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Tim Sperry, Founder of Carbon Limit Co, graced the cover of Worldu2019s Leaders Magazine as one of the Worlds Most Innovative Climate Tech Companies to Watch in 2024
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World's Most Innovative Climate Tech Companies to Watch in 2024 Saving Tomorrow The first cleantech bubble appeared in the mid-2000s when start-ups in Silicon Valley concentrated on solar, wind, and hydropower. Numerous factors, such as lower import costs from Chinese manufacturers and the slow adoption of cleantech products because of low oil and natural gas prices, contributed to the failure of many of these enterprises. But the sector is resurfacing more than 20 years later, going by the moniker "climate tech." The goal of this new generation of businesses is to cut carbon emissions from a variety of sources, such as the distribution of energy, the built environment, transportation, heavy industry, agriculture, and land use. in concrete. This innovation contributes to long-term sustainability and the development of greener cities on a global scale. The flagship offering, CaptureCrete™, represents a unique solution to address the environmental impact of concrete, which is responsible for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions. We need to act since the world is currently experiencing a serious climate crisis. Climate-related technology firms are significantly contributing to the development of creative ways to lessen the effects of global warming. It highlights decarbonization across several economic sectors and demonstrates that climate technology is much more than just clean technology. CaptureCrete™ involves a special powder additive composed of highly reactive minerals to CO2. This additive is seamlessly integrated during the concrete manufacturing process, significantly enhancing the Carbon Capture Utilization & Storage capabilities of structures made with CaptureCrete™. The technology aims to revolutionize the concrete industry by mitigating its carbon footprint and promoting environmentally friendly construction practices. These climate tech companies are spearheading the battle against climate change with their innovative solutions, which range from carbon capture and storage to renewable energy sources. In this special edition, let us share similar, interviews with many such dedicated organizations in order to raise awareness about their contributions to making the world a better place. Let's Begin! World's Leaders latest edition “World's Most Innovative Climate Tech Companies to Watch in 2024” has featured leading climate tech companies which are changing the course of Earth's future and encouraging others to do the same. The cover features Carbon Limit, a South Florida- based climate-tech company, specializes in a groundbreaking Carbon Capture technology designed to actively capture atmospheric CO2 and permanently store it Have a lovely read!
CREDIT PAGE Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar Executive Editor Nicole Williams Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal Art & Design Director Jack Anderson Business Development Manager Kate Anderson Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey Associate Designer Kevin Rust Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke Sales Manager Megan Morgan, Irfan Shekh Marketing Manager Tom Swann Technical Specialist Barry Jones Circulation Manager Danny Parker February 2024 3296 Westerville Rd #250, Columbus, OH 43224, USA Copyright 2024 WORLD’S LEADERS, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from WORLD’S LEADERS Reprint rights remain solely with WORLD’S LEADERS. Follow us on :
08 Cover Story A Renowned Advocate for Profitable Sustainability
22 Ayisha Panhwar Ben Knoefler 26 Deke Welling 30 Liam Hardey 36 40 Lidia Aviles Mogens Birkelund 44 Mr. Thomas Zirk-Gunnemann 48 54 Orri Bjornsson 58 Prof. Graham Weale
Cover Story Tim Sperry 08 | February 2024
Tim Sperry, the visionary founder of Carbon Limit Co., has established a thriving Climate Tech company dedicated to introducing groundbreaking, sustainable solutions for the built environment. His focus extends beyond decarbonizing the industry to making it profitable. Tim's background is rooted in creating and commercializing negative emission technologies (NET) and carbon capture technologies. He previously founded another Climate Tech company, where they developed a NET additive initially used in paint. The company offered an air-purifying paint that not only improved air quality but also absorbed pollutants and odors. As the business expanded, the additive itself became the product, finding applications beyond paint and for different use cases. This experience not only contributed valuable insights but also laid the foundation for the collaborative company culture at Carbon Limit, fostering deep-rooted friendships within the team. Tim shares that the happiest part of his daily routine is engaging in what he loves and collaborating with amazing individuals who bring fantastic energy. Witnessing his team achieve breakthroughs with their technology, securing deals, and generating innovative ideas within the collective company environment and culture is a source of true reward for him. 10 | February 2024
