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.
Peregrine Hydrogen, Spawned from Bill Gates-Backed Orca Sciences, Raises $7.8M to Develop Clean Industrial Hydrogen Tech
Peregrine Hydrogen, a startup spun out of Bill Gates-backed Orca Sciences, raised $7.8 million to develop cost-competitive, clean hydrogen production technology for industrial chemicals. The funding round was led by Bidra, with participation from Gates Frontier and others.
ZeroAvia Raises Largest Funding Round with Investment from Airbus, Amazon, Bill Gates, Alaska Airlines to Develop Hydrogen Aircraft Engines
ZeroAvia, a clean aviation startup developing hydrogen-electric aircraft propulsion, has raised its largest funding round co-led by Airbus and others to support engine certification. The company is partnering with Alaska Airlines to retrofit planes and aims to offer engines for 20-seat aircraft by 2025.
Seattle Partners with Joon Care to Deliver Free Online Mental Health Therapy to 50 Youth with $50,000 City Funding
The city of Seattle is partnering with local healthcare startup Joon Care to provide free online mental health therapy to about 50 teens and young adults, funded by a $50,000 city allocation through the end of the year. Joon Care’s teletherapy has shown positive clinical outcomes, with significant recovery rates from anxiety and depression after four months of treatment.
Seattle Startup Sironix Renewables Raises $1.47M to Scale Eco-Friendly Soy-Based Surfactants
Seattle clean-tech startup Sironix Renewables raised $1.47 million to scale production of its eco-friendly soy-based surfactants for shampoos, detergents, and other personal care products. Their product, Eosix, offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-derived chemicals with 45% lower greenhouse gas emissions and avoids carcinogenic contaminants like 1,4-dioxane.
Seattle Launches $32.6M Maritime Innovation Center at Fishermen’s Terminal to Boost Blue Economy
Seattle plans to open a Maritime Innovation Center at Fishermen’s Terminal with $32.6 million in funding to spur marine technology entrepreneurship and job creation. Maritime Blue, a nonprofit behind the initiative, has already supported 51 startups that raised $400 million and created 400 jobs in Washington State.
ExoFusion Raises Seed Round to License Fusion Tech Including Super X Divertor for Commercial Power
Fusion startup ExoFusion, founded by University of Texas fusion physics professors and led by CEO Romi Mahajan, raised an undisclosed seed round to offer IP and licensing for fusion power technology, including the Super X Divertor that improves fusion device performance. Their goal is to support other companies globally in commercializing fusion energy, a key clean power pursuit centered also in the Pacific Northwest.
GeekWire’s Lisa Stiffler tests Mill’s $33/month home composting bin that grinds food waste into chicken feed
GeekWire reporter Lisa Stiffler tested Mill Industries' high-tech home composting bin in her Seattle kitchen, which grinds and dehydrates food scraps for mailing to a facility that converts them into chicken feed; the subscription costs $33/month (about $400/year).
ZeroAvia Expands Hydrogen Aviation R&D in Washington with $350K State Grant; Twelve Builds Low-Emission Jet Fuel Plant
ZeroAvia is expanding its hydrogen-powered aviation R&D in Everett, Washington, supported by a $350,000 state grant and a partnership with Alaska Airlines. Meanwhile, Twelve is building a commercial synthetic jet fuel facility in Moses Lake, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90% using renewable energy.
Climate Vault Solutions Launches with $9.4M Seed Funding to Cut Carbon by Retiring Pollution Permits
Climate Vault Solutions launched with a $9.4 million seed round to reduce carbon emissions by purchasing and retiring cap-and-trade pollution permits, complemented by funding carbon removal technologies. The Seattle-based company is led by prominent founders including Michael Greenstone and tied to a nonprofit platform created in 2021.
Carbon Removal Startup Nori Raises $6.25M Led by Toyota Ventures, Appoints Matt Trudeau CEO
Carbon removal startup Nori raised $6.25 million led by Toyota Ventures and others, bringing total funding to $17.25 million, and appointed Matt Trudeau as new CEO. Nori sells blockchain-based carbon credits from farmers capturing carbon, has partnered with Bayer, and faces supply shortages amid growing offset demand.
Zap Energy Secures $5M DOE Grant for Fusion Power Development with FuZE-Q Device Targeting 2030 Grid Integration
Zap Energy received a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to support its development of fusion power using its fourth-generation Z-pinch device, FuZE-Q, aiming for commercial fusion energy by 2030. Despite challenges, the DOE funding serves as a significant national-level endorsement of Zap's work toward achieving fusion breakeven.
GeekWire Awards 2023 Honors Four Pacific Northwest Tech Organizations Helping Youth Homelessness, Black Engineers, Agricultural Workers, and Job Seekers
The 2023 GeekWire Awards honored four organizations using technology for social good in the Pacific Northwest: A Way Home Washington, Brilliant Black Minds, Ganaz, and Mentors in Tech. These honorees were recognized for their innovative efforts addressing youth homelessness, supporting Black engineers, aiding agricultural workers, and helping community college grads find jobs.
