#United States #Dallas #Climate Tech #EarthX #Ocean Exchange

EarthX Announces 2025 Climate Tech Prize Winners

On May 16, 2025, EarthX proudly declared the winners of the 2025 EarthX Climate Tech Prize and the Ocean Exchange Pitch Competition, recognizing groundbreaking innovations designed to address climate challenges. Held during the 9th annual E-Capital Summit at Earthx2025, the event featured a competitive selection process spotlighting a diverse array of promising start-ups from around the globe.

Among the notable winners, Austin-based Zero Electric emerged victorious in the prestigious Climate Tech Prize. Their innovative approach redefines how Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) engage with the power grid. Led by co-founders Jimi Adegbohun (CEO) and Felix Ogbeide (COO), Zero Electric has developed a platform that creates dynamic, spatially aware hosting capacity maps. This platform offers real-time insights into flexibility, which accelerates interconnections, improves monetization of DERs, and enhances grid operations. As a reward for their efforts, Zero Electric received a non-dilutive cash prize of $15,000 and showcased their solution to leading investors and industry experts at the summit.

In a parallel achievement, Ceretune claimed victory in the Ocean Exchange Pitch Competition, winning a $25,000 grant for their innovative approach to ocean restoration. Founded by Reid Barnett, Ceretune utilizes biomass growth data alongside water chemistry to optimize plant selection and placement in aquatic environments. Their biodegradable and buoyant fabrics encourage seed-based plant growth in water, effectively transforming excess ocean nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen into biomass, thereby addressing nutrient pollution.

Vikram Agrawal, Senior Director of EarthxCapital, celebrated the progress made by these innovative entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of clean technology in addressing environmental and economic challenges. "These visionary solutions not only represent the forefront of technological advancement but also align with our mission to promote sustainable futures," Agrawal remarked.

The 2025 EarthX Climate Tech Prize, organized in collaboration with the Climate Solutions Prize from Montreal, specifically targets early-stage ventures boasting annual revenues under $250,000 and limited funding. The aim is to highlight initiatives that combine significant environmental benefits with scalable and investable business models. This year's pool included over 230 applicants across various sectors.

The semi-finalists had the opportunity to present their technologies in live sessions during the E-Capital Summit. For the first time, the audience at the summit participated in the selection process, voting live to determine which four semi-finalists from the ten total would advance to the final competition. Final presentations took place on the public EarthX TV stage, where expert judges, including influential figures in the Texas business community, made the final decision.

The Ocean Exchange Pitch Competition, now in its second year at EarthX, reflects a productive partnership aimed at fostering innovations that support the sustainable blue economy and healthy global ecosystems.

For further details regarding the Climate Tech Prize, the Ocean Exchange pitch competition, or Earthx2025 events, please visit earthx.org.

About EarthX

Founded in 2010 as a part of Earth Day Dallas, EarthX is a renowned global non-profit organization centered on environmental advocacy. Through engaging events, media outreach, and educational initiatives, EarthX strives to raise awareness and enact change in key ecological and economic sectors. The organization's conferences bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and diverse participants to collaborate on pressing environmental issues.

About Ocean Exchange

Ocean Exchange is a global initiative focused on accelerating the adoption of innovative solutions for ocean health and the sustainable blue economy. The organization empowers its network through funding, recognition, and collaboration to further enhance ocean sustainability efforts.

About Climate Solutions Prize

The Climate Solutions Prize encourages innovation in climate technology by providing financial support and mentorship to pioneering researchers and startups. Its annual festival fosters networking opportunities and collaboration among key stakeholders in the climate technology industry.