Program Highlights

THIS PAGE FEATURES JUST A SAMPLING OF THE MORE THAN 150 SESSIONS THAT WILL TAKE PLACE AT VERGE 21.

VERGE 21 Keynote Highlights

Algorithms and America: From A to B and Back Again

Keynote

How does the data we consume and generate every day intensify the effects of climate change? From cell phones, to Facebook, Apple, Bitcoin, NFTs and beyond, we live in a data-driven society. How do the algorithms that drive these technologies condition our responses to a world where issues like climate change, computational propaganda and algorithmic bias shape and mold public discourse? This presentation, which includes a musical composition, will both inform and inspire.

The Uncharted Path to Last-Mile Resiliency

Keynote

How do we ensure that smart technologies provide benefits to all citizens?

The smart technologies we need to fix many of the world’s problems already exist, but the siloed deployment and operation of these technologies at the “last mile” (from city edge to citizen) have resulted in expensive, piecemeal solutions that lack awareness of each other and are difficult to scale. Hear from Jessica O. Matthews, Founder & CEO of Uncharted, about a new platform that can help us rethink the way infrastructure and its stakeholders work, and how to finally bridge the last mile.

Investing in Frontline Climate Tech Solutions

Keynote

How can the solutions being generated by and for communities on the front lines of the climate and infrastructure crises create economic transformation for all?

Grassroots-led technologies and collaborations with companies can deliver climate justice solutions at scale, serving as models for businesses, governments and philanthropies to help create a better future for those living in areas with long legacies of disinvestment. Here’s how it’s done.

Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation

Keynote

In Paul Hawken’s latest book, Regeneration, justice, biodiversity, equity and human dignity align as the path to reverse the climate crisis. To do that, he says, we must address current human needs. It includes a broader and more diverse set of climate solutions than typically presented, a tapestry of interactions between the human and living world. A conversation about his six-part framework to achieve this bold, audacious goal.

VERGE 21 Startup Program Highlights

Redesigning VC for Women and BIPOC Founders

Breakout

It’s no secret that women, Black and Brown founders are funded at lower rates than their white male counterparts. Only 14% of VC funds go to teams with at least one female founder and less than 2% of venture capital goes to Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. This panel will explore what investors and startup founders can do to redesign the fundraising process and close the gap. Hear from experienced founders who have successfully raised capital and investors doing the work to support traditionally excluded entrepreneurs.

Interactive: Corporate Reverse Pitch

Breakout

Are you an entrepreneur wondering how to partner with a large company? Participate in this discussion to hear directly from corporate venture capitalists about what they look for when deciding to work with a startup. Beyond “what” corporate investors look for, this is also an interactive session about how to create inroads with large organizations. Join this session to learn how to build new relationships and gain insights about how to approach, navigate and successfully land your next corporate partner.

Innovation Hubs Migrate Beyond Traditional Geographies

Breakout

The current wave of tech innovation isn’t confined to traditional hubs in Silicon Valley and New York. New opportunities for partnership and investment are growing every day in regions across the United States. In this session, you will hear from climate tech accelerators launching programs in places such as Texas, Tennessee, Florida and Maryland. This creates new opportunities for entrepreneurs and technologies that have not traditionally been able to access funding, and brings together public and private partners to support and further accelerate the transition to a clean economy.

VERGE Carbon Highlights

Using offsets and new technologies to draw down carbon and restore forests, create new products and rebuild soils.

A New Wave of Startups is Pulling Carbon From the Atmosphere

Breakout

Direct air capture (DAC) can play a critical part in climate strategies if the technology scales and costs fall.

For many years, work on DAC was led by a handful of pioneering companies. Now established first-movers such as Carbon Engineering are being joined by a host of early-stage companies. Some new entrants are trialling different chemical solutions for capturing carbon dioxide. Others are building the infrastructure needed to transport captured carbon dioxide and store it permanently underground. Discover the technologies and business models that may accelerate the growth of this much-needed climate solution.

New Tech for Tracking Carbon Through Supply Chains

Breakout

Imagine what would happen if companies could track the embedded carbon in every ingredient, part and service they purchase.

It’s notoriously hard to calculate the carbon emitted in the creation of a product, whether it's a cereal bar or a computer. To determine a carbon count for the finished item, manufacturers need to know the emissions associated with each part of the product and the services used in its creation — data that can be extremely hard to come by.

A new generation of solutions is now available to help tackle this problem. Learn about the technologies and strategies your organization can use to illuminate the carbon flowing through its supply chain — and how to reduce it.

VERGE Energy Highlights

Decarbonizing, decentralizing and digitizing global energy systems to be more resilient and accessible.

Interactive: Beyond the Megawatt: Looking at Clean Energy Holistically

Interactives

Not all megawatts are made the same. Join small group discussions, lead by energy experts, to dig into the top considerations to ensure renewable energy procurements are incorporating circular design principles, supporting local communities and considering land use concerns.