is seamlessly integrated during the concrete manufacturing process, significantly enhancing the Carbon Capture Utilization & Storage capabilities of structures made with CaptureCrete™. The technology aims to revolutionize the concrete industry by mitigating its carbon footprint and promoting environmentally friendly construction practices. While Tim's responsibilities are currently broad, he is working on narrowing them down. His current focus involves steering Carbon Limit toward its vision and mission by providing oversight and direction for both research and development (R&D) and business development. Carbon Limit's core team, boasting a solid five-year history from a prior climate tech venture, brings together diverse expertise. The team includes scientists specializing in concrete and carbon capture technology. The Chief Operating Officer, Christina Stavridi, is a trailblazing female leader advocating for women's leadership in carbon removal. Together, this team fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, empowering each member to think beyond conventional boundaries. The blend of experience, diversity, and a shared commitment defines the unique and effective approach of the Carbon Limit team in addressing climate challenges through cutting-edge technology. Revolutionizing Concrete Carbon Limit, a South Florida-based climate-tech company, specializes in a groundbreaking Carbon Capture technology designed to actively capture atmospheric CO2 and permanently store it in concrete. This innovation contributes to long-term sustainability and the development of greener cities on a global scale. The flagship offering, CaptureCrete™, represents a unique solution to address the environmental impact of concrete, which is responsible for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions. Collaborative Innovation and Rigorous Standards The team at Carbon Limit adopts a unique perspective on the competitive landscape, viewing it more as a collaborative opportunity. While CaptureCrete™ stands out for its uniqueness, it is also highly versatile and, in many cases, can be used in conjunction with other existing solutions. The company actively welcomes opportunities to collaborate with other firms and solutions, recognizing the potential for creating an even more significant positive impact on the environment through collective efforts. Carbon Limit places a strong emphasis on diligence to ensure that their technology not only creates a measurable positive impact but also maintains or CaptureCrete™ involves a special powder additive composed of highly reactive minerals to CO2. This additive worldsleaders.com | 11
FOUNDERS ? TIM SPERRY ? ORO PADRON fuels his commitment to contributing to the growth of those around him. Tim's constant focus is on discovering ways to empower his team members to become the best versions of themselves. improves performance in concrete for the projects in which it is utilized. This involves obtaining certification under ASTM standards and testing in as many use cases as possible for durability and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) efficacy. The company has invested a significant amount of time and energy in getting their carbon credits validated for CaptureCrete™, thereby creating a more substantial value proposition for their customers, including concrete producers and construction project developers. This commitment to rigorous standards and validation underscores Carbon Limit's dedication to delivering both environmentally impactful and performance-enhancing solutions to the market. exceed their previous achievements. These priorities compel the team to think differently and foster innovation in their pursuit of significant environmental impact. Dedicated to cultivating a company culture filled with self-managing leaders, Tim envisions a workplace where individuals empower others and foster leadership. Recognizing the influx of new companies and first-time founders entering the scene, Tim highlights the significance of having the right kind of experience, whether firsthand or from wise advisors. This perspective underscores Tim's commitment to creating a supportive and empowering environment at Carbon Limit, where continuous learning and leadership development are integral to the company's success. Dedicated to cultivating an environment of innovation, Carbon Limit closely ties this commitment to their company culture, integrity, and core values. Since the inception of Carbon Limit, a company manifesto has outlined their core values: Personal Growth, Innovation, Envisioning, and Love. To further align with the aspirations of team members, three questions are posed to each new member, demonstrating a commitment to understanding their objectives and contributing to their personal growth. This emphasis on values and individual growth reflects Carbon Limit's holistic approach to fostering innovation within the team. Incentives and Industry Commitments Driving Innovation and Personal Growth According to Tim, incentives such as the IRA (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) and various other favorable conditions are contributing significantly to the growing interest in the adoption of innovative technologies like CaptureCrete™. Tim highlights that the appeal of new technologies lies in their ability to enhance systems and Tim expresses that at Carbon Limit, the team is driven by a mission to surpass the GIGATON scale of CO2 removal, serving as their North Star and guiding their continuous efforts. Aligned with this ambitious mission, the team consistently focuses on three priorities simultaneously, each representing a 10X goal that challenges them to Empowerment, Continuous Learning, and Team Growth Tim is an avid reader, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and personal growth in his daily routine. His deep passion for gaining a better understanding of himself and others 12 | February 2024
