Shows
Rooted in ChangeAmaël Cohades - CompPairWhat if materials could (almost) magically repair themselves?
What if materials could (almost) magically repair themselves? When I witnessed it firsthand, I thought it was magic - it's "just" science in action. We cover how CompPair is revolutionizing composites with their self-healing technology. CEO Amaël shares how their materials extend the lifetime of composite parts, reduce waste, and unlock new economic opportunities. From aerospace to sporting goods, CompPair’s approach sets the stage for a smarter, more sustainable future in materials science.
CompPair2025-06-2423 min
Rooted in ChangeNicolas Sdez - PronoeWhat if carbon removal started with the oceans?
What if carbon removal started with the oceans? In this episode, we dive into how Pronoe is restoring the ocean’s power to capture and store CO₂. Founder and CEO Nicolas explains how their automated water treatment systems, placed downstream from industrial sites, reduce ocean acidification and enhance the natural carbon sink—all while using existing infrastructure. By turning return flows into climate assets, Pronoe supports healthier oceans and a cooler planet. Tune in to learn how this ocean-first, asset-light approach could reshape carbon removal at scale.
Pronoe2025-06-0344 min
Rooted in ChangeJan Allemann - CowaWhat if heat could be stored in a compact form?
What if heat could be stored in a compact form? In this episode, we dive into how Cowa is revolutionizing energy storage through cutting-edge phase change materials. The Swiss company enables homes to transition to sustainable storage solutions, making the most out of often limited space. In this conversation with the company's CRO, we dive into the business model, their traction and award-winning technology and what's next for them. If you're interested in storage, watch this hot company!
Cowa2025-05-0633 min
Rooted in ChangeFlorina Mînzat - EcothermiQWhat if comfort could be climate-friendly?
What if comfort could be climate-friendly? This is the question that Florina Mînzat posed. And she found an answer. As the founder of EcothermiQ, a company bringing passive, low-carbon thermal comfort into our homes, she works to launch smart, easy-to-integrate solutions. EcothermiQ makes it possible to feel good indoors while reducing emissions. Flo also shares the unconventional path that led her to launch a climate tech startup—an unconventional path by her own accord. This is for you if you're looking for inspiration and hope during these turbulent times.
EcothermiQ2025-04-1550 min
Rooted in ChangeMaryam Ghadrdan - PlanckWhat if new materials power the energy transition?
What if new materials power the energy transition? In this episode, we explore the cutting edge of chemical energy storage with breakthrough materials that make storing and releasing energy more efficient, scalable, and sustainable. Maryam dives into her personal journey of becoming a founder and continuously striving for excellence. She shares the science behind Planck, their customers, and how a niche position helps them to provide a lot of value.
Planck
Maryam's podcast - Extramilers2025-03-2545 min
Rooted in ChangeEmmanuel Masini - Mantle8What if we could unearth natural hydrogen?
What if we could unearth natural hydrogen? In this episode, Emmanuel from Mantle8 shares how they are pioneering the search for the Earth’s naturally occurring hydrogen reservoirs. As a new generation of geologists, Mantle8 uses bottom-up exploration and decades of expertise to unlock this untapped energy source. We discuss the science behind natural hydrogen and why it matters, how Mantle8’s approach differs from traditional approaches and what their secret sauce is. Natural hydrogen is one of the hottest topics in the climate tech industry right now, so this is a conv...2025-03-0445 min
Rooted in ChangeStefano Cozza - PlanetoWhat if designing district heating networks became simple?
What if designing district heating networks became simple? In this episode, I sit down with Stefano, founder and CEO of Planeto, to explore how their technology transforms how energy planners develop district heating and cooling systems. Those networks are crucial for the energy transition, yet often overlooked. Planeto makes creating efficient, future-proof networks that accelerate the energy transition easier. Stefano shares the inspiration behind the company, the challenges of scaling such a solution, and why district energy is a crucial piece of the clean energy puzzle. Tune in to learn how...2025-02-1140 min
Rooted in ChangeAlexis Sevault - CartesianWhat if melting and freezing powered the world?
What if melting and freezing powered the world? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of phase-change materials and their game-changing role in energy storage. By leveraging the unique properties of those materials, Cartesian has developed a solution that efficiently stores and releases energy as materials transition between solid and liquid states. Co-founder and CTO Alexis shares how he identified the solution, how it works in practice, its applications in the built environment and its future potential. If you're interested in storage solutions, this one is for you.
