Week 36, Theme: TOP 100 Swiss Startups, Urban Futures, and Navigating Europe's Economic Landscape & Political Shifts
Dr. Johanny A. Pestalozzi
Executive President & CEO at AtabeyX Europe, Chairwoman of the Board of Advisors | GInI? Global Distinguished Innovator Award Winner | DeepTech x Sustainability Pioneer | AI Entrepreneur | PMP? DASSM? CSFR? SDDI?
Welcome to SparkX
Thank you for subscribing to this newsletter! Here is a digest of LinkedIn+ posts that caught my attention this week.
Content Highlights
Note: The text in this newsletter was generated using various GenAI applications, including Microsoft Copilot & ChatGPT. The author recommends verifying the information provided to ensure correctness.
1. Week's Theme: Building Climate-Resilient Cities with Nature-Based Solutions - A Global Call to Action
As biodiversity and habitat loss escalate, cities, which are often nature-depleted, face increasing vulnerability to climate change impacts like extreme temperatures, storms, and flooding. Cities such as Delhi and New York have already experienced severe climate effects, highlighting the urgent need for change.
The recently released BiodiverCities by 2030 report advocates for cities to integrate nature into urban planning to restore natural ecosystems and enhance resilience. An interactive nature-based solutions map assists urban planners in incorporating green solutions that offer multiple benefits, including improved air and water quality, temperature regulation, and enhanced mental and physical well-being. Successful examples include sustainable urban drainage systems in London, riverfront parks in Newark, natural river restoration in Hong Kong, and flood management in Yorkshire.
These initiatives demonstrate the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in mitigating environmental and social issues. The report also emphasizes the importance of a systems-thinking approach to city planning, which values the interconnected impacts of environmental interventions. To encourage investment in such solutions, it suggests integrating biodiversity data, developing new financial models, and introducing policies that share risks and rewards. By prioritizing nature, urban leaders can significantly enhance city resilience and livability, ensuring a sustainable future for both people and ecosystems.
Source: Mott MacDonald
1.1 DeepTech & Sustainability to Tackle Environmental Problems in Cities
Deep technologies, which include advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain, and advanced materials, can be instrumental in addressing the problems mentioned. Here’s how they can be applied:
1. Biodiversity and Habitat Monitoring:
- AI and Machine Learning: Used for analyzing large datasets from satellite imagery, drones, and sensors to monitor biodiversity changes, track habitat loss, and identify areas needing conservation.
- Remote Sensing: High-resolution satellite imagery and aerial drones can provide detailed views of habitats and track deforestation, land use changes, and urban sprawl.
2. Urban Planning and Development:
- AI and Data Analytics: Optimize urban planning by simulating different scenarios and their impacts on ecosystems. This can help in making data-driven decisions that integrate green spaces and sustainable practices.
- Simulation Models: Use advanced modeling to predict climate impacts on urban areas and test various nature-based solutions before implementation.
3. Climate Change Resilience:
- Blockchain: Enhance transparency and accountability in environmental credits and carbon trading systems, ensuring that investments in nature-based solutions are effective and verifiable.
- Advanced Materials: Develop and deploy new materials that can improve energy efficiency, reduce heat absorption in urban areas, and better manage stormwater.
4. Public Engagement and Education:
- Virtual and Augmented Reality: Create immersive experiences to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the benefits of integrating nature into urban environments.
5. Disaster Management and Response:
- AI and Machine Learning: Improve early warning systems for natural disasters by analyzing patterns and predicting events like floods and heatwaves, allowing for better preparedness and response.
6. Sustainable Infrastructure:
- IoT (Internet of Things): Implement smart sensors in urban infrastructure to monitor environmental conditions, manage resources more efficiently, and optimize the use of green spaces.
By leveraging these deep technologies, cities can more effectively address environmental challenges, enhance resilience, and create more sustainable and livable urban environments.
1.2 Innovative Business Models Merging DeepTech & Sustainability
Innovative business models leveraging deep tech to address biodiversity and habitat loss in urban areas can significantly transform how cities adapt to climate change. Here are some promising approaches and relevant startup examples:
1. AI-Driven Urban Planning Platforms
Business Model: Utilizing artificial intelligence to analyze vast amounts of environmental and urban data to guide the integration of nature-based solutions into city planning.
Startup Examples:
- [Civitas](https://www.civitas.city/): Civitas uses AI to provide actionable insights for urban planning, helping cities integrate green infrastructure effectively.
- [Ecobot](https://www.ecobot.io/): This startup uses AI and machine learning to optimize environmental assessments and support sustainable infrastructure projects.
Relevant Clients: Urban planners, city governments, environmental consultants.
2. Remote Sensing and Monitoring Technologies
Business Model: Employing satellite imagery, drones, and IoT sensors to monitor urban green spaces, track biodiversity, and assess the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in real time.
Startup Examples:
- [Planet Labs](https://www.planet.com/): Planet Labs provides high-resolution satellite imagery to monitor environmental changes and support urban planning.
- [Arable](https://www.arable.com/): Arable's sensors and analytics offer real-time data on environmental conditions and ecosystem health.
Relevant Clients: Environmental agencies, urban developers, city planners.
3. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Valuation Tools
Business Model: Developing platforms that quantify the economic value of ecosystem services provided by urban green spaces, facilitating investment and policy-making.
Startup Examples:
- [Natural Capital Project](https://naturalcapitalproject.stanford.edu/): They offer tools to assess and value ecosystem services, supporting decision-making for urban and environmental planning.
- [Ecosystem Markets Task Force](https://ecosystemmarketplace.com/): This initiative provides frameworks for valuing and trading ecosystem services, aiding in the integration of nature-based solutions.
Relevant Clients: Investors, policy makers, urban development firms.
4. Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Drainage Solutions
Business Model: Providing advanced technologies for designing and implementing green infrastructure that enhances urban resilience to climate impacts.
Startup Examples:
- [Green Infrastructure Solutions](https://www.greeninfrastructuresolutions.com/): They offer expertise in designing and deploying green infrastructure solutions like green roofs and sustainable drainage systems.
- [Treeconomics](https://www.treeconomics.co.uk/): Specializes in urban tree canopy assessments and valuations to support investment in green infrastructure.
Relevant Clients: Municipalities, urban planners, landscape architects.
5. Blockchain for Environmental Impact and Accountability
Business Model: Using blockchain technology to create transparent, verifiable systems for tracking and reporting environmental impacts and investments in green projects.
Startup Examples:
- [Verra](https://verra.org/): Verra develops and manages standards for environmental and social impact, using blockchain to enhance transparency and accountability.
- [ClimateChain Coalition](https://climatechaincoalition.io/): This coalition works on blockchain-based solutions for climate action, including tracking biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Relevant Clients: Environmental NGOs, corporate sustainability departments, and investment funds.
These innovative business models not only leverage deep tech to solve critical urban environmental challenges but also offer scalable solutions that can be adopted by various stakeholders, including cities, investors, and environmental organizations.
6. Nature-Based Solutions Integration Platforms
Business Model: Platforms that use AI and machine learning to analyze urban environments and recommend nature-based solutions for improving biodiversity and resilience. Relevant Clients: Urban planners, city municipalities, environmental agencies, and real estate developers. Startup Examples:
7. Smart Urban Green Infrastructure
Business Model: IoT and sensor-based systems that monitor and manage urban green spaces for optimizing environmental benefits and maintenance. Relevant Clients: City governments, facility managers, and urban development firms. Startup Examples:
8. Biodiversity Monitoring and Analytics
Business Model: Use of remote sensing and AI to monitor urban biodiversity and assess the effectiveness of nature-based solutions. Relevant Clients: Conservation organizations, city planning departments, and research institutions. Startup Examples:
9. Eco-Centric Financial Models
Business Model: Platforms that use blockchain and smart contracts to facilitate investment in nature-based solutions, share risks and rewards, and track environmental impacts. Relevant Clients: Investors, government bodies, and sustainability-focused enterprises. Startup Examples:
10. Green Infrastructure as a Service (GIaaS)
Business Model: Subscription-based models offering comprehensive green infrastructure solutions, including design, implementation, and maintenance. Relevant Clients: Real estate developers, property management firms, and municipalities. Startup Examples:
1.3 Related Articles & Initiatives
2. Touring Switzerland
There are beautiful landscapes in Switzerland and I am delighted to share highlights with you. Enjoy this week's selection!
Fortress of Bellinzona
The Fortress of Bellinzona, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Switzerland, is a stunning example of medieval military architecture. Located in the Ticino region, it comprises three main castles: Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro, which were built between the 13th and 15th centuries.
These fortifications once protected the strategic routes through the Alps and showcased impressive defensive features, including thick walls, towers, and gates. The fortress complex offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and is a testament to medieval engineering prowess, reflecting its historical importance in safeguarding the region.
Source: MySwitzerland.com
3. Partner Content
3.1 DeepTech & Sustainability Ventures ????????????
This think tank is dedicated to driving innovation and fostering entrepreneurship at the intersection of DeepTech & sustainability. Phase 1, Ongoing: We harness the power of artificial intelligence and review investment news as well as scientific publications to identify impactful business cases within this domain.
3.2 Investment Opportunity & Call for Founding Members
??Nanichi Atabey (from the Indigenous Taíno language, “dear Mother Earth”) is a Zurich-based pre-seed startup that offers premium play-to-earn-&-conserve virtual reality games leveraging Web3 customer loyalty programs that promote wellness & environmental stewardship, sustainability engagement in teams, and enhanced employee experiences while providing unique Ad spaces for select brands.
??By partnering with us, companies can strategically showcase their CSR impact & performance as well as their innovative products & services, promote brand engagement with customers, and attract top talents across millennials, GenZ & GenX. This is accomplished by leveraging pioneering sustainability-centered metaverse & Web3 communities that champion biodiversity protection & CO2 offsetting initiatives worldwide.
Review the startup for investment here. For further details, please contact Dr. Johanny A. Pestalozzi, Founder & CEO.
?? Play. Protect. Preserve.???
