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Climate

Solar tech startup GRYD has secured £1 million ($1.2 million) in pre-seed funding, according to Tech Funding News. GRYD was created in 2023 by Mohamed Gaafar, Scott Whiteside, and Tom Jordan to make solar energy accessible to everyone by allowing solar-as-subscription to newly built homes. The trio met at the Antler accelerator program, where they devised the idea for a company that would provide homeowners with zero-cost residential solar systems as energy costs continue to rise in the UK. The pre-seed round saw investments from SFC Capital and Black Seed

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has lodged criminal complaints in France and Belgium against Apple and its local subsidiaries, accusing the tech giant of benefiting from conflict minerals in its supply chain. In a statement, lawyers for the Congolese government allege that these “blood minerals” fuel violent conflict in the region, including atrocities committed by armed groups. Apple has denied the claims. Apple Accused of Covering Up War Crimes Eastern Congo is a major source of tin, tantalum and tungsten—the 3T minerals—which are widely used in electronics like computers

The Forbes 30 Under 30 North America 2025 list is out, showcasing exceptional talent across industries.  This year, we’re highlighting some of the young Black people in tech who are driving progress through innovation, equity, and leadership. Jordan Taylor, 29 | Founder, Vizcom Jordan Taylor is the creative force behind Vizcom, a startup that uses AI to turn sketches into 3D designs. The former Nvidia industrial designer launched Vizcom in 2021 with cofounder Kaelan Richards, helping companies like Ford and New Balance streamline product development. Today, Vizcom boasts 65 enterprise

The Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy has launched a $100 million fund to remove the financial barriers that often stall clean energy projects in Native American communities. The Indigenous Power & Light Fund for Energy Sovereignty is supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and other philanthropic organizations. Tackling Energy Inequities Many Native American communities still lack access to electricity. A 2022 report from the Department of Energy revealed that nearly 17,000 tribal homes remain unelectrified. On the Navajo Nation, the

Earthbond, a Nigerian startup that helps small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) go solar, has raised $200,000 in pre-seed funding from Madica, an Africa-focused investment firm.  The funding will help Earthbond expand its solar services to more businesses, offering a cleaner and more affordable energy option as Nigeria faces rising fuel prices. Making Solar Power More Accessible Founded in 2023 by Chidalu Onyenso, Earthbond connects businesses with solar power providers, including installers and loan options, to make adopting solar energy easier and more affordable.  Onyenso, a Harvard MBA and experienced product

Octavia Carbon, a Kenyan startup in Direct Air Carbon Capture (DACC) technology, has raised $3.9 million in seed funding.  This funding, co-led by Lateral Frontiers and E4E Africa, will allow the startup to scale its efforts to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, aiding the global fight against climate change. Pioneering Carbon Capture Technology in Africa Founded in 2022 by Martin Freimüller, Duncan Kariuki, and Mike Bwondera, Octavia Carbon is Kenya’s first DACC company. Its machines capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and store it underground to help reduce

Klean Energy Kulture (KEK), an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to driving clean energy adoption in Black and Brown communities, has launched its inaugural program, “Electrify the City.”  This initiative aims to fast-track the integration of renewable energy in disinvested neighborhoods. It focuses on transforming cultural landmarks like salons, churches, entertainment venues, and community centers into sustainable energy hubs. Powering Cultural Spaces and Communities Through “Electrify the City,” KEK will partner with businesses, residents, and cultural leaders to install solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in high-traffic community venues.  The

In a development for South Africa’s renewable energy sector, Grid Africa has raised R50 million ($2.8 million) in equity from Rifuwo Energy Partners.  This investment comes at a pivotal time as the nation faces rising energy costs, exacerbated by Eskom’s –  a government-owned company that is South Africa’s main supplier of electric power – proposed 36% tariff hike.  The fresh funds will fuel the acceleration of solar energy projects across the country, offering businesses a cost-effective alternative to grid electricity. Timing Amidst Rising Energy Costs With South Africa’s state-owned power

Jackson State University (JSU) has been awarded a $2 million grant from the Entergy Charitable Foundation to establish a Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab, designed to address the growing cybersecurity needs of the energy sector.  This significant investment will support JSU’s commitment to training a diverse, skilled workforce capable of safeguarding critical infrastructure.  The grant was formally announced during a ceremony on October 7, where JSU President Marcus Thompson, Ph.D., received the check from Entergy Mississippi President and CEO Haley Fisackerly. Advancing Cybersecurity in the Energy Sector The new

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15, honors the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latine communities in the US.  It began as a week-long event in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was extended to a month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The dates are significant because they coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. In keeping with this year’s theme, “Inspiring Innovation and Empowering Communities,” here are

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