processes, coupled with the potential to generate additional revenues through avenues like carbon credits. These factors, in turn, are driving increased investment capital into the industry. permanence and fulfillment, addressing industry concerns and establishing the company's credits as reliable and trustworthy in the market. Through these efforts, Carbon Limit aims to not only contribute to sustainability but also set a standard for credibility and innovation in the carbon industry. Reflecting on Carbon Limit's journey, Tim notes that when the company was founded in 2021, it faced challenges in finding adopters However, the landscape rapidly changed in October 2021 when the global cement and concrete industries committed to achieving net zero by 2050 and reducing carbon emissions by 25% by 2030. This commitment triggered a notable shift, with many companies actively seeking out solutions like CaptureCrete™, underscoring the impact of industry-wide sustainability goals on technology adoption and market dynamics. 2023 Milestones in Carbon Limit's Sustainable Building Journey Carbon Limit's journey towards sustainable building and carbon neutrality includes key milestones: Carbon-Capturing Lines: Launched lines with licensees, integrating CaptureCrete™ into their products for carbon capture within the construction industry. ● A transparent Approach: Tim underscores the pivotal role of Carbon Limit's carbon credit projects in advancing sustainability. By deploying CaptureCrete™ in projects, the company can permanently remove and store CO2, generating high-quality carbon credits. These credits have become increasingly sought after by companies aiming to strategically offset their carbon footprint and contribute to environmental initiatives. Beyond aligning with sustainability goals, these credits position companies as responsible and environmentally conscious, making a positive impact on both the planet and their corporate image. $2M USD Xtech SBIR US Army Grants: Secured substantial funding from US Army grants, validating CaptureCrete™ and supporting further research and development. ● CaptureCrete™ Carbon Credits Validation: Achieved validation by Bureau Veritas under the Covalent Certification Standard, making the credits available for pre-purchase. This enhances credibility and facilitates proactive carbon offsetting. GreenBiz's Climate Tech Company of 2023 ● ● Carbon Limit faces unique challenges in the carbon industry due to the innovative nature of CaptureCrete™. The revolutionary solution didn't initially fit within existing certifications and regulations, prompting the company to navigate a strategic pivot. Creatively adjusting the formula for certification and customer use became essential to overcoming these challenges. Balancing Individual Heroics and Team Processes Tim's perspective on whether organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes reflects a nuanced understanding. He believes that initially, individual heroics play a crucial role in leading the charge and demonstrating that anything can be accomplished. This involves individuals stepping up and offering guidance on how to operate effectively. Furthermore, the carbon credit market, while promising, has encountered issues related to reputation and regulation. In response, Carbon Limit has taken proactive steps to validate CaptureCrete™ carbon credits through a rigorous process. This commitment ensures 14 | February 2024
However, Tim emphasizes that, after this initial stage, the focus shifts to the importance of team processes. In his view, team processes become paramount for sustained success. Establishing and implementing processes is seen as essential to creating a duplicatable system that can be easily followed. This approach aims to ensure consistency and efficiency within the team, emphasizing the significance of well-defined and replicable processes in achieving ongoing success for the organization. Leadership Insights Tim's advice to someone entering a leadership position for the first time is rooted in a commitment to continuous learning and openness. He suggests being willing to constantly learn how to be a better leader and emphasizing the importance of being a better listener to those around you who can contribute value to the team. Moreover, Tim encourages new leaders not to be afraid to ask for help and underscores the value of reading extensively, focusing on the right books that aid personal growth and contribute to the development of others. According to Tim, true success as a leader is achieved when you start fostering the development of other leaders within your team, ultimately reaching a stage where the company becomes self- managing. This advice emphasizes the importance of humility, learning, and empowering others as key elements in effective leadership. 16 | February 2024
