Innovators Under 35 Driving AI Solutions for Climate Challenges

Jae-Won Chung has developed software aimed at creating energy-efficient AI, while Jing Wei is utilizing AI for pollution tracking. Zhonghua Zheng has created AI climate models specifically for urban environments. In the startup space, Mohammad Alkhadra is the cofounder and CEO of Lithios, focusing on lithium extraction, a critical resource as shortages could occur within this decade. Benjamin Mowbray, cofounder and CTO of Rock Zero, is also working on lithium extraction, specifically from hardrock ore, addressing the environmental concerns associated with brine extraction, which is currently the cheapest but slowest method. Laureen Meroueh is innovating in the steel industry by developing a new furnace that produces cleaner steel, contributing to the 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions attributed to heavy industry like steel production. Joseph Nguthiru is creating bioplastics from invasive weeds, while Diana Orembe is turning food waste into fish food. Jinyoung Seo is focused on developing solid refrigerants that could reduce energy consumption by 20% compared to conventional technologies. This cohort exemplifies the potential of AI to address climate change, as noted by MIT Technology Review, which emphasizes that addressing climate change will require significant societal overhauls.