Voltpost converts ordinary lamp posts into charging stations for EVs
The latest report from the International Energy Agency shows that the world is close to reaching peak CO2 emissions this year. While the sector as a whole is transforming, at the forefront are the thousands of startups now emerging.
Companies such as Fram Energy, Pathways, Vycarb, Synonym and Voltpost are using new technologies such as Gen AI, building on regulatory changes and responding to consumer demands for sustainability. They all aim to decarbonise industries, optimize energy efficiency and democratize access to renewable energy. Each offers unique solutions that address critical gaps in the environmental ecosystem.
Fram Energy is targeting an underserved segment of the solar market: rental properties. With less than 0.1% of rental households having access to solar power, the company addresses the issue of “split incentives,” where landlords lack the motivation to install solar panels since tenants pay their energy bills. CEO Charlotte Meerstadt explains: “Our software splits solar savings between owners and tenants, creating a win-win situation and unlocking a new market for the solar industry.” Fram Energy’s approach not only democratizes access to clean energy, but also aligns financial incentives among stakeholders.
ROUTES is creating the “data layer for sustainable manufacturing,” partnering with material manufacturers to provide environmental product statements (EPDs)—the sustainability equivalent of nutrition labels. Using AI and digital twins, Pathways streamlines what was once a manual and time-intensive process. “We go beyond one-time assessments to provide ongoing insights that help manufacturers reduce their carbon and chemical footprints,” says co-CEO Alex Cooper.
Vycarb focuses on carbon sequestration and storage using water-based technology to replicate and accelerate natural ocean carbon cycles. This process converts CO2 into bicarbonate, a stable form of carbon that remains in the ocean for thousands of years. CEO Garrett Boudinot explains: “Our fully metered system ensures customers know exactly how much CO2 we permanently remove, addressing environmental and market demands for high-quality offsets.”
synonymous accelerates the production of next-generation bioengineered compounds by building infrastructure and digital tools to turn laboratory breakthroughs into market-ready products. CEO Edward Shenderovich elaborates: “We use AI to predict proteins and modify genomes, enabling the production of new materials like spider silk for textiles and body armor.”
Voltpost Voltpost retrofits existing street lights with EV charging sockets, reducing costs and speeding up deployment. The company integrates additional services such as Wi-Fi hotspots to improve the utility of urban infrastructure. “We look at streetlights as multi-functional hubs,” says CEO Jeffrey Prosserman. “Our partnerships, like those with AT&T, allow us to offer connectivity solutions alongside charging, creating a robust public charging ecosystem that adapts to the diverse needs of the community.”
Grants, incentives and preparing for policy changes
Grants and incentives play a key role in enabling these startups to scale their solutions, but the impending change in administration raises concerns about the continuity of these programs. Fram Energy’s Charlotte outlines their strategy: “We are focusing on geographies where our product remains viable even without federal support. By building networks and refining our business case, we aim to mitigate dependence on federal incentives.” Similarly, Jeffrey at Voltpost highlights the importance of private partnerships: “By partnering with companies like AT&T, we can reduce reliance on government funding while increasing deployment speed and community impact.”
Garrett at Vycarb points to market resilience: “Our main revenue comes from the voluntary carbon market, which insulates us from federal policy changes. In fact, reduced federal leadership often spurs local and corporate climate commitments, creating new opportunities. Alex at Pathways notes that sustainability efforts must be matched with economic impact: “Helping manufacturers demonstrate environmental and financial benefits ensures that sustainability becomes a business imperative, not just a regulatory requirement.”
Shaping trends 2025
Looking ahead, decentralization, integration of AI generation and cross-sector collaboration are the main trends reshaping these industries. Charlotte sees a shift towards decentralized energy systems: “Buildings are becoming their own power plants, driven by falling storage costs and increasing concerns about grid reliability.” Edward at Synonym believes that AI’s impact on biological manufacturing is just beginning: “AI allows us to predict and design proteins at scale, enabling revolutionary products.”
Jeffrey points out the historic importance of infrastructure investment: “We are at a unique moment where local governments are setting fare budgets for the first time, comparable to the early days of grid or rail expansion.” Meanwhile, Garrett notes growing demand for high-quality carbon offsets: “Companies now recognize that offsets need to be rigorous to avoid liabilities, which is driving demand.”
Together, these startups are overcoming challenges by seizing opportunities to redefine their sectors. By blending innovation with strategic foresight, they are shaping a sustainable and economically sustainable future for us all in 2025 and beyond.
For more like this, see: Top Four Startups Shaping Clean Mobility 2025
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