Ayisha Panhwar is the co-founder and CEO (innovation champion) at Panhwar Jet. As CEO, she consistently looks for market possibilities and cultivates partnerships to manage resources most efficiently and effectively. Ayisha is an expert in structuring teams that are relevant to the innovation process because she has participated in innovations at various levels inside a major firm. She provides exceptional leadership expertise in the IT industry, spanning 17 years. In the IT industry, she had achieved success. With the help of AI- driven solutions, she has a tech-savvy attitude and viewpoint to improve operational excellence and people's welfare. She says, "Achieving milestones and seeing innovative technology evolve every day right in front of my eyes makes my day!" Panhwar Jet Panhwar Jet is introducing the world's first all-electric, self-charging aircraft solely designed and built by Panhwar Jet for passengers, cargo, and medical supplies. By harnessing wind energy to create electricity aboard, Panhwar’s Technology allows its aircraft to fly faster and further while almost removing the need for bulky batteries. Panhwar Jet stands apart from the other participants in the electric aviation market because manufacturing is completely cost-effective. The firm is clearly a frontrunner because of its own technology. Ayisha says, "We are working to revolutionize travel, the transport of cargo, and medical supplies in an easy, fast, and affordable way." 24 | February 2024
Ben Ben Knoefler Crafting a Multifaceted Business Model and Leadership for KCi Group's Success worldsleaders.com | 27
The foundation of KCi Group was built upon the belief that they could achieve what others couldn't. This ambition didn't stem solely from their exceptional business acumen, but rather from a shared vision for the future of their companies and clients that has been 10 years in the making since its inauguration. Their journey commenced as a modest family holding and has since blossomed into a multinational conglomerate with diverse expertise in international trade and trade consulting. As a global entity, they acknowledge the unique challenges stemming from their diversification and approach every interaction with this awareness. With over two decades of expertise in the industry, Ben Knoefler, Chairman at KCi, has main goals for the company which are to continually improve its concurrent operations, make it simpler for the group of companies to enter new markets. His work is highlighted by accuracy in analysis, the creation of specific plans, and the carrying out of a customized strategy to tailor to each situation. Ben has continually demonstrated via his broad experience a profound awareness of other cultures, remarkable social skills, powerful leadership talents, and an amazing can-do attitude. These characteristics have helped him carry out multiple projects successfully on a worldwide scale. His passion and efficiency in thriving and growing the KCi brand is testified to by his international reputation as a business leader and expert in his field. 28 | February 2024
The foundation of KCi Group was built upon the belief that they could achieve what others couldn't. This ambition didn't stem solely from their exceptional business acumen, but rather from a shared vision for the future of their companies and clients that has been 10 years in the making since its inauguration. Their journey commenced as a modest family holding and has since blossomed into a multinational conglomerate with diverse expertise in international trade and trade consulting. As a global entity, they acknowledge the unique challenges stemming from their diversification and approach every interaction with this awareness. His work is highlighted by accuracy in analysis, the creation of specific plans, and the carrying out of a customized strategy to tailor to each situation. Ben has continually demonstrated via his broad experience a profound awareness of other cultures, remarkable social skills, powerful leadership talents, and an amazing can- do attitude. These characteristics have helped him carry out multiple projects successfully on a worldwide scale. His passion and efficiency in thriving and growing the KCi brand is testified to by his international reputation as a business leader and expert in his field. With over two decades of expertise in the industry, Ben Knoefler, Chairman at KCi, has main goals for the company which are to continually improve its concurrent operations, make it simpler for the group of companies to enter new markets. worldsleaders.com | 29
potential significance of the technology. It was a sustainable technology that would also be used to the energy transition, one of the fastest-growing and most important sectors of the economy. To the best of the team's knowledge, Cellfion is developing and commercializing the world's first bio-based ion-selective membrane made from the most abundant biopolymer on the planet, cellulose derived from wood. The membrane can be used in different energy storage and conversion devices such as Redox Flow Batteries (a battery technology that can store substantial amounts of energy) and hydrogen technologies such as fuel cells (used for hydrogen conversion to electrical energy) and Electrolysers (used for the production of green hydrogen). He says, "Our solution isn't limited to just these devices, as we have identified over 10 possible applications for the material." The Force behind Joining Sector The key driving force to join this