Lisa Stiffler
Lisa Stiffler is a journalist who covers nonprofits, companies, and researchers applying technology to environmental, energy, health, transit, education and other societal challenges; she has worked at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, freelanced for The Seattle Times, and written for outlets including Seattle's Child, Sightline Institute, NPR, MSNBC, Smithsonian Magazine, GeekWire and CoMotion News.
Nimbus Aerospace tests quarter-scale NX1 prototype in Oregon, targets 2028 full-scale flights and late‑2030 deliveries
Seattle-based Nimbus Aerospace completed two test flights of its quarter-scale NX1 hybrid-electric prototype in Oregon this summer, validating manufacturing and aerodynamic goals as it engineers a full-scale build aimed for 2028 and customer deliveries by late 2030.
DexCare acquires Seattle AI agent startup Mila Health to add automated patient calls and texts to platform serving 57 million
Seattle health‑tech company DexCare has acquired local AI agent developer Mila Health to integrate Mila’s patient-calling and texting tools into DexCare’s patient-access platform, which serves 57 million patients nationwide; financial terms were not disclosed. The combined offering aims to automate appointment scheduling and streamline provider workflows with rapidly deployable, auditable AI communications.
Ravel raises $8.2M to scale tech that removes elastane (spandex) from clothing and makes recycled polyester pellets
Seattle startup Ravel raised $8.2 million to scale its technology that removes elastane (spandex/Lycra) from blended fabrics and converts it into recycled plastic pellets for polyester production, enabling commercial-scale validation with textile partners; the process is marketed as energy-efficient and waste-minimizing.
Microsoft names Aneesh Raman chief economic opportunity officer and promotes Jenny Lay‑Flurrie; DAT CPO Brian Gill resigns
Microsoft promoted Jenny Lay‑Flurrie to corporate vice president of its Trusted Technology Group and named Aneesh Raman chief economic opportunity officer; Zillow appointed a new policy lead while departures occurred at Oracle, Hiya and DAT Freight & Analytics, including DAT’s CPO Brian Gill resigning.
NewDays raises $16M seed round led by Madrona and General Catalyst, expands AI-driven dementia care to Nevada
Seattle startup NewDays closed a $16 million seed round led by Madrona and General Catalyst to scale a telehealth program combining clinicians with an AI companion, Sunny, for treating mild dementia; early research suggests the platform may preserve about 18 months of cognitive function and the service now operates in six states including Nevada.
Endurance Energy to Deploy 100 kW 'Adélie' Generator to Oregon Undersea Volcano on Sept. 7
Seattle startup Endurance Energy is preparing to deploy Adélie, a 100-kilowatt underwater geothermal generator, to an undersea volcano off Oregon on Sept. 7, aiming to tap 750°F hydrothermal fluids and scale undersea geothermal power. Founded by ex-SpaceX engineer Andrew Redd in January 2025, the company operates from a newly expanded 25,000-square-foot Seattle facility and has completed four prior ocean-floor deployments.
Accipiter Bio raises $10.5M more to speed AI-designed multi-target protein drugs, expanding clinical pipeline
Seattle biotech Accipiter Bio raised an additional $10.5 million from existing investors to accelerate development of AI-designed multi-target protein therapeutics and expand its team and clinical pipeline. The company, now 22 people strong and partnered with Pfizer and Kite/Gilead, will use the funds to advance three to four programs—focusing mainly on immunology alongside oncology—after emerging from stealth last year with $12.7 million.
Dopl Technologies raises $6.3M (total >$8M) to pursue FDA clearance for remote robotic ultrasound system
Dopl Technologies raised $6.3 million (bringing total funding to over $8 million) to develop and commercialize a remotely operated robotic ultrasound system that pairs off-the-shelf probes with commercial robots and supports remote sonographers via haptic feedback and video. The Bothell, Wash. startup is pursuing FDA clearance and conducting clinical evaluations to target rural and underserved communities.
General Fusion’s GFUZ Debuts on Nasdaq as Fusion Private Funding Hits $4.5B in 12 Months
General Fusion became the first fusion energy company to list on a major exchange when GFUZ debuted on Nasdaq, sending its stock higher. The Fusion Industry Association report said private funding for fusion companies reached $4.5 billion in the past 12 months and $13.3 billion over five years, driven partly by demand from AI data centers and large rounds like Helion Energy’s $465 million raise.
University of Washington’s CoMotion Announces 10 Startups, Eight Focused on Healthcare; CoMotion Firms Raised $1.8B
University of Washington’s CoMotion announced 10 new startups spun out with UW-licensed IP, eight focused on healthcare (diagnostics, devices, therapeutics) and two on K–12 education or climate; CoMotion-backed companies have raised $1.8 billion in five years and 310 deep-tech firms have been formed over three decades.
Fusion energy: Wishing upon a star in a jar — Introducing 'Positive Charge' from GeekWire
This week on the show, we're sharing the debut of Positive Charge, a new GeekWire podcast from reporter Lisa Stiffler and producer Laura Scott about the innovations that could help save the planet. In this episode, they dig into the high-stakes race to harness the power of the sun and make fusion energy real, visiting two Seattle-area startups chasing this dream, and asking whether limitless clean power is finally within reach. Also out this week: their debut episode on the "forever chemicals" in our water and the companies figuring out how to destroy them. Follow Positive Charge wherever you get…
TerraPower Opens UK Subsidiary and Launches Regulatory Process for Next-Gen Nuclear Plant
TerraPower has opened a subsidiary office in the UK to pursue its first international next-generation nuclear power plant, having officially started the UK regulatory approval process. The company is building the Natrium demonstration plant in Wyoming, featuring advanced nuclear technology aimed at safer, more affordable, and faster nuclear energy deployment.