2025-01-2140 min
Rooted in ChangeMargaux Peltier - EnerdrapeWhat if we unlocked the full potential of underground heat?
What if we unlocked the full potential of underground heat? In this episode, we dive into how Enerdrape is revolutionizing renewable energy by turning underground spaces into sources of heating and cooling with the world’s first geothermal panel technology. This patented solution harnesses shallow geothermal without drilling or direct ground contact. Co-founder and CEO Margaux explains how parking lots, tunnels, and other underground spaces can become sustainable energy sources, reducing CO₂ emissions and transforming building energy systems. Learn why this technology could redefine how we think about renewable heat...2024-12-1740 min
Rooted in ChangeMarkus Aicheler - SolidWattsWhat if we create industrial heat differently?
What if we create industrial heat differently? In this episode, we explore how SolidWatts transforms power-hungry industrial processes by enabling electrification for high-heat applications. By designing and building the world’s highest-performing Solid State Power Amplifiers, SolidWatts is changing how industries think about heat generation. We also discuss the unique journey of falling in love with a solution first and then finding the right problems to solve. Join us to learn about this innovative approach and the future of sustainable industrial heat.
Solidwatts2024-11-0544 min
Rooted in ChangeAris Maroonian - NeologyWhat if we could use hydrogen everywhere?
What if we could use hydrogen everywhere? In this episode, we dive into how Neology is unlocking the potential of hydrogen through its innovative ammonia cracker technology. Using ammonia as an energy vector, hydrogen can be transported and transformed independently of where it's produced We explore the current hydrogen landscape, exciting applications across industries, and Neology’s ambitious scale-up plans. Tune in to learn how Aris and his team use their experience to deliver an important piece of the energy transition.
Neology2024-10-1543 min
Rooted in ChangeJiajun Cen - AquabatteryWhat if we could store energy in water?
What if we could store energy in water? We explore how Aquabattery is transforming energy storage with its groundbreaking technology, which uses just table salt and water. CEO JJ shares how this affordable, sustainable, and safe solution reshapes large-scale energy storage. We also dive into JJ’s passion for running marathons and what it takes to keep pushing forward, even through the rollercoaster journeys of entrepreneurship. This episode covers how to start and scale a company, lessons on resilience, and what the future of energy storage could look like.
Aq...2024-09-2439 min
Rooted in ChangeMaciej Majchrowicz - EcobeanWhat if we could turn coffee waste into green chemicals?
What if we could turn coffee waste into green chemicals? In this episode, I chat with Maciej Majchrowicz, a former VC investor turned operator, who is now transforming coffee waste into valuable green chemicals. Maciej shares the unique advantages of Ecobean's approach, emphasizing the importance of being a drop-in solution that seamlessly integrates into existing systems. We also explore how European coffee drinking habits are shaping their business scaling strategy.
Ecobean2024-09-0343 min
Rooted in ChangeBenjamin Friedrich - ecocoachWhat if we had all necessary technology to drive the energy transition?
What if we had all the necessary technology to drive the energy transition? In this episode, I speak with Benjamin, CEO of ecocoach. With a strong commitment to energy independence, ecocoach is at the forefront of developing efficient energy management solutions and pioneering battery storage systems. Benjamin shares insights on how they leverage technology to empower individuals, communities, and businesses to achieve true energy autonomy. Tune in to learn more about ecocoach and Benjamin's own fascinating journey.
ecocoach2024-08-1329 min
Rooted in ChangeMoritz Futscher - BTRYWhat if we could supercharge the future with next-gen batteries?
What if we could supercharge the future with next-gen batteries? In the latest podcast episode, we explore how BTRY transforms the battery landscape by combining the advantages of supercapacitors and batteries. Grounded in cutting-edge European research, BTRY is pioneering a sustainable and reliable solid-state lithium-ion battery that can be charged in just one minute. CEO Moritz gives insights into the technology behind BRTY's products, his European journey that led to founding a start-up and the company's ambitious plans.
BTRY2024-07-0234 min
Rooted in ChangeKristjan Tiik - EfencoWhat if we could convert energy more efficiently?
