Fossil-free cement and innovative wave power win Startup 4 Climate
2023-11-16
For the fourth year in a row, Swedish entrepreneurs have been awarded in one of Europe’s largest innovation competitions for climate impact, Startup 4 Climate. The winners of this year’s competition, startups Cemvision and Novige, convinced the jury with fossil-free, circular, and energy-efficient cement; and a combined wave-, sun-, and wind power solution, respectively. The winning companies will receive SEK 1 million each and coaching from the jury.
2023 has been a record-breaking year for the competition with 75 nominated companies and over 8 200 participants in the People’s Vote. On Wednesday evening the eight finalists pitched for a fascinated audience and a very impressed jury.
“Wave power and fossil-free cement would be two revolutionary contributions to the energy and climate transition. This year’s starting field was by far the most challenging ever, and I am incredibly impressed by the drive and competence we saw in all eight finalists. Winners from previous years have brought in multi-million investments after winning Startup 4 Climate and we believe that this year’s winners have the same bright future ahead of them,” said Johan Lindehag, member of the jury and CEO of Ellevio.
Cemvision
The most resource-efficient cement on the market – fossil-free, energy-efficient, and circular – is made by Cemvision and backed by Bill Gates. The innovation means that significantly less calcium oxide is needed, meaning that limestone can be omitted. Instead, Cemvision extracts calcium oxide from industrial waste. This means an 80 to 100 percent reduction in energy use compared to limestone and traditional production and entails that the process can be electrified. Cement production is one of the biggest sources of emissions in the world at around 8 percent of global emissions.
Novige
Novige’s wave power solution differs from other heavy, complicated wave power with lighter units that give a higher effect while adding solar panels and wind turbines. Novige’s wave power works like an old-school garden pump with few robust components – accessible standard components. Simple, effective, and a lot of energy for your money. The founder and CEO Jan Skjoldhammer made the first sketch of the invention 35 years ago. Hailing from Oslo and flying over waves for three decades as a SAS pilot, he is now focused on Novige and Täby. If you’re curious you can find an operational wave power unit by Svanholmen outside Lidingö in Stockholm.
“As an entrepreneur myself, Startup 4 Climate is one of my favorite things. Year after year, we in the jury get reminded of the amount of great ideas and drive there is in the long country of Sweden. And in these dark times, I feel it’s even more important to put the spotlight on climate heroes who can make a big difference and inspire each other. We hope that the award will come to good use!” said Stefan Krook, member of the jury and founder of GodEl.
