Breakthrough Energy Announces 21 Startups in Fellows Program — TechCrunch
Breakthrough Energy has announced the sixth cohort of its Breakthrough Energy Fellows program, which includes 21 startups in nuclear fusion, agriculture, robotics, semiconductors and data-center energy efficiency. As TechCrunch reports, the program supports early-stage companies working on technologies for decarbonization and adaptation to a warmer climate.
Electricity demand
Breakthrough Energy Ventures managing partner Eric Toone said that growing electricity consumption by data centers is only a harbinger of much greater demand. In his assessment, electrifying various sectors of the economy to reduce carbon emissions could triple the need for electricity.
Among the participants in the new cohort is Borealis Fusion, which is developing an approach to fusion energy using proton-boron fuel. This fuel is abundant, but it is difficult to heat to the temperatures required to initiate fusion reactions. Another company, StarWarden, is working on heat-management technologies for future fusion reactors.
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Semiconductors and hydrogen
Bedrock Semiconductor, K1 Semiconductor and Vari Flux are focused on improving the efficiency of semiconductors and data centers. K1 Semiconductor, in particular, is developing a more efficient method of processing materials including gallium nitride and silicon carbide for power electronics. Acting program director Benjamin Gaddy suggested that this technology could reduce the cost of power electronics by about 50% or more.
The program also supports AmyHyTech and Ammovolt Energy, which are seeking ways to use and transport hydrogen with the help of ammonia. Other startups are working on molecular methods for detecting crop diseases and robotic systems for extracting minerals from the seabed with minimal environmental disruption.