What if we could convert energy more efficiently? Kristjan, the founder and CEO of Efenco, a company that's transforming the way we think about thermal conversion, explains how current technologies are outdated and fail to utilize the total potential energy contained in fuels, leading to significant energy waste. We'll also dive into the unexpected connection between Tina Turner and his innovative approach to climate tech. Learn more about why the unknowns of the universe, from distant galaxies to the tiniest particles, hold secrets to combat the climate crisis.
Efenco2024-05-2149 min
Rooted in ChangeJohannes Fütterer - aedifionWhat if we could make buildings greener?
What if we could make buildings greener? This is where aedifion comes in. The company offers a cloud platform to optimize building portfolios. In this episode with the company's CEO Johannes we discuss why he originally started the company, the challenges of scaling a climate tech company in a conservative industry, and how to manage uncertainty. Learn more about the impact that aedifion wants to have on the building sector and how they will save megatons of carbon.
aedifion2024-04-3040 min
Rooted in ChangeMark Verhagen - RIFTWhat if we could use iron as a fuel?
What if we could use iron as a fuel? Enter Iron Fuel Technology, a revolutionary approach that leverages iron powder to deliver reliable and fully renewable heat supply. This innovative process harnesses the circular nature of rusting and unrusting iron, marking a significant stride towards a cleaner, greener future. In the conversation with Iron Fuel Technology's CEO Mark, we delve into the working principle behind the technology and its applications across various markets. Discover what playing football has to do with running a start-up and how Mark and his team...2024-04-0931 min
Rooted in ChangeTapio Vehmas - CarbonaideWhat if we could turn CO2 into concrete?
What if we could turn CO2 into concrete? Good news: We can! This is one of the more hidden problems, but with a significant impact. Some studies say that concrete accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions. Carbonaide tackles this issue. They have developed a technology that utilizes and stores carbon dioxide in the precast concrete industry. The company is on an exciting scale-up journey. CEO and founder Tapio shares unique insights into the industry, his decision to spin off a company from the university and the company's ambition. If you want...2024-03-1928 min
Rooted in ChangeFrancois Gruber-Magitot - VoltawareWhat if we had energy insights to make smarter choices?
What if we had energy insights to make smarter choices? Introducing Voltaware, on a mission to utilize electricity data to create more efficient, greener, reliable, and secure homes. With actionable energy insights, Voltaware empowers users to save energy and enhance comfort at home. In this conversation with Francois Gruber-Magitot, the company's Head of Partnerships and Business Development, we dive into how the technology works, the differences between European markets, and the impact the company will have. Listen to this episode if you want to hear from a real European...2024-02-2736 min
Rooted in ChangePetri Laakso - Soletair PowerWhat if we could turn buildings into carbon sinks?
What if we could turn buildings into carbon sinks? Turns out - you can. We explore this revolutionary idea with Petri Laakso, the CEO of Soletair Power. Join us as Petri unveils the innovative technology that removes CO2 from buildings' air ventilation, making them not only more energy-efficient but even carbon negative. It's a fascinating conversation that delves into the transformative power of sustainable technology in our built environment. Learn how the tech functions, the positive health effects of lower CO2 emissions in buildings and the company's vision.
...2024-02-0633 min
Rooted in ChangeIvar Kruusenberg - PowerUpWhat if we could prevent outages by using fuel cells?
What if we could prevent outages by using fuel cells? This is where PowerUp enters the stage. With Ivar, founder and CEO of the company, we discuss how batteries and hydrogen-powered fuel cells can work together to provide power wherever needed. In this conversation, we delve into how fuel cells work, use cases for the technology, and PowerUp's traction. We discuss the current fundraising climate for hydrogen companies and how the increased investor interest has led to an interesting challenge. Bonus point for the surprise when Ivar shared where...2023-12-1934 min
Rooted in ChangePeep Pitk - FibenolWhat if the wood industry's leftovers form the next generation of biomaterials?
This episode explores how to turn leftovers from the wood and forestry industry into the next generation of biomaterials. I'm joined by Peep, Fibenol's Chief Development Officer. We dive into his personal journey and understand the first-of-a-kind technology that Fibenol has developed. Moreover, we discuss the challenges the company faces on this groundbreaking path, solutions on how to overcome them, and of course how far Fibenol has already come. Join me for a conversation that goes beyond biomaterials, but focuses on resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit...2023-11-2841 min
Rooted in ChangeVolker Fricke & Stephan Dengler - ChargeIQWhat if we could make charging as seamless as refueling a car?