Green Hydrogen: So Close, Yet So Far

Breakout

There is so much excitement surrounding the green hydrogen market and its potential to support the deep decarbonization of industry, transportation and electricity. But getting there is complex and many technical and economic challenges remain. Join experts to hear about the latest green hydrogen developments and opportunities.

Microgrids for Resilience

Breakout

With extreme weather like the polar vortex and the heat dome stretching electrical grids to their breaking points, companies and communities are turning to microgrids to increase reliability of their power supply. Hear from companies that are prioritizing distributed energy resources and microgrids to keep energy flowing when the grid isn’t.

VERGE Food Highlights

Transforming food systems to equitably and profitably feed a more populous planet, while regenerating the natural world.

Harnessing Digital Tools to Inspire Low-Carbon Eating

Breakout

Online food ordering is booming. How can companies use digital platforms to nudge consumers toward more sustainable food purchases?

The Covid-19 pandemic catalyzed an unparalleled growth in online shopping—food is no exception. The digital ordering platforms offer an exciting communications opportunity for brands to tell their sustainability story and nudge consumers toward better choices. But there are many potential strategies; labels, health or environmental messaging, promotions and product placements. What works best? This conversation will work to elucidate the most successful approaches for bringing sustainability to the online food marketplace.

How to Build a Low-Carbon and Humane Meat Industry

Breakout

Meat demand persists despite the rise of alternative protein. What technologies and practices can lower emissions and better animal welfare?

The availability, affordability and popularity of plant-based meat has skyrocketed in recent years. But so far the data hasn’t shown that alternative protein is replacing meat consumption. At the same time, meat demand continues to rise in the growing middle-classes of countries like China, Brazil and Mexico. Meat is going to remain part of global diets for years to come, calling for the development and deployment of technologies and farm practices that can decarbonize production while improving animal welfare. This session will highlight promising innovations such as feed additives and manure management approaches that reduce emissions and assess how they will impact the wellbeing of farm animals.

Designing and Delivering Circular Food Packaging Programs

Breakout

Innovators lay out the logistics and economics behind reusable packaging programs emerging across the food industry.

The Covid-19 pandemic had a detrimental impact on hard-won improvements in the reduction of food packaging and disposable tableware. Nonetheless, circular economy warriors have continued to refine reusable packaging programs over the past year, overcoming complex economical and logistical challenges. Experts will share the important lessons to help other companies curb their waste footprint and become part of a circular future. Discover models that work, the essential steps for starting your own reusable program and what mistakes to avoid.

VERGE Infrastructure Highlights

Envisioning and influencing a more adaptive, climate-smart and inclusive world.

The Role of Private Investment in Sustainable Infrastructure

Breakout

How much private funding will it take to supplement the federal dollars needed to fully address aging infrastructure concerns?

Biden’s landmark infrastructure bill could provide billions of much-needed funding for projects, but it’s just a fraction of what’s needed. What role can private investments play in financing infrastructure that is sustainable and climate resilient? This session looks at emerging options to finance infrastructure replacement, repair and maintenance as well as new infrastructure

Localized and Off-Grid Water Solutions for 21st Century Realities

Breakout

How can innovative technologies help us meet the water demands of a growing population?
The U.S. Congress’ $35 billion Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act would allow communities with aging water lines to make long-needed upgrades. But this investment would also allow us to reimagine where our drinking water could be sourced. In this session, we explore new water trends such as atmospheric water generation, also known as zero-source water, and micro-desalination, that are helping to secure water access for future generations and allow for more remote communities to access water.

VERGE Mobility Highlights

Accelerating electric, clean and equitable mobility to improve lives and address climate change.

The Future of Air Mobility is Happening Now

Lightning Talks

From engineering electric planes to developing passenger carrying drones, these panelists are on the forefront of air mobility innovation. In this session, we’ll explore the differences, benefits, and possibilities of both regional air mobility (RAM) and urban air mobility (UAM) and get a first-look at footage of a hybrid-electric aircraft flying across Scotland. Learn how these different approaches plan to bring convenience, speed, and safety of air travel to all Americans, regardless of their proximity to a travel hub or urban center.

Next-gen Battery Innovations: Lightning Talks

Breakout

Mass adoption of electric vehicles and clean energy will rely on the availability of low-cost, reliable energy storage. This session will feature five new battery innovations that may just be the key to unlocking a sustainable future for electrification.

Hard-to-Abate: Reducing Emissions Today

Breakout

While the electrification revolution is ramping up, how can hard-to-abate sectors reduce emissions and pollution with solutions available now? Each of these panelists represents a different hard-to-abate sector, using a broad mix of carbon reducing technologies on the market today. The panel will be an open conversation about what each sector is doing to achieve their climate goals faster — from electric vehicles to renewable diesel. Rather than focusing specifically on one solution, we’ll dive into how end users are wrestling with the climate challenge and making advancements towards their carbon-reduction goals.