4. Shared News
领英推荐
5. Posts from my Network
Part I: Navigating the future - AI’s role in the economy
What are the real productivity gains from AI? Who benefits the most from AI? The panelists are Gregory Crawford, Professor at the University of Zurich and Chief Economist at Zalando; Catrin Hinkel, CEO of Microsoft Switzerland and Sendhil Mullainathan, Professor at MIT and labeled a “Top 100 Thinker” by Foreign Policy Magazine.
Part II: Unemployment and labor markets - disruptions from AI?
What impact will AI have on the labor market? Will AI lead to more equality? The panelists are Christine Antlanger-Winter, Country Director Google Switzerland; Valerio Capraro, Professor at the University of Milan-Bicocca; David Dorn, UBS Foundation Professor at the University of Zurich; Jan-Egbert Sturm, Professor at ETH Zurich and Director of KOF.
??6. Standing-Up Against Cyber-Bullying??
6.1 Closing this Chapter
Can you imagine...?
It seems that my bullies and harassers wanted to exert dominance over me, reduce my self-value, infer insecurities, fear, and anxiety on me, up to the risk of being socially excluded or ostracized in the (urgent) need or pressured to leave, setting up a situation of being financially unable to sustain myself, putting my safety at risk, and ultimately what he wanted was to subjugate me to their whims...
This scenario puts my integrity, values, beliefs, and whole world view into question, to ultimately erode my self-respect, which in my opinion, only ends up in the absolute destruction of a human being and is the epitome of corroding people & entire societies for generations!
This is for me, the exact depiction of hell in life and the absolute death of one's identity, and worse, the moral degradation of a woman.
I am glad that despite being young, I have the skills to identify this toxic behavior, act appropriately to safeguard myself, and share my experience with others to raise awareness, and hopefully no one else experiences something similar. My bullies may realize this and find the help they urgently need.
These are just some examples of how (cyber) bullying can be manifested and how it can go beyond the digital to the physical world and vice versa, affecting the psychological, economic, and social well-being of people.
I believe we should be mindful, raise awareness, and promote respect towards one another in society. Once things are done, they cannot be undone, but we can influence the future.
I would like to close this chapter, in the hope that this doesn't happen anymore to me or anyone else who is reading this newsletter.
Much love, respect, and appreciation! ??
WE SHAPE TECH: ? Adversity doesn't define you; it's how you navigate it that matters. ? — View Post
If you need help, please contact Victim Support Switzerland. Non-Liability Statement: The content provided herein is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for independently assessing the relevance and accuracy of the advice provided to manage their specific situations. The provider of this information assumes no liability for any decisions or actions taken based on the content presented.
6.2 A message of resilience
"Even in the darkest corners of the digital world, remember that your strength is a light that can't be dimmed. Every challenge you face today is shaping the resilient, empowered individual you'll become tomorrow. Keep moving forward with courage and self-belief—your journey is a testament to your inner strength and unbreakable spirit." ??
7. TOP 100 Swiss Startup Award
The TOP 100 Swiss Startup Award, established in 2011 by Venturelab and launched by Beat Schillig and Jordi Montserrat, recognizes Switzerland’s most promising startups. The award showcases the top 100 startups selected by a jury of 100 leading investors and startup experts, who each rank their top ten choices based on commercial potential.
Over the past decade, the featured startups have collectively created 18,850 jobs, raised CHF 13.6 billion, and achieved 79 exits and 9 IPOs. The award includes various components such as the Scale-up Ranking for mature startups, the Investor Summit for funding pitches, and regional pitch events.
The TOP 100 Swiss Startup Magazine provides comprehensive coverage in multiple languages. The initiative strengthens networks, fosters business relationships, and celebrates innovation within Switzerland’s vibrant startup ecosystem.
Source: TOP 100 Startups.
7.1 Winner 2024: DePoly
DePoly is a Swiss startup focused on revolutionizing the recycling of synthetic polymers, particularly PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Founded in 2017, DePoly has developed a patented technology that efficiently depolymerizes PET waste into its original monomers, enabling the recycling of plastics into high-quality, reusable materials. This process not only enhances the quality and sustainability of recycled plastics but also helps reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.
The company's innovative approach addresses significant challenges in plastic recycling, such as contamination and the degradation of material quality. By breaking PET down into its fundamental components, DePoly's technology allows for the production of new PET products with minimal quality loss, promoting a circular economy and reducing reliance on virgin plastic materials.
For more information, visit their website: DePoly.
"Recharge your energy by embracing moments of stillness and reflection. Let go of past burdens and focus on your passions. Every new day brings fresh opportunities. Move forward with renewed purpose and optimism—your best chapters are yet to be written. Keep striving, and let your journey inspire you." ??
Thank you to my network for sharing valuable content with all of us! And, THANK YOU, for reading this newsletter feed!
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Wishing you a great weekend! ??
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?Data Analyst ? Digital Marketing Strategist ? I help people promote their business online and get new customers ? Startup Mentor ? PhD in Economics
5 个月Exciting to dive into the latest edition of SparkX newsletter! The content curation on building climate-resilient cities and exploring innovative solutions is truly inspiring. Keep up the great work in promoting sustainability and technological advancements. #SparkXNews #Innovation #Sustainability #ESG #FutureThinking