Impact at Scale

In this episode of Impact at Scale , Zal Dastur speaks with Luke Henning , Chief Business Officer and Co-Founder of Circ , a company on a mission to eliminate textile waste through cutting-edge recycling technologies. Luke shares Circ’s journey from bio-based chemicals to becoming a global leader in textile-to-textile recycling, the brutal challenges of scaling hard tech, and the role of brands, c...

In this episode of Impact at Scale , Zal Dastur speaks with Michael Gryseels , founder of Antares Ventures , a deep tech investment fund. Michael shares how a thesis-driven strategy helps identify and solve major challenges in Asia’s energy, healthcare, and water sectors. From transformers to renewables, Michael explores what it takes to make deep tech investments work and why commercial focus, re...

In this episode, Zal Dastur speaks with Al Simpson, COO of OpenStar , about the race to bring fusion energy to life. They discuss why the company’s differentiated levitated dipole approach might be the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for. They explore the difference between fusion and fission, why fusion is often called the holy grail of clean energy, and how OpenStar’s approach is simple, safer,...

In this episode, Zal Dastur speaks with Amy Carter-James , CEO of Raaise , a platform designed to help pro-planet startups raise capital with confidence and clarity. Amy shares her journey from running an eco-resort in Africa to impact entrepreneurship and offers a candid look at the challenges founders face when fundraising for climate solutions. From understanding investor psychology to the impo...

In this episode of the Impact at Scale podcast, Zal Dastur sits down with Anthony DeOrsey , Research Manager at CleanTech Group , to explore the future of sustainable innovation. They delve into the CleanTech Forum Asia and the group's mission to promote cutting-edge technologies, while emphasizing the importance of positive narratives around sustainability. The conversation touches on emerging tr...

We already have the solutions to climate change — we're just not using them. Dr. Jonathan Foley , Executive Director of Project Drawdown , joins us to share why climate solutions are also humanity solutions : they improve jobs, health, and quality of life. We unpack how food waste, deforestation, and outdated energy habits hold us back—and how small steps today can lead to big change. A hopefu...

In this engaging conversation, Zal Dastur speaks with Nadya Hutagalung , a renowned sustainability advocate and Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environmental Program. We explore Nadya's multifaceted work, the importance of inner resilience in driving sustainable change, and the tools necessary for emotional well-being. Nadya shares her journey from the entertainment industry to environm...

Impact at Scale sits down with Safia Qureshi , founder and CEO of CLUBZERØ . CLUBZERØ is a ‘Packaging as a Service’ platform that provides customers and consumers with a sustainable and scalable option beyond single-use. Safia discusses the importance of creating a zero-waste infrastructure at a city scale. She emphasizes the need for systemic change in how we manage waste, balancing convenience w...

In this conversation, Tamsin Raine , CEO and co-founder of Ocean Culture Life , shares her journey from a career in advertising to advocating for ocean conservation. She discusses the importance of ocean literacy, the role of storytelling in engaging communities, and the need for collective action to restore ocean health. Tamsin emphasizes the significance of finding one's purpose in sustainabilit...

In this episode of the Impact at Scale podcast, Zal Dastur speaks with Adrien Desbaillets , CEO and co-founder of SaladStop, about the evolution of the food industry towards sustainability and health. Adrian shares insights on how SaladStop started as a response to the demand for healthier food options in Singapore and has since integrated sustainability into its core mission. Adrian discusses the...

In this episode, Zal Dastur interviews Ryan Shermahorn , a patent attorney and partner at Marshall, Gerstein & Borun , to explore the critical intersection of climate change, clean technology, and intellectual property. They dive into the Climate Change Mitigation Pilot Program, which accelerates the patent process for climate-focused innovations, highlighting how this program can benefit star...

In this episode of Impact at Scale, Zal Dastur speaks with Martijn Lopes Cardozo , a partner at Regeneration VC , to uncover how climate venture capital is shaping a sustainable future. They dive into the principles of the circular economy, revealing that only 7% of materials are recycled—a stark call for change. Martijn highlights how Regenerative VC targets consumer climate tech investments and...