sector was the feeling of knowing that Liamcould make a real impact with the technology. He says, "Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we are facing, therefore we need to reduce greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere." One thing that is being overlooked when it comes to climate action is the materials that are being used. The world is still turning to unsustainable materials that are fossil based and contain rare, non-abundant metals because of the lack of better alternatives. This is where Liam believes that Cellfion can make an impact and hopefully inspire others to dare to take similar journeys. Life Story Liam was born and raised in a small town in the north of England, located on the outskirts of the North Yorkshire Moors. He participated in youth football leagues for several of England's top football (soccer) academies, including York City and Leeds United. He was released from York City (League 2) when he was 12 years old, which finally caused him to give up football for a short while. Liam later went on to play football again which resulted in a two-year contract with Leeds United at the age of 14 but later released after the two year contact. Liam re-joined York City, the team that had previously dropped him, for the next two years after turning 16 and signing his first professional youth contract. At the end of the contract, Liam was once again released, and at that time he was offered the chance to join a football club in the north of Sweden, where he played for the following few years. Seeing Challenges as Ways of Transformation The future of manufacturing is exciting. The number of innovations that can be made in the area are enormous and Liam sees that manufacturing has the potential to be modern and innovative. He says, "We already see a push towards more sustainable manufacturing, and I believe that clean and bio technologies will be the future of manufacturing.” In 2017, Liam suffered a career ending injury when he tore two ligaments, strained one, and tore both cartilages in his knee. After two years of rehabilitation and two operations, he made a limited return to football, playing with Swedish Division 1 and 2 teams and later training with a Singapore Premier League team in 2019. Cellfion AB Liam had the good fortune to land a job in 2020 with the Linköping- based business incubator LEAD, where he worked on a variety of deep tech projects. He met the research team behind the amazing technology and learned more about the work being done at the university through one of those projects, the Cellfion one. He spent six months researching the industry and financial prospects for the study and rapidly realized the Liam wants to see more daring individuals advancing novel, useful technology. Governments, risk capitalists, engineers, 38 | February 2024
entrepreneurs, and researchers all have important roles to play in this. The absence of risk-takers and entrepreneurs that desire to advance the technology into a commercial product causes a lot of wonderful research and new concepts to be lost. He thinks industries can create the future it desires by promoting greater innovation. According to Liam, in a start-up or scale-up company, one is constantly developing procedures and adapting value propositions based on the customers' demands and wants, which is a never-ending process. He asserts, "What we put a lot of focus on today is customizing our membranes for different market segments and customers." He believes that through market and customer focused development, Cellfion can improve performance and increase the efficiencies of energy devices. He adds, "There is immense potential in optimizing our solution to fit specific requirements in each of the applications we target, as well as the 10 potential applications we have identified." Guidance for Future Leaders Liam can guarantee that there will be days when everything feels hopeless, or one gets stuck in a rut. He suggests for those times, "Just keep going." He asserts, "You can only fail if you quit; hardships are just a part of the journey." He recalls, "My father always said to me growing up that hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard. This is something that I carry with me every day, and something I saw as a footballer. The most talented players I played with at an early age are now working in dead-end jobs, whereas the ones that gave everything but did not have the most talent are now playing in the Premier League or representing international teams." Liam also believes that it is so easy to get caught up in one's own work and the little details that one actually loses sight of the long-term goals or fails to see how far he or she has come. He says, "By surrounding yourself with experts and people you can trust, you can always find a way to solve challenges." Future Ideas Liam envisions a really thrilling journey over the next five years. He anticipates that the business will have reached out to other geographic areas, increased the number of skilled employees at the company, researched new goods to add to its product line, and built the first plant in the world for the production of bio-based ion- selective membranes. worldsleaders.com | 39
“Bringing the world, sectors and policymakers together into full awareness and collaboration.” 42 | February 2024