What if we could make charging as seamless as refueling a car? The EV space and charging solutions are booming. But how can we make it even simpler for EV drivers to charge their car, especially when they don't have a charger at home? That's a mission that ChargeIQ is tackling. Tune in as we discuss the challenges and innovations in the EV charging space with Volker Fricke & Stephan Dengler, founders of ChargeIQ. We delve into the use cases, success stories, and daily struggles to run a...2023-11-0732 min
Rooted in ChangeMirjam Penders - SympowerWhat if we could use existing assets to save the climate?
What if we could use existing assets to save the climate? Yes, you've read correctly. What if one of the solutions to fix the climate crisis was to use existing assets such as steel smelting plants, greenhouses or HVACs in a smarter way, namely by lowering their energy demand in order to ensure grid stability. This service is called flexibility. Sympower, a Dutch scale-up company, helps companies to unlock flexibility to make the energy system more efficient. Mirjam Penders, Head of Commercial at Sympower. shares her personal journey...2023-10-1733 min
Rooted in ChangeEden Yates - Cling SystemsWhat if we could give batteries a second life?
What if we could give batteries a second life? In this episode, we embark on a fascinating exploration of what happens to batteries after their initial use. Eden Yates explains how Cling's marketplace model works and the use cases for them. We also unravel the unexpected connection between Taylor Swift and Cling's business model. Moreover, we discuss Sweden's role as Europe's battery powerhouse. And if you're navigating the challenging journey of finding the right connection to your potential target audience, Eden has some practical tips to share.
Cling...2023-09-2644 min
Rooted in ChangePriya Bhullar - PlanbooWhat if we could remove carbon from the atmosphere and improve soil health?
What if we could remove carbon from the atmosphere and improve soil health? Join me in my conversation with Priya Bhullar, one of the co-founders of Planboo. Learn how they're utilizing biochar to combine carbon reductions and soil enrichment. We also explore the dynamics of founding a global business and the pivotal role of trust in bringing a new approach and concept to market. Don't miss this lively discussion on the intersection of sustainability and agriculture, taking a global perspective on one of the most pressing...2023-09-0537 min
Rooted in ChangeBjörn Lindh - NitroCaptWhat if we could electrify nitrogen production?
What if we could electrify nitrogen production? Half the food produced now is supported by nitrogen fertilizer, accounting for 2.5 % of global fossil-related greenhouse gas emissions. The industry struggles to move away from fossil gas and shift to renewable energy. As we need fertilizer to maintain field productivity and feed a continuously growing world population, we need a solution. Good news: NitroCapt, a climate tech company from Sweden, has found one. In our conversation, their Head of Strategy & Vice CEO Björn Lindh shares their progress, future plans and what made him take t...2023-08-1542 min
Rooted in ChangeMarco Möller - PionixWhat if we can build the operating system for EV charging?
What if we can build the operating system for EV charging? Join me in this fascinating episode as I sit down with Marco Möller, a serial founder and the visionary CEO of Pionix. We delve into the intricacies of the EV industry, exploring how compatibility issues impact electric vehicle rollout. Marco shares valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities to accelerate the roll-out of chargers globally. We also explore Marco's visionary perspective on market development five years ahead. Tune in to learn how Pionix builds the operating s...2023-07-2534 min
Rooted in ChangePete Rowe - Deep BranchWhat if we could make protein from gases?
What if we could make protein from gases? Turns out: you can. In this episode, I talk to Pete, one of the co-founders and the CEO of Deep Branch, a pioneering biotechnology company. Pete and his team have developed an innovative platform for producing climate-friendly ingredients. By harnessing the power of microbes, they are revolutionizing the way we produce feed and food additives. Their sustainable solution utilizes carbon dioxide (CO2) and renewable hydrogen to convert them into valuable protein-rich ingredients. Pete shares his personal story of how he started the company...2023-06-131h 23
Rooted in ChangeNemailla Bonturi - ÄioWhat if we could make better plant-based products?
What if we could make better plant-based products? During her research, Nemailla identified a yeast that converts side streams into value-added ingredients rich in lipids, proteins, antioxidants, and pigments. With her co-founder, she started the company ÄIO, a biotechnology business that aims to develop sustainable alternatives to animal fats, palm, and coconut oil. We cover how the technology works in detail, how ÄIO scales its production capacities, and what stands in the way to full commercialization. Listen to this episode if you want to know more about how ÄIO supports the tra...2023-05-2333 min
Rooted in ChangeDavid Abosch - Cognition CloudWhat if we could make IT more sustainable?
