Circular Economy
The concept of a “circular economy” spans a wide variety of technologies and sectors, with the potential to significantly improve the sustainability and equity of our economy. We are focused on transforming how we make and use everything from cars, clothes, food, and other products, which can account for nearly half of global emissions. Replacing the “take-make-waste” extractive industrial model with a circular economy framework can also tackle the disproportionate pollution found in frontline communities and energize local job creation.
Yerdle | The Recommerce Engine for a Circular Economy
Funding Startups Addressing Urgent Environmental Challenges
What technologies are we looking for?
- Waste-to-value solutions
- Carbon capture & sequestration
- Resource recovery & reuse
- Textile & apparel recycling
- Source reduction & data collection platforms
- Alternative packaging and next-generation waste sorting and processing technology
- Solutions that create high-quality, local jobs for people who live in frontline communities
- Manufacturing companies interested in ‘Equity IN’ projects to establish diverse hiring, inclusion & retention, and responsible supply chain practices
Our existing industrial and waste systems are unsustainable and inequitable. As we aspire to redesign waste streams using new technologies and business models, we’re looking for market solutions that address pollution problems at the source.
Accelerating Companies Through Key Commercial Inflection Points
Our Circular Economy Portfolio
Feed more. Waste less.
Upcycling hard-to-recycle plastic waste
Transforming waste heat into energy
Reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment
Converting organic waste into compostable bioplastic
Trove runs resale marketplaces for top brands like Nordstrom, Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, and REI.
From kitchen to chicken
Converts CO2 into cost-competitive chemicals and fuels
Addressing Real-World Problems
At Elemental, we take a place-based approach by recruiting entrepreneurs who are solving needs in the communities they seek to deploy in. We facilitate collaborative partnerships to help bring these solutions to the places we call home – Hawaii, California’s frontline communities, and the Asia Pacific – then scale the impact to the rest of the world.
Hawaii & Asia Pacific
Through our Demonstration Track, we co-fund and co-deploy projects in Hawaii and the Asia Pacific alongside startups and local businesses, government agencies, and community organizations.
California
The Equity & Access track supports startups delivering community-driven clean technology innovation in California’s frontline communities.
Global
Our Go-to-Market track is designed to support companies from all over the world in search of market intelligence and sales & growth strategies.
How Do I Get Involved?
For Startups
Apply for funding up to $1 million and resources to help companies reach commercial scale.
For Corporates, Investors, Philanthropists, Government, and Community Organizations
Learn more about how we work with partners to invest in and acquire startups, pilot new technology, and roll-out commercial-scale projects.
For Everyone Else
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