In recent years, the renewable energy landscape has witnessed significant advancements, particularly in solar energy, which has burgeoned as a major force in the shift from fossil fuels to more sustainable sources. However, traditional solar farms face inherent limitations, such as their inability to generate electricity at night. To address this challenge, Ben Nowack, 28, and his co-founder Tristan Semmelhack, 23, have embarked on an innovative venture with their startup Reflect Orbital. By proposing the concept of “sunlight as a service,” they aim to launch a constellation of mirrored satellites to reflect sunlight onto solar farms after dark. This ambitious idea has already garnered $8.7 million in funding from notable investors, including Sequoia Capital, and even saw the duo testing a prototype via a reflective hot-air balloon in Nevada—setting the stage for eventual commercialization.
The ingenuity doesn’t stop with Nowack and Semmelhack; numerous other young founders featured in this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the Energy and Green Tech sectors are also pushing boundaries to combat climate change. Among them is Julia Lamb, 29, who heads research at Bedrock Materials to produce sodium-ion batteries, leveraging the lower costs and availability of sodium compared to lithium. The dynamic trio of Namin Shah, Raj Lulla, and Dante Vaisbort of Haylon Technologies is making strides in high-performance batteries with lucrative contracts in hand, while Stanford PhD Zhiao Yu works to enhance battery efficiency through innovative electrolyte molecules at Feon Energy. Meanwhile, KaLeigh Long is tackling supply chain vulnerabilities by constructing a nickel refinery in Oklahoma, aimed at curbing dependency on Chinese imports tied to labor abuses in cobalt mining.
The political landscape has posed its hurdles, particularly during Donald Trump’s presidency, when the movement toward renewable energy faced skepticism and outright opposition. Nevertheless, amidst tightening budgets, innovators remain resilient, demonstrating that efficient use of resources is critical. This sentiment is echoed by Muhammad Alkhadra, 29, who co-founded Lithios, a company focused on reducing lithium extraction costs through innovative methods of capturing lithium from brine deposits. Others like Adam Uliana are finding ways to recover valuable metals from waste, creating a secondary market for materials that would typically end up in landfills.
This year’s list highlights even younger disruptors such as Ankit Singhai, 20; Vignesh Karthik, 20; and Connor Lee, 21, who have ventured into genetic engineering with their startup Anthrogen. Supported by Y Combinator, they are developing bacteria and AI-generated enzymes to convert atmospheric carbon into affordable polymers and fuels, showcasing an example of how the new generation is engaging creatively and passionately with pressing ecological issues. The dedication of these young innovators signals a shift toward a more sustainable future driven by tech-driven solutions to environmental challenges.
The selection process for the Forbes 30 Under 30 list involves a thorough public nomination and expert vetting, ensuring that only the most promising candidates are recognized. This year, the honorees in Energy and Green Tech were evaluated by industry leaders who possess a deep understanding of the critical issues facing the clean energy sector. Their insights and expertise help inform the recognition of individuals capable of spearheading transformative projects that contribute to a greener economy.
Beyond the revolutionary technologies and innovative business models, this new wave of entrepreneurs paints an optimistic picture for the future of energy and sustainability. With their groundbreaking ideas and commitment to overhauling existing paradigms, they exemplify the spirit of collaboration and ingenuity necessary to navigate the complexities of climate change. The collective efforts of these young visionaries underscore a broader movement toward a cleaner, greener planet, showcasing the potential of combining entrepreneurship with environmental consciousness to realize a sustainable future.