How do extreme weather events and the ongoing climate crisis impact emotional well-being? In this week's conversation, Impact at Scale talks to climate psychologist Katharina Van Bronswijk about the intersection of climate change and mental health. Katharina emphasizes the importance of recognizing and processing emotions related to climate change, such as eco-grief and anxiety, while also advocat...

In this week's episode of Impact at Scale with Zal Dastur, we are doing a deep dive into energy with my guest, Jeremy Bentham, the Co-Chair of the World Energy Council. Jeremy discusses the critical themes surrounding the energy transition, including the role of the World Energy Council, the need for a shift in perception regarding energy transition, the importance of aligning various factors for...

Impact at Scale with Zal Dastur discussed all things waste management with Joel Tasche , the founder and co-CEO of Cleanhub . Cleanhub brings waste management services to areas with inefficient systems, aiming to keep plastic out of the environment and create local jobs. Joel shares his company's mission to tackle plastic pollution at scale and emphasizes the importance of strong partnerships and...

Impact at Scale interviews Steve Willis, author of Fairhaven: A Novel of Climate Optimism. They discuss the intersection of technology and climate change, the need for optimism and action in the face of the climate crisis, and the importance of shifting societal values around status and consumption. They also explore the potential for media, such as books and movies, to inspire and showcase soluti...

Impact at Scale had a conversation with Mihir Pershad , CEO of Umami Bioworks . Umami is utilizing stem cell biology, machine learning, and automation to craft the future of sustainable seafood Mihir discusses the company's mission to revolutionize the seafood industry through sustainable practices. He explores the challenges of traditional seafood production, the scalability of alternative protei...

Impact at Scale, connected with Esther Chang , Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact Network Singapore , which is the Singapore chapter of the United Nations Global Compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative Esther discusses the work of the UN GCNS and the importance of sustainability. She highlights the need for partnerships and collaboration among stak...

Impact at Scale had an insightful conversation with Alina Truhina , CEO and Managing Partner of The Radical Fund . The Radical Fund is an early-stage VC fund enabling an inclusive climate transition for a resilient Southeast Asia. Alina discusses the importance of climate innovation and investing in emerging markets. She highlights the need for climate mitigation and adaptation, emphasizing that c...

Brian Sheng , co-founder and CEO of Aquaria , a renewable source of water that taps into the humidity in the air to produce clean, drinkable water. Aquaria's atmospheric water generators (AWGs) act as a backup or alternative water supply that can be installed on-site in hours. Brian discusses the global water challenge and the innovative solutions offered by his company. The conversation delve...

Impact at Scale had an enlightening conversation with Fred Jordan , co-founder and co-CEO of FinalSpark . FinalSpark wants to revolutionize computing by moving AI from digital processors to bioprocessors built from living neurons, thus saving vast amounts of energy. Fred discusses the development of a processor that uses living neurons to perform computations. He explains that the human brain is m...

Impact at Scale chatted with Lauren Eatwell, Head of Windwings at BAR Technologies . BAR Technologies was founded on the technology from the prestigious America's Cup Yacht Race and now focuses on maritime innovation and technology, particularly in the area of sustainability. TIME Magazine also recognized Lauren as one of The 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders in 2023. With shipping being su...

Impact At Scale had an insightful conversation with Lester Leong , CEO and co-founder of Gush . Gush develops a range of advanced material solutions for the built environment, all of which focus on sustainability and wellness. Gush has developed 16 SKUs, including paints and films, that aim to improve indoor air quality, reduce energy consumption, and tackle the urban heat island effect. Lester ta...

Impact at Scale connected with Pranav Rastogi , the Head of Communications for Grow Asia . Grow Asia was established by the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to convene, facilitate, and help scale action-focused partnerships and broker market-driven solutions that cultivate inclusive, resilient and sustainable food systems in Southeast...

Impact at Scale had a conversation with Nora Sophie Griefahn , co-founder and executive director of Cradle to Cradle . This C2C NGO is dedicated to education and networking on the topic of Cradle to Cradle. The NGO works with businesses, science, education, politics, and civil society. Nora discusses the concept of Cradle to Cradle and its goal of creating a positive and beneficial footprint. She...