Technology Commercialization Services<\/a> (TCS) – a branch of the UConn Research enterprise – hosted the event at the Innovation Partnership Building (IPB). The Future Climate Venture Studio<\/a> is a major initiative for UConn and its partners, seeking to support and collaborate with business startups that are meeting the challenges posed by climate change.<\/p>\n The companies are headquartered throughout the United States and Canada. Connecting with UConn allows them access to the University faculty\u2019s growing expertise across many disciplines. However, this was the first time that the companies had pitched their concepts and products.<\/p>\n UConn President Radenka Maric has make sustainability and clean energy research a hallmark of her administration, including pledging the University toward a goal net zero carbon emissions by 2040. In welcoming the companies and attendees, she encouraged all parties to \u201clead with the belief that by working together, we make a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cClimate change is not only technical issues and how far we push technology. It\u2019s also human wellbeing,\u201d Maric said. \u201cWe cannot solve the problem as a nation if we don\u2019t work and collaborate globally.\u201d<\/p>\n Cody Simms, the Studio\u2019s investor-in-residence and host of the \u201cMy Climate Journey\u201d podcast, emceed the event. He sat down with CTNext Executive Director and UConn alum Onyeka Obiocha \u201912 (CLAS) for a \u201cfireside chat\u201d exploring themes related to entrepreneurship and climate justice.<\/p>\n CTNext is the state agency dedicated to public-private partnership that will catalyze Connecticut\u2019s innovation ecosystem. In addition to utilizing \u201cthe most educated workforce\u201d in the country, Simms and Obiocha agreed it\u2019s time for the state and private investors to put some serious funding into climate initiatives and entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n Obiocha also advocated for working with partners like UConn\u2019s Technology Commercialization Services, as well as other universities and organizations throughout the state, to continue to enable new opportunities for tech and climate startups. The intersection of social justice with climate is a key component, and attracting jobs and talent to Connecticut is huge, Obiocha said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re really trying to build on-ramps so that everyone has a place in the innovation ecosystem that we\u2019re building,\u201d Obiocha said. \u201cIf folks don\u2019t see themselves in it, if they don\u2019t see themselves in the climate change solutions from a technology level, then they\u2019re not going to be really trying to change their mindset, skillset, or behaviors to be a part of it in a way that I think we all need to.\u201d<\/p>\n The breadth of opportunities that climate justice presents is diverse, as evident by the pitches of the company CEOS. While some focused on products like advanced bioplastics, others explored themes of food insecurity, improved building practices and technology, and even responsible investing as means to both advancing the planet and turning a profit. The companies include:<\/p>\n IPB Executive Director Emmanouil \u201cManos\u201d Anagnostou said that UConn would continue to work with its partners and that the past three months are leading to pathways forward.<\/p>\n \u201cYou will be the example as to how we can grow at UConn in terms of entrepreneurship and innovation in the climate change area,\u201d Anagnostou said.<\/p>\n![\"President](\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/042023-FCVSShowcaseIPB-16-300x200.jpg\")
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