The AI visual in my heading is possible thanks to Google’s Gemini product. 😊
Minerva Ventures hosts a call for those interested in sustainability topics. I participated recently in their event focused on ‘AI for Good.’
Connecting visionaries like sustainability guru Marianna Grossman and tech entrepreneur Ted Katagi highlights the West Coast’s unique capacity for cross-sector innovation. While climate change poses a significant threat to the region, its culture of bold experimentation and virtual collaboration continues to drive global sustainability solutions at a pace unmatched elsewhere. Although I’m based in Texas, I can always dial up partners and friends on the West Coast or APAC.
Faced with the reality of a climate in crisis, AI developers must shift their focus toward sustainability. To that end, I have partnered with Kenja.com, a Tokyo-based software company that promotes environmental responsibility by leveraging remote collaboration tools to maintain a low carbon footprint.
Here are some takeaways from this month’s meeting:
## Ted Katagi’s Presentation: Key Takeaways
Ted Katagi, founder of Kenja and professor at NUCB Business School focused on the intersection of AI, corporate responsibility, and data security. He was supported by his student Raghav Chadha.
- Secure AI Content Management: Kenja operates as an AI-driven content management company. Katagi emphasizes the urgent need for the securitization and privatization of data, as many corporations are currently unaware of the long-term implications of their data handling.
- Operational Sustainability: Kenja maintains a carbon-zero footprint through a combination of high-integrity carbon credits and a commitment to fully remote work to eliminate commuting emissions.
- Corporate Consciousness: Katagi noted that large corporates are often “unconscious” of their systemic impacts, suggesting a need for better governance and intentionality in how technology is deployed.
Ted and Raghav showed a demo of the Kenja Teams product to conclude their talk.
## Attendee Contributions & Discussion Points
The meeting participants raised several technical, legislative, and ethical points regarding climate and technology:
1. Energy & Infrastructure Solutions
- Agrivoltaics: Stephanie and Leslie discussed the potential for dual-use land (solar + farming). Leslie suggested West Marin County as a prime pilot location due to its robust ranching community and interest from MCE Clean Energy.
- Plug-in & Balcony Solar: Michael Chasnow (ClimateVoice) and Marion Dresner highlighted the push for plug-in solar legislation to help renters. While Oregon’s “balcony solar” bill failed this session, it will be reintroduced.
- Passive Cooling: Raj Saxena noted that white roof paint can reduce heat by 20%, but the US roofing industry remains resistant, necessitating policy intervention.
2. AI & Technology Concerns
- Data Center Impact: Raj Padmanabhan raised concerns about the massive climate impact of data center buildouts (specifically in Round Rock, TX) driven by the AI boom.
- AI Safety & Ethics: Tara Atkins-Brown pointed to the Center for AI and Digital Policy, which is currently advocating for an international AI Treaty to manage safety risks.
3. Investment & Finance
- The “Post-Incentive” Landscape: Harris Kretsge raised a critical question: How will renewable energy projects find debt financing now that many previous tax incentives have been “decimated” and fossil fuel costs remain volatile?
- Public Markets: Dinyah Rein noted that Fervo Energy (geothermal) may be preparing for an IPO.
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Check out the following links to learn more:
You can be added to the Climate Leader group: hello@minervaventures.com
customersuccessforgood.com 