Microsoft and Helion Energy to Build First Commercial Fusion Power Plant by 2028 in Washington State
Microsoft and Helion Energy have announced an agreement to build the world’s first commercial fusion power plant in Washington state, aiming to operate by 2028. This plant could provide a limitless, carbon-free energy source to power Microsoft’s global data centers, marking a significant step from fusion research toward practical, clean energy production.
Avalanche Energy Raises $40M Series A Led by Lowercarbon Capital and Hits 200 kV Fusion Milestone with Device Marty
Avalanche Energy, a Seattle-based micro-fusion startup, secured $40 million in a Series A funding round led by Lowercarbon Capital and announced a technology milestone operating its fusion device Marty at 200 kV. The company aims to develop small-scale fusion power with the potential for unlimited clean energy and plans to reach 300 kV within the next year.
GeekWire Awards Launch Sustainable Innovation Category Featuring Five Pacific Northwest Finalists, Winners Announced May 18
GeekWire Awards introduced a new Sustainable Innovation of the Year category highlighting five Pacific Northwest companies developing technologies to protect the planet, with winners announced on May 18. Public voting is open until May 1 for finalists including Eviation, Membrion, Pure Watercraft, Recompose, and Zap Energy.
Amazon and SpaceX Veterans Launch Muir AI to Improve Corporate Carbon Footprint Measurement Using AI and Satellite Technology
Muir AI, founded by Amazon and SpaceX veterans, uses AI and satellite technology to help corporations accurately measure and reduce their scope 3 carbon emissions, particularly from supply chains. The startup aims to fill data gaps that currently hinder precise carbon accounting and enable companies to meet climate goals more effectively.
CTFusion Shuts Down After Failing to Raise Venture Capital; Co-Founders Join Rival Zap Energy
CTFusion, a University of Washington spinoff fusion startup, ceased operations after failing to secure venture capital despite $20 million in government grants. Three of its four co-founders have joined rival company Zap Energy, as the Pacific Northwest remains a key region for fusion energy development.
Seattle Startup Ever.green Secures $6.1M Seed Funding to Accelerate 20 GW/Yr Clean Energy Marketplace
Ever.green, a Seattle startup, raised $6.1 million in seed funding to expand its marketplace that connects corporations funding clean energy with developers building renewable projects, aiming to accelerate solar and wind power deployment. The platform also leverages investment tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act to help scale renewable energy infrastructure rapidly.
DroneSeed Rebrands as Mast Reforestation and Acquires California’s Largest Tree Seed Supplier Cal Forest Nurseries
Seattle startup DroneSeed has rebranded under Mast Reforestation and acquired California’s largest tree seed supplier, Cal Forest Nurseries, along with Siskiyou Seed, becoming the biggest seed supplier in the western U.S. The company, which has raised $36 million, uses drones to aid forest restoration after wildfires.
Seattle Teen Launches ClimateJets Tracking Private Jet Carbon Emissions of Ultra-Rich, Bill Gates Ranks 13th
Seattle teen Akash Shendure created ClimateJets, a website tracking carbon emissions from private jets flown by ultra-rich individuals, highlighting the environmental impact and disparity. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates ranks 13th with over 3,000 tons of CO2 emissions from 393 flights, despite his climate philanthropy and investments in clean energy.
Ex-Washington Senator Reuven Carlyle Launches Earth Finance Startup, Raises $14M for Climate Solutions
Former Washington State Senator Reuven Carlyle has launched Earth Finance, a climate consulting and finance startup that has secured $14 million in seed funding. The company aims to help businesses develop climate plans that align with financial goals through strategy, finance, and technology services.
Microsoft Veteran Kevin Wang Launches Mentors in Tech Program Supporting Community College Students in Tech Careers
Kevin Wang, a Microsoft veteran, founded Mentors in Tech (MinT) to support community college students pursuing tech careers by connecting them with mentors and internships. The program has engaged nearly 500 students nationally, aiming to address workforce diversity and skill shortages by helping overlooked, underserved students gain entry into the tech industry.
Group14 Technologies Raises $648M to Develop Silicon-Carbon Battery Anodes, Valued Over $3 Billion
Group14 Technologies, valued at over $3 billion, is developing next-generation silicon-carbon battery anodes in Woodinville, Washington, aiming to improve power and charging speeds for batteries. Backed by investors like Porsche and Microsoft, the startup has raised over $648 million and federal support exceeding $100 million.
Ridwell and Pacific Northwest Innovators Tackle Plastic Waste Crisis Amid Low U.S. Recycling Rates
Plastic waste recycling remains a significant challenge with only about 5% of plastic recycled in the U.S., while environmental startups like Ridwell are innovating new collection and recycling methods. Experts emphasize that relying solely on consumer recycling is insufficient to solve the plastic pollution crisis, prompting increased efforts by startups, scientists, and government agencies.
Group14 Raises $214M from Microsoft Climate Fund Amid $400M Series C and $100M Federal Boost, Valued Over $3B
Group14 Technologies, a Washington-based battery materials manufacturer, raised $214 million from investors including Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund, adding to a $400 million Series C investment and $100 million in federal funding. The company, valued at over $3 billion, develops silicon-carbon composite anodes that enhance lithium-ion battery performance and is poised to benefit from growing EV sales and federal mandates to boost domestic battery production.
Organizations
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CoMotion News Reporter · current
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GeekWire Reporter · current
