VertueLab is a nonprofit that supports climate tech entrepreneurs and cleantech startups in the Pacific Northwest that might otherwise have difficulty accessing traditional sources of capital through direct, program-related investments and accelerator programs. Founded in 2007 as Oregon BEST, it developed from supporting emerging climate-focused companies in Oregon to investing in climate innovation across the…
Attention engineering educators, students, and practitioners: the Engineering for One Planet Initiative (EOP) is inviting new applicants to join the network through August 12, 2022. Click here to apply. In 2020, we launched EOP in partnership with VentureWell and with the collaboration of hundreds of stakeholders. The EOP Network brings theseMore
A pioneer in the field of green chemistry, John Warner talks about the successes and challenges in creating sustainable change. John Warner is, to put it mildly, passionate about his work. He is a prolific inventor holding more than 300 patents, as well as an educator and entrepreneur. He is most passionate when talking about…
Creating a new generation of engineers skilled in sustainability is an investment in the health of people and the planet
As we confront complex issues like climate change, sustainable energy, and equitable access to food and healthcare, one throughline is constant: progress and innovation are inextricably linked. In 1992, prolific inventor Jerry Lemelson and his wife Dolly founded The Lemelson Foundation to support invention that improves lives and strengthens economies. Since then, the Foundation has…
Maria Artunduaga, CEO & Founder of Samay. Maria Artunduaga is the CEO and founder of Samay (formerly Respira Labs), a successful startup aimed at providing low-cost, at-home diagnostics for dangerous respiratory conditions. At age 34, Maria Artunduaga took a leap of faith. Ambitious and focused, she was studying plastic surgery — a highly competitive specialty…
Tricia Compas-Markman’s journey from engineering to founding a startup for safe drinking water brings valuable takeaways for innovators. I believe that invention can help solve some of our most pressing challenges and improve living conditions for communities across the globe. In particular, disaster relief is an area where innovation can save lives, especially as climate…
Maria Artunduaga is the CEO and founder of Samay, a successful startup aimed at providing low-cost, at-home diagnostics for dangerous respiratory conditions. At age 34, Maria Artunduaga took a leap of faith. Ambitious and focused, she was studying plastic surgery — a highly competitive specialty — at University of Chicago Medicine, on track to become…
The Lemelson Foundation has invested $500,000 in VertueLab’s Climate Fund I, which seeks to deploy $5 million in catalytic investments to early-stage, technology start-up companies poised to reduce greenhouse gases at scale. The Impact Fund expects to support 15-20 companies primarily located in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska or British Columbia. The support for VertueLab represents…
Five Invention-Based Businesses Addressing Development Challenges with Hardware-Led Solutions From COVID to climate change, the world has recently witnessed mounting global challenges that have hindered progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, this year’s report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference have shownMore
A leader in social enterprise provides advice on how to create a supportive ecosystem of mentorship and funding for game-changing innovation As the international development community looks at the decade ahead, unlocking innovation across the globe will be crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), from health to agriculture to the environment. The pandemic…
Dr. Yong Zhao offers steps to help create a more diverse and inventive education system. Imagine an education system in which every child — regardless of race, gender, ability, or economic status — could realize their full, unique potential and become part of the innovation workforce. Instead of gauging success through standardized tests and benchmark…