Latest news with #Startup
Bloomberg
7 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Vanta Valuation Jumps to $4.15 Billion
Bloomberg Technology TV Shows Compliance software startup Vanta has reached a valuation of $4.15 billion following its latest funding round. Vanta CEO Christina Cacioppo discusses how the company plans to deploy its new funding with Caroline Hyde on 'Bloomberg Tech.' (Source: Bloomberg)
Bloomberg
22-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
A Crypto-Incentive Approach for Training Data
Startup Poseidon plans to use crypto to incentivize data collection for training physical AI. S.Y. Lee, CEO and co-founder of Story, and president of Poseidon, joins Caroline Hyde and Ed Ludlow on 'Bloomberg Tech.' (Source: Bloomberg)
Sustainability Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'This Device Slashes Bills Instantly': Tech Giant Reveals Breakthrough Energy System That Could Cut Costs for 40 Million U.S. Homes
IN A NUTSHELL 🌿 Organic flow batteries offer a sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion solutions, reducing environmental impact. offer a sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion solutions, reducing environmental impact. 💡 The technology uses durable organic molecules, maintaining nearly 100% electrochemical efficiency with a projected lifespan of two decades. 🔋 By providing reliable energy storage, these batteries can support renewable sources like solar and wind, ensuring a steady electricity supply. ⚙️ XL Batteries is seeking partnerships to commercialize their innovation, with Texas identified as a prime location for grid-level storage demonstrations. In a world striving for sustainable energy solutions, a breakthrough in energy storage could redefine how we power our lives. A startup in Marlborough, Massachusetts, has unveiled an innovative organic flow battery poised to compete with traditional lithium-ion solutions for grid-level storage. This development promises to revolutionize the way we store renewable energy, offering a potentially lower-cost, scalable, and efficient alternative. As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, driven by fossil fuel emissions, such technological advancements are not just timely but essential for a sustainable future. The Rise of Organic Flow Batteries The concept of flow batteries, though not new, has historically been held back by limitations such as high costs and corrosive materials. However, the startup XL Batteries has introduced a game-changing solution by utilizing organic materials that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Unlike their predecessors that relied on expensive and corrosive components, these new batteries use durable organic molecules capable of holding a charge without degrading quickly. This advancement not only minimizes the environmental impact but also opens the door for more extensive deployment in stationary applications, where size and weight are less of a constraint. Tom Sisto, co-founder of XL Batteries, highlighted the compelling economics of their design. By using molecules stabilized in pH-neutral water, XL Batteries has created a system that maintains nearly 100% electrochemical efficiency. The result is a safe, scalable product with a projected lifespan of two decades, capable of powering tens of thousands of homes when scaled appropriately. This innovation is a critical step towards reducing dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing the carbon footprint of energy storage. 'This Solar Ship Is the Future of River Travel,' Declares Visionary Engineer as 192 Sun-Powered Panels Drive the World's First Inland Marvel Transforming Energy Storage for a Sustainable Future Flow batteries are engineered with a unique setup that includes a network of pipes, fluid holding tanks, and pumps. These components work in unison to transfer liquid past a membrane, converting chemical energy into electrical energy. This design allows for high power and long-duration energy storage, addressing one of the significant challenges of renewable energy sources: their intermittency. By providing a reliable method to store excess energy generated by solar and wind power, flow batteries can ensure a steady supply of electricity, even when natural conditions are not optimal. The importance of storing renewable energy cannot be overstated. As traditional lithium-ion batteries, like Tesla's Megapacks, rely on expensive materials sourced from international markets, the need for a more sustainable and cost-effective solution is evident. XL Batteries' organic flow battery offers a promising alternative, reducing reliance on foreign resources and promoting energy independence. This shift is crucial for supporting a greener grid and ensuring energy security in the face of increasing demand and climate challenges. 'These Unbelievable Clay Membranes Are Pulling Lithium Fortunes Out of Thin Water,' Roars Shocked Scientist as Global Battery Race Goes Into Overdrive Challenges and Opportunities in Commercialization Despite the promising attributes of organic flow batteries, there are hurdles to overcome before widespread adoption can occur. One of the primary challenges is the system's bulkiness, which limits its application to stationary uses. However, the potential for grid-level storage is immense, as these batteries can be housed in shipping containers, allowing for modular expansions based on energy needs. XL Batteries is actively seeking partnerships with power producers to demonstrate their technology's capabilities, with Texas identified as a prime location for such initiatives. The development of organic flow batteries aligns with government efforts to improve energy storage technologies. Research at institutions like Concordia University in Montréal focuses on reducing the size and enhancing the efficiency of these systems. As the commercial design nears completion, XL Batteries is poised to make a significant impact on the energy landscape. By providing a sustainable solution for storing renewable energy, this innovation holds the potential to revolutionize how we power our world. Buried Reactors, Silent Power: Deep Fission's Radical Nuclear Plan Could Revolutionize How the World Feeds Its Data Machines The Future of Clean Energy Storage As we look towards a future where clean energy is the norm, innovations in storage technology will play a pivotal role in achieving sustainability goals. XL Batteries' organic flow battery represents a significant leap forward, offering a practical solution to some of the most pressing challenges in energy storage. By reducing air pollution and enhancing grid reliability, this technology could drastically alter the energy landscape, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, the need for efficient and scalable energy storage solutions becomes increasingly urgent. How will innovations like organic flow batteries transform our approach to energy and sustainability in the coming decades? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.3/5 (23)
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MSME Idea Hackathon 5.0 to cradle innovative startups
Indore: IIT Indore was selected to organise the MSME Idea Hackathon 5.0, an initiative by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, focusing on gathering innovative proposals for sustainable business ventures. The institute will accept applications from both individuals and startups, with chosen proposals eligible for financial support up to Rs 15 lakh, alongside incubation facilities from the institution. Interested participants can submit their applications until July 31. Prof Suhas Joshi, director, IIT-I, said, "IIT Indore Incubation Centre offers a thriving environment for entrepreneurs to grow their startups. We are happy to support the innovative ideas with the structured incubation programmes and personalised mentorship. We also help startups provide access to funding through investor networks, VCs, and govt schemes and support in prototyping, product validation, and go-to-market strategies. The startup will have collaboration opportunities with IIT Indore's faculty, labs, and research ecosystem." The institution's incubation facility supported 89 startups thus far, with 38 successfully completing their programme and generating jobs for over 500 people. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo Currently, 51 startups are under incubation, with approximately 10 undergoing market validation. The institute secured funding exceeding Rs 8 crores, including Rs 5 crore through the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS). Nurturing more than 85 startups, the centre delivers essential assistance through mentoring, funding opportunities, technical support, and governmental connections. During Hackathon 4.0, a project focusing on low-cost high-speed camera technology for Education, Training, and Research was chosen under IIT Indore's supervision, receiving a grant of Rs 15 lakh.