Helion Energy Secures World’s First Regulatory Licenses for 50-Megawatt Fusion Power Plant in Washington
Helion Energy became the first company globally to receive regulatory licenses for a fusion power plant, securing critical Radioactive Materials and Air Emissions Licenses for its 50-megawatt fusion facility in Washington. This milestone advances Helion’s efforts to commercialize clean fusion energy, with plans to supply electricity by 2028 following a deal with Microsoft.
Neuralwatt, Led by Microsoft Veterans, Launches First Real-Time AI Carbon Emissions Tracker to Reduce Data Center Footprint
Seattle-based startup Neuralwatt, founded by Microsoft veterans Chad Gibson and Scott Chamberlin, launched the first real-time carbon emissions tracker for individual AI requests to help reduce data center environmental impact. The tool provides exact carbon footprint metrics per AI task, aiming to improve energy efficiency and aid companies in meeting sustainability regulations.
Hydrogen Aviation Startup ZeroAvia Scales Back U.S. Operations, CEO and Several Executives Depart Amid Strategic Shift
ZeroAvia, a hydrogen aviation startup backed by Bill Gates and Amazon, has scaled back its ambitions by ceasing most operations in Washington and California, shifting product development to the UK, and experiencing executive departures, including CEO Val Miftakhov. Despite these setbacks, the company maintains its mission to advance hydrogen-electric powertrains for aviation and seeks to adjust its pace and focus according to market conditions.
Helion Energy Raises $465M, Valued at $15.5B, Targets Commercial Fusion Power by 2028
Helion Energy raised $465 million, increasing its valuation to $15.5 billion, as it aims to commercialize fusion power by 2028 with projects like the 50-megawatt Orion plant in Washington. Despite ambitious plans and partnerships like the one with Microsoft, the company faces skepticism due to technical challenges and limited scientific disclosures.
Fintech Startup Enduring Planet Raises $12M Second Fund to Support Early-Stage Climate Startups
Enduring Planet, a Pacific Northwest fintech startup launched in 2021, has closed its second investment fund at over $12 million, more than doubling its initial fund size to support early-stage climate startups. The company focuses on lending to climate ventures with government awards and also provides part-time CFO services.
Seattle Startup Boundless Reports H-1B Reforms Favor High Earners, Imposing $100,000 Fee, Raising Hiring Costs
New H-1B visa rules favor higher-wage international workers by giving them better lottery odds and imposing a $100,000 fee per application, making hiring more expensive for startups and rural employers. Seattle startup Boundless Immigration reports these reforms address previous criticisms but create challenges for entry-level international hires.
GeekWire Awards to Honor AI House and UW’s Center for an Informed Public for Advancing AI and Media Literacy on May 7
The GeekWire Awards will honor AI House and the University of Washington's Center for an Informed Public for their contributions to AI innovation and education on misinformation. The awards ceremony will be held on May 7 at Showbox SoDo in Seattle, recognizing impactful community initiatives in the Pacific Northwest.
Zap Energy Adds Nuclear Fission to Fusion Effort, Names Zabrina Johal CEO to Lead Dual-Track Power Strategy
Zap Energy is expanding its nuclear power efforts by adding traditional fission to its fusion technology, appointing Zabrina Johal as CEO to lead the combined approach. The company aims to integrate both nuclear methods to accelerate development and reduce risks amid growing demand for carbon-free energy.
Ara Partners to acquire Sedron Technologies with up to $500M to scale sewage and dairy-waste treatment facilities
Washington wastewater startup Sedron Technologies is being acquired by Ara Partners, which will invest up to $500 million to scale deployment of its sewage and dairy-waste treatment facilities that produce fertilizer and clean energy.
Microsoft AI Leader Eric Boyd Joins Anthropic; Tagboard CEO Nathan Peterson Steps Down with Marty Roberts Taking Over
Eric Boyd, a longtime Microsoft AI leader, has joined Anthropic to lead its infrastructure team after nearly 17 years at Microsoft. Meanwhile, Nathan Peterson is stepping down as CEO of Tagboard, with Marty Roberts, the former COO, set to succeed him.
University of Washington’s CoMotion Labs Announces Eight Startups in Second Climate Tech Incubator Cohort
University of Washington’s CoMotion Labs has launched its second Climate Tech Incubator cohort, supporting eight startups focused on diverse sustainability challenges such as EV adoption and sustainable packaging. The six-month program, based at the Seattle Climate Innovation Hub, helps startups develop business plans and partnerships, culminating in a demo day in September.
GeekWire Names Helion, OCOChem, TerraPower, Ravel, and IUNU as 2026 Sustainable Innovation Award Finalists
The finalists for GeekWire's 2026 Sustainable Innovation Award are energy companies Helion, OCOChem, TerraPower; fashion recycler Ravel; and agtech startup IUNU, recognized for their work combating climate change and sustainability challenges. The award, sponsored by Amazon, highlights Pacific Northwest leaders and culminates in a May 7 celebration in Seattle, with public voting open until April 16.
Starcloud Raises $170M, Reaches $1.1B Valuation to Build Solar-Powered Space Data Centers
Starcloud, a Redmond-based startup building solar-powered space data centers, raised $170 million to reach a $1.1 billion valuation just 17 months after its Y Combinator demo day. The company demonstrated AI computing in orbit with its Starcloud-1 satellite and plans a more powerful Starcloud-2 launch later this year.
Organizations
-
CoMotion News Reporter · current
-
GeekWire Reporter · current