an esteemed EU Climate Pact Ambassador, Lidia Aviles is dedicated to spreading awareness about sustainability and promoting eco-friendly practices. Sustainability has always been her passion and way of life, and she is driven by finding practical solutions to make the world a better place. Lidia's academic journey began with the study of International Relations, followed by a Master's in Global Management. Her career in the diplomatic sector started during her university years and has since allowed her to accumulate a wealth of experience in various fields. She has contributed to diverse specializations and organizations, ranging from Education, Economics, and Cybersecurity to Art, Academia, Research, Sustainability & Innovation, Energy, and Sustainable Investment. With this broad expertise, she endeavors to bring about positive change and a more sustainable future. worldsleaders.com | 43
Mogens Birkelund A Renowned Expert in Demand Response Solutions in Denmark 44 | February 2024
The Journey Mogens' journey into the world of SmartGrid technologies and Virtual Power Plants began during his time as a CTO in the Telecom industry. The turning point came in 2009 when Denmark hosted the UN COP15 conference, which placed a strong focus on environmental sustainability. This event, combined with Denmark's longstanding commitment to green initiatives, inspired Mogens to delve into the development of SmartGrid technologies, ultimately leading to the creation of Virtual Power Plant technology. He took the initiative to establish a startup named GridManager and successfully secured initial funding. However, the market was not yet ready for such innovations, and the venture faced challenges. Recognizing the need to bide their time, they temporarily halted the project. S.C. Nordic quickly became a growth project, expanding its team to 15 members over the last 18 months. Strengthening Renewable Energy Transition S.C. Nordic is a prominent player in Scandinavia, specializing in the development of solutions for flexible consumption, which is commonly referred to as ancillary services or Demand Response. This field is considered a critical component for regions transitioning to renewable energy production, as renewable sources like wind and solar power are variable, requiring consumers to use electricity when it's abundantly available. As a trailblazer in Denmark, S.C. Nordic was the first independent aggregator to offer demand-side flexibility to the power grid through aggregation. This flexibility encompasses both production and consumption resources, providing a comprehensive solution for the grid's needs. As the market matured, the role of Aggregator emerged as a viable route to market. This development prompted a restart of the project. Leveraging Mogens' experience and network, 46 | February 2024
background in various types of equipment and a deep understanding of the opportunities within the power grid. He places a significant focus on revenue potential and is committed to the execution and development of projects to the point where they can start generating income. green transition and emphasizes the importance of taking smaller, faster steps rather than trying to create a comprehensive plan before implementation. Mogens is not only a member of the town council of Skive but is also closely associated with a groundbreaking initiative called Greenlab. Skive has distinguished itself as a pioneering town in Denmark by establishing Greenlab, a designated area where residents are granted special permission to share energy resources among themselves without the usual tax implications. This means they can install wind turbines and develop solar capacity within this area, and those resources aren't subject to taxation. With an electronics engineering degree and extensive experience in software development, Mogens possesses the skills to identify potential issues with different types of equipment and envision effective solutions for their development. His drive and determination for execution can sometimes make him appear impatient or even a bit hostile to individuals who require more time to make decisions. However, he is conscious of this and makes efforts to ensure that everyone is on board. Additionally, this unique setup allows for the efficient utilization of excess heat generated by companies, which would typically go to waste. In Greenlab, this excess heat can be shared with other residents who can put it to good use. Greenlab serves as a demonstration of what is possible when tax policies and infrastructure are reimagined. Mogens is deeply passionate about environmental sustainability, to the extent that he has entered the realm of politics to advocate for green initiatives. He uses his knowledge and drive to inspire other politicians to recognize the opportunities within the S.C. Nordic's approach allows its customers to purchase certified green power while simultaneously contributing to the growth and utilization of renewable energy sources. This innovative technology is referred to as 'TrueGreen,' and it functions as a Virtual Power Plant. The 'S.C.' in S.C. Nordic stands for Smarter Consumers, emphasizing the company's commitment to empowering its customers to become more intelligent and conscious consumers of energy. Advocating Green Initiatives Mogens describes himself as a natural entrepreneur with a strong technical worldsleaders.com | 47
Mr. Thomas Zirk- Gunnemann worldsleaders.com | 49
