a key solution for both current and future climate challenges.Industrial and Large-Scale InnovationRecent technological advances have demonstrated that heat pumps are not limited to low-temperature residential use. Large-scale and high-temperature heat pumps can now reach output temperatures up to one hundred fifty degrees Celsius and beyond. This innovation unlocks new possibilities for decarbonizing industrial processes such as distillation, pasteurization, and steam generation. For example, Siemens Energy is developing units that deliver up to seventy megawatts of thermal output and steam at up to two hundred seventy degrees Celsius. These capabilities meet the demanding needs of heavy industry and district heating.This progress is essential because industry accounts for almost three-quarters of energy consumption in processing heat. By integrating with waste heat sources, such as data centers, factories, or biogas plants, industrial heat pumps can transform what was once discarded energy into valuable, low-carbon heat.Systemic Benefits and Grid IntegrationHeat pumps do more than just decarbonize heat. They also add resilience and flexibility to the broader energy system. When thousands of heat pumps are aggregated into virtual power plants, they can provide grid balancing services. This means shifting demand to periods of low electricity prices or high renewable output. Smart integration of heat pumps helps stabilize the grid, supports the uptake of renewable energy, and can generate revenue for heat pump owners.As electricity grids themselves decarbonize, the climate benefits of heat pumps will continue to grow. Over time, any remaining fossil gas use can be replaced with renewable options, which will further reduce emissions.Policy, Economics, and the Path to ScaleScaling heat pumps to the levels needed requires more than just technological innovation. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, the world will need nearly eight hundred million additional units by 2050, a fourteen-fold increase. Achieving this goal depends on several factors.Heat pump capacity in buildings by country and region in the Announced Pledges Scenario, 2021-2030Source: International Energy Agency (IEA). Heat Pump Capacity in Buildings by Country and Region in the Announced Pledges Scenario, 2021–2030. Paris: IEA, 2022. https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/heat-pump-capacity-in-buildings-by-country-and-region-in-the-announced-pledges-scenario-2021-2030. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.First, strategic public and private partnerships are essential. Governments can set clear targets, reform energy pricing, and de-risk investments, while manufacturers continue to innovate and drive down costs.Second, financial incentives and supportive regulation can accelerate adoption, especially in district heating and industrial sectors. Grants, rebates, and streamlined permitting processes make a significant difference.Third, innovation in deployment models is making heat pumps more accessible and attractive. Modular, factory-built systems and digital platforms for aggregation are helping to lower barriers to entry. Companies like Enpal in Germany are pioneering integrated clean energy solutions by bundling heat pumps with solar panels, battery storage, and EV chargers—all managed through a digital platform and offered via subscription-based models that eliminate upfront costs. This approach lowers both financial and technical barriers to adoption, while using smart energy management systems to optimize performance.Fourth, workforce development and consumer engagement are critical. Training installers and informing end-users ensures that the benefits of heat pumps are widely understood and realized.Challenges and the Road AheadDespite the promise, challenges remain. Upfront costs, especially in retrofits, can be high, and supply chains must scale rapidly to meet demand. Achieving high temperatures efficiently often requires multi-stage systems and careful integration with existing processes. However, ongoing innovation in refrigerants, compressors, digital controls, and system design is steadily overcoming these barriers.Change in buildings heating energy demand in the Announced Pledges Scenario, 2021-2030Source: IEA (2022), Change in buildings heating energy demand in the Announced Pledges Scenario, 2021-2030, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/change-in-buildings-heating-energy-demand-in-the-announced-pledges-scenario-2021-2030, Licence: CC BY 4.0Conclusion: A Mission-Oriented Innovation AgendaThe case for scaling heat pumps is not just technical or economic. It is a societal imperative. By embracing a mission-oriented approach that leverages public ambition and private ingenuity, we can accelerate the roll-out of this key technology. This will slash emissions—by up to 500 million tonnes globally per year by 2030, boost energy security, and create new industries and jobs.Heat pumps are more than a green upgrade. They are a linchpin of the clean energy transition. At the household level, they can cut heating-related emissions by 30% to 75%, depending on the fuel being replaced and the grid's carbon intensity. Scaling their deployment across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors is an innovation imperative—and an opportunity we must seize. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com

