Impact at Scale

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, and more scalable than traditional fusion concepts. Fusion energy isn’t just a lab experiment anymore. It’s a serious candidate for powering the world by the early 2030s.OpenStar hopes to be at the forefront of a brand new energy revolution

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 importance of storytelling, this episode is packed with actionable insights for founders, investors, and anyone passionate about scaling climate tech.

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 trends in electric mobility, energy, and AI-powered solutions for data centers. Anthony also highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by political shifts, localized solutions in developing markets, and the crucial role of critical materials in the energy transition.

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 We unpack how food waste, deforestation, and outdated energy habits hold us back—and how small steps today can lead to big change.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 hopeful, clear-eyed look at what’s possible now.

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 environmental activism, emphasizing the impact of individual actions and the need for collective responsibility in addressing climate issues. The discussion also delves into the shifting corporate mindsets needed for sustainability, managing climate anxiety, and the power of media in advocacy. Nadya talks about her spiritual journey through Buddhism and the importance of healing and addressing unresolved trauma.

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 with sustainability, and the role of governance in implementing effective waste management solutions. Safia shares insights on leading indicators of consumer sentiment and the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to drive sustainability efforts.

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 sustainability and how positive storytelling can inspire change. She discusses the critical role of storytelling in ocean conservation, emphasizing how impactful narratives can inspire action and funding for marine initiatives. Tamsin also delves into the challenges posed by ego in environmental work and the necessity of aligning financial priorities with sustainable practices.

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 need for businesses to adapt to the next generation of consumers who are increasingly aware of their health and environmental impact. The conversation explores the challenges of changing consumer behaviour, the importance of personalized nutrition, and the role of technology in shaping future food choices.

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 startups and smaller companies. Ryan explains why securing patents is essential for attracting investors, safeguarding innovations, and mitigating risks from patent trolls and counterfeiters. The conversation also unpacks the challenges of protecting AI-related patents, strategies for navigating international markets, and the often-overlooked resources available to clean tech innovators.

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 tackles underfunded climate sectors with innovative business models. The discussion emphasizes the importance of de-risking investments through corporate collaboration and securing customer validation as a cornerstone of startup success. Martijn also shares compelling stories from their portfolio, offering insider tips on crafting pitches that emotionally engage investors and showcase the indispensable qualities of a winning founding team. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of venture capital and climate innovation.