The Hindu
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
How public sector incubator AIC is helping startups turn ideas into impact in Hyderabad
Imagine enjoying a sweet treat with no calories — just protein. Or savouring your favourite meat dish without the animal fat? Or drinking milk that doesn't come from a buffalo or a cow? What if scientists could work with stem cell-based 'organoids' instead of animals in the labs? These are not pipe dreams, but innovations nurtured at the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) of the CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB), located in Uppal, Hyderabad. It was the only one from the public sector out of 10 incubators selected by NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) in 2017 under the Atal Innovation Mission, with ₹6-crore seed capital to support startups in life sciences. Starting with four budding firms, the institute now hosts 23 companies and has mentored about 160 startups over the past six years with total funding arranged, including support from angel investors, reaching upto ₹250 crore 'There are 13-14 firms that have already made a mark and are generating revenue. It is difficult to say if they will produce earth-shaking or disruptive products, but they are going to do well,' affirms Chief Executive Officer N. Madhusudhana Rao. Among the exciting ventures are f Althion Tech Innovations which has developed a dialysis-grade water purification unit, Oncosimis which is focused on biopharmaceuticals, Sway (or Sweetway)which is creating natural sweet protein products with zero calories, and Phyx44 which is working on cultured meat and milk, to name a few. 'Access to equipment is key but real value lies in mentoring. We provided initial research support in our lab, guided them towards funding and scaling up. We have about 70 mentors drawn from CSIR labs, industry, intellectual property rights and other domains,' says the CEO. CSIR-CCMB Director Vinay Kumar Nandicoori notes that AIC has been supporting young, aspiring scientists with bright ideas by providing key infrastructure. 'Moreover, they also benefit from accessing CCMB's facilities at nominal charges and interacting with an outstanding pool of scientists,' he adds. The Incubation Centre was clear about its direction from the beginning. 'Our primary focus is on life sciences and biotechnology. We look for original ideas and give them a platform to test their product or process in our lab at a low rate,' says Mr. Rao. From 'Idea to Proof of Concept', startups are helped in developing samples in real-world settings like hospitals and are guided to understand the timelines involved. They receive help with idea validation, physical incubation, seed funding, product validation, and regulatory approvals. Most funding comes from Central government ministries and departments such as the NIDHI-Seed Support Programme, Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Board (NSTEDB) and the likes. The AIC conducts workshops and fellowship programmes to attract emerging entrepreneurs. 'Biological sciences is a risky business. Unlike IT/ITES, turnaround times here are longer. It takes at least five years unless you import readymade products from foreign partners,' says Mr. Rao, a former CCMB scientist who has led AIC since its inception. AIC-CCMB's success stems from the experience of working in a top research organisation and the 'frustration and disappointment' when scientists like Dr. Rao were unable to bring their own research outcomes closer to the public. 'I know what is required since I was in the game for many years and have a fairly good idea of what works. Having the backing of then CSIR-CCBM director Rakesh Mishra during inception and the CCMB's brand value helped us, as people wanted to be associated with us,' he recalls. The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased trust in science, and 'suddenly we also had angel investors coming forward to fund. We are also helping such investors conduct due diligence. Usually, we nudge the startup after two years, once they gain traction, to look for greener pastures with six-monthly reviews', explains the scientist. Over the years what the CEO has realised is that 'many people are not smart in their spending'. 'We also help them review their balance sheets, burn rates and expected product timelines to ensure they stay on course. We also support some companies virtually,' he says. He says technology entrepreneurship is the way forward for the country. 'People have ideas; all they need is support and autonomy. We also need technology transfer offices in all universities and labs just like the IITs,' asserts AIC-CCMB is also working on a revenue model where successful firms will be ready to pay back. The incubator has recently expanded its activities into wildlife conservation — helping in Hangul deer preservation, introducing a PCR-based method to test for authenticity of Pashmina shawls etc. Biodimension which is into bio-fabricated human tissues as efficient alternatives for drug screening, Cellverse, intending to use 3D bioprinting to create human cancer-on-chip models, PopVax which is into mRNA modelling and a few others are among the promising startups from the AIC stable Despite the progress, what still rankles Mr. Rao is that Magellen Life Sciences (2018), one of the first promising startups, could not get funding even after having developed a protein '1,200 times sweeter than sugar' based on an African fruit. 'Fed up with the experience where he could not even get proper food labelling, the entrepreneur left for the UK and has now received generous funding. We felt bad when there were no takers then. But today, I am sure he would have got proper backing,' he says.