Verbund is Austria's leading energy company and one of the largest producers of electricity from hydropower in Europe. Verbund AG generates, transmits, trades, and distributes electricity, primarily from renewable sources such as hydro, biomass, wind, and solar. The company operates power plants, manages electricity transmission networks, and supplies energy to household, commercial, and industrial customers in Austria and several other countries.Verbund describes itself as an integrated energy utility, covering the entire value chain from electricity generation and transmission to supply and trading, including activities in both electricity and gas markets. Its operations also include the expansion of renewable energy, energy storage, and the development of green hydrogen solutions.VERBUND X is the Innovation Unit of Austria's largest electricity provider. The Corporate Innovation & New Business' department coordinates these efforts, ensuring transparency and facilitating interactions among various stakeholders. Follow them to get updates on applying to their next batch application cycle! 00:00: Opening1:13: How Lisa got into venture clienting6:13: How travel and exposure to energy access got Lisa (and Aneri) interested in energy solutions9:50: How Verbund works with startups and Verbund Accelerator15:46: What working with startups through venture clienting has taught Lisa22:27: How venture clienting can also provide insights for investing and acquisitions24:57: Innovation challenges Verbund is seeking solutions in27:28: How startups can contact Lisa and pitch Verbund30:00: Stay tuned for more episodes!Connect with Lisa Krotochwill on Linkedin. Like this episode? Subscribe to get notified about the next one! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com

00 - 4:10: Who are Aneri and Dash?4:10 - 8:30: Do startup prizes work?8:30 - 11:09: What is innovation theater? 11:09 - 16:17: Death by pilot16:17 - 17:27: Global experience17:29 - 21:22: What is venture clienting?21:22 - 26:41 : Can European business meet its climate goals? 26:41 - 29:07: Why databases are overrated29:07 - 31:26: What to expect in Klimatic Scale Podcast series𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿? It helps to remove binary implementer and investor bias when thinking about how to create an innovation hub. In biology, ecosystem is the full network that underpins a healthy environment. The interaction and connectivity between the elements, plants, animals, and humans that enables everyone to thrive. When one part is impacted, the ramifications can be felt everywhere. In innovation, the ecosystem is the full network that underpins a healthy innovation ecosystem. The interaction and connectivity between entrepreneurs, investors, customers, corporates, academia, government, and civil society enables everyone to thrive in collaboration. Add the word climate, and the same applies but to new climate technologies or approaches. As an ecosystem builder, the goal is to nurture the network, accelerate interactions, and help innovation flourish.Aneri and Dash are two experienced ecosystem builders who have joined forces to scale climate tech solutions across Europe. We are unsettled by this chart below, which we have directly seen in our experience in accelerating climate and impact startups. For all the talk about accelerating climate solutions, why are they still stuck at the Experimenting/Piloting stage? After all, electrification and renewables have been around a lot longer than AI.What is Venture Clienting?Venture Clienting is a term we only learned of this year, but also neatly describes the process of embedding startup technologies to scale within a corporate or government.Many B2B startups worry about a lengthy decision-making process, which ultimately might result them running out of cash waiting for payment. For startups, urgency is needed. Corporates, however, can take their sweet time dealing with long feedback loops and several levels of hierarchy. Buyers don’t like this either - they want fast and efficient processes that don’t delay their projects. Venture Clienting is a new practice, particularly in Europe, where corporates embed inside their innovation teams startup scouts. Rather than wait for startups to approach them, they actively look for startups to collaborate with based on niche topics. Venture Clienting focuses on becoming early adopters or customers of startup products, providing a quicker, lower-risk approach but with limited financial upside.Venture Clienting, though a newish term, has taken many different forms:* Open Innovation challenges: A corporate works with an ecosystem builder to generate call for applications from companies seeking pilots with them. For example: Amazon Devices Climate Tech Accelerator with MIT Solve, Asahi Sustainability Growth Platform with Antler, Towngas Energy TERA Award with New Energy Nexus China, and multi-Utility program Free Electrons with Beta-i.* Corporate internal innovation teams: an internal team that direct startup engagement and support to various internal business units. See Siemens Energy Ventures, E.On Innovation, BSH Home Appliances, and Honda Innovations as examples.* Commercialization Accelerators: Nonprofits or Firms/Agencies create commercialization accelerators that help startups through the deployment valley of death, particularly with corporate clients. This is especially important for climate tech where raising early on without market traction is common. It is also from our assessment, where European startups are at most risk of failing, as the startup ecosystem in Europe is more mature at the earlier stages of a startup’s journey.* Prizes: We recently attended a talk where a Chairman of one of the largest German corporates was speaking. Dash asked him, “what is the best way for startups to collaborate meaningfully with you?” His answer “we host many innovation prizes and challenges that startups can apply to”.We get it. Corporates love prizes for startup collaboration - it’s good PR, fun for employees to work on, and increases morale. The prize competition format engages their employees in meaningful ways and it’s fun to operate.However for startups, not so much. Typically a startup has to spend hundreds of hours to compete in the competition, even at the CEO founder level. Just for the chance to win an introduction to the right people at the corporate and the dangling of a potential contract. When runways are short and startups have to show traction to their investors, it’s tempting to land a big corporate by spending a lot of time to win such a contest. But this was not how business was done for many years - SMEs have long been contractors for corporates. So what’s changed?Sales are not done via a gimmicky pitch contest. It’s done through building relationships and trust. Klimatic Scale aims to get to the heart of it - building relationships and trust to get to net zero faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klimaticgroup.substack.com