What if we could make IT more sustainable? With the increasing reliance on technology, understanding the environmental impact of our digital practices is more important than ever. David Abosch is the founder and CEO of Cognition Cloud, a startup aiming to make the use of IT equipment more sustainable. We discuss the role of data centers, the e-waste generated by our devices, and strategies for reducing our carbon footprint in the tech industry. Join us as we explore the intersection of technology and sustainability and discuss our role in creating a...2023-05-0232 min
Rooted in ChangeAndrew Bollinger - SymphenyWhat if we could make energy planning better?
Energy planning is something that most of us don't come in contact with on a day-to-day basis. Yet, energy planning has enormous implications for our lives, as we are surrounded by energy infrastructure daily. Sympheny, a Swiss company, offers a solution to enhance the planning process, delivering better results and more transparency to the market. In the conversation with CEO and Co-Founder Andrew Bollinger, we delve into the key challenges and opportunities in energy planning, including the integration of renewable energy, the optimization of energy storage and distribution, and the promotion...2023-04-1140 min
Rooted in ChangeAndres Anijalg - Roofit.SolarWhat if we could use our roofs for solar production?
What if we could use our roofs for solar production? Well, we all know standard rooftop PV installations. But what if you dislike the aesthetics and would rather have the PV modules integrated into the actual roof? That is how the idea for Roofit.Solar was born. They offer a solar roof that looks like a regular roof while at the same time generating sustainable electricity. In this episode, Andres Anijalg, Roofit.Solar's CEO, gives insights into the functionality, the company's traction over the last year, and plans for...2023-03-2139 min
Rooted in ChangeEloisa de Castro - EnerpolyWhat if we can build the next-generation of batteries?
What if we can build the next generation of batteries? Batteries are crucial to power the transition to net zero, storing green electricity and forming the backbone of clean mobility solutions. Eloisa de Castro is the CEO of Enerpoly, a Sweden-based company offering proprietary zinc-ion battery cells and packs. Their batteries are a safe, reliable, and cost-efficient solution for stationary energy storage. This episode goes into the details of the technology, its advantages, and use cases. If you want to learn more about why we need a mix of battery...2023-02-2833 min
Rooted in ChangeChaitanya Dhumasker - MonitorfishWhat if we can make fish farming more sustainable?
What if we can make fish farming more sustainable? The global population is growing - and we need to find ways to feed them. Fish is a valuable source of nutrition for many - yet fish farming is not fully sustainable. Chaitanya Dhumasker, the founder and CEO of Monitorfish, has found a technical solution to reduce stress on fish and help farmers to run their businesses more sustainably. This episode is a deep dive into why farmers need FishTV and how founders' mental health often receives little attention.
...2023-02-0733 min
Rooted in ChangeAlexandra Busnel - Biome BioplasticsHow do we solve the plastic crisis?
What if we could packaging and materials were designed in a way that they don't harm the environment at the end of their life? Well, Biome Bioplastics is a leading developer of intelligent, natural plastics, challenging the dominance of oil-based polymers. This episode's guest is Alexandra Busnel, who is a Business Project Manager at the company and helps to commercialize the products. Alex shares insights into the processes behind scaling polymers from the lab to the field and explains the difference between biodegradability and compostability.
Biome Bioplastics2022-11-1535 min
Rooted in ChangeLidia Kuti - SmobyaProducing new, sustainable biomimetic materials
What if we could shake up the fashion industry and finally utilize sustainable materials? This is the challenge Lidia and her co-founders work on. Smobya is a start-up, aiming to produce new, sustainable biomimetic materials, resembling leather when treated. Tune in to learn more about her personal journey, the challenges ahead and what gives her hope.
Smobya2022-10-1828 min
Rooted in ChangeKrisztina Kovacs-Schreiner - LixeaTurning waste into sustainable products
What if we can change the perception of waste? Looking at it as a resource, Lixea has developed an innovative biomass fractionation process using ionic liquids. The result: They can use waste wood, agricultural by-products, and sustainably grown biomass to produce ingredients, replacing fossil fuel-based ones. CEO Krisztina Kovacs-Schreiner shares her insights into the world of sustainable ingredients and the differences between British and Swedish (work) cultures.
https://www.lixea.co/2022-10-0433 min