MassChallenge

Util is a developer of sustainability intelligence technology that provides investors with an objective, evidence-based view of a company's impact. By leveraging big data and machine learning, Util aggregates and analyzes quantified company data across various stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the environment. This data is transformed into a dollar-based annual value generated metric, allowing responsible investors to evaluate both financial and non-financial returns on investment. The company goes beyond traditional ESG metrics to present a comprehensive assessment of companies as complex value generators. Util's methodology covers all listed securities and is designed for investment managers seeking unique analysis that parallels conventional financial reporting. Currently, Util is collaborating with two investment manager partners that collectively manage $130 billion in assets to refine its products and methodologies, aiming to enhance the integration of sustainability in investment decision-making.

Greenly is on a mission to help everyone reduce his ecological footprint in a fun and rewarding way, offering individuals more choices for sustainable living. To nudge you into adopting greener daily habits, our application automatically measures the environmental impact of everything you buy and gives you credit when you reduce your emissions. We do this by linking to your bank accounts securely, and enriching financial data with ecological information. We recommend to our users changing their spending habits towards greener brands engaged to make the energy transition happen. In transportation, taking the train, the bus or carpooling is greener and translates into avoided emissions. For your housing, switching to a green electricity provider makes a difference. For your shopping, greener brands make a difference. And when it comes to eating, go vegan or vegetarian to reduce your footprint. We make it easy and fun to switch progressively to more sustainable consumption habits.

Arbor is a software platform that makes shopping sustainably as simple as possible. By providing highly accurate and unbiased data on companies across the globe, such as environmental responsibility, labor practices, and hiring diversity, Arbor empowers everyday consumers with peace of mind, aligning their purchases with their own personal values.

Tropical Matter promotes an environmentally conscious culture by providing material alternatives made from renewable resources. Tropical Matter was founded by Debora Zuniga Arias.

Procurance is a solution that helps manage the sustainability of brands, retailers, and other value-chain partners' supply chains. It combines intelligent web and mobile-based tools, developed using globally-aligned metrics and methodology for risk detection, advanced analytics that combine micro-data with satellite data (e.g. deforestation maps) to provide actionable insights to procurement, marketing, and sustainability managers.

We create healthy and sustainable solutions for the world based on insects. A very nutritive and eco friendly food source. Currently we are using about 50% of the habitable land for agriculture and the livestock industry is the major contributor to CO2 emisions, but In just 30 years the amount of food available will not be enough for the world`s population. By making healthy, and tasty products from insect powder such as flour for bread, cake mix, and even protein shakes, we are able to reduce the amount of livestock usage and also provide a sustainable and scalable solution. Our business model is based on 3 keypoints: >Mass and Standarized Production which is possible using our insect incubator (which is patent pending) >Sustainable and efficient Production since Costa Rica has the perfect weather conditions, >And our Partner Program to provide jobs and income to the poorest sectors of Costa Rican society. Our partner program is supported by BID Lab and Fundecooperación who are helping us deliver the program on a national scale. Costa Rica Insect Company and we Save the World Eating Bugs!

Greencovery specializes in food upcycling technology that allows food companies to produce sustainable ingredients from side-stream production. The company’s proprietary platform accelerates the time-to-market for new components that would otherwise be difficult to recover, enhancing both feasibility and sustainability for its clients. Greencovery's technology has versatile applications, enabling the production of circular flavors, supplements, and various food ingredients, particularly catering to the expanding markets for sports nutrition, beverages, and protein alternatives. By effectively recovering valuable products from side-streams, Greencovery supports the food industry in creating more sustainable practices.

Provider of delightful building materials intended to protect natural resources from being depleted. The company uses biological waste and food waste as raw materials to be used in interior design and industrial design products, enabling designers to upcycle green waste and perform zero-waste designing.

Eaternity AG is a Zurich-based company that develops a software management solution tailored for the restaurant industry. Founded in 2014, Eaternity offers a platform that enables restaurant owners to gain insights into their supply chains and make informed decisions that benefit both their businesses and the environment. The core product, the Eaternity-Membership, is a web application designed to track, measure, and optimize the carbon footprint of restaurant menus. Additionally, the company provides supporting services such as the Eaternity Award, which recognizes climate-friendly meals, and Eaternity Training, which includes workshops for management and kitchen staff. Eaternity is also developing initiatives like the Eaternity event week and a corporate CSR report to further promote sustainable practices within the food industry.

NaturLoop is a Swiss-based cleantech and material science company focused on sustainable development through the production of natural biocomposites. The company specializes in manufacturing coconut-based fiberboard derived from agricultural waste, utilizing a low-tech process that promotes circular economy practices. By leveraging existing wood panel infrastructure, NaturLoop offers a versatile and eco-friendly alternative for the construction sector, addressing environmental concerns while providing a cost-effective solution to expensive imported building materials. Additionally, NaturLoop's unique turnkey micro-factory concept allows for the industrial-scale production of biocomposites, which integrate local rural communities into the value chain. Through its innovative approach, NaturLoop aims to mitigate the depletion of natural resources and make sustainability accessible to a broader audience.

Capture is an early-stage B2B SaaS company focused on sustainability, offering a platform that enables organizations to engage their workforce in environmental initiatives. The platform allows users to track, reduce, and offset their carbon dioxide emissions, promoting awareness of carbon footprints and contributing to climate action. Originally launched as a free app to monitor carbon footprints, Capture has evolved to include a version designed for teams, which has garnered interest from organizations seeking to facilitate sustainability competitions. Following initial market engagement in 2020, Capture has begun invoicing clients and is experiencing growing demand for its services. To further enhance its offerings and expand its team, the company plans to raise a seed round of funding in early 2024.

Nul is a not-just-for-profit company with the mission to make the personal and household care industry more sustainable by offering eco-friendly alternatives that actually work. No water. No plastic. No toxins. No nonsense. Nul believe in giving back; pledging 1% of all sales to environmental charities as a member of 1% for the Planet.

Droople believe in a world where water is saved, affordable and available for any single life form on our planet. Sustainability takes a great place in their vision, heart and business. As tenants of earth, their role is to take care of it for the next generations. Their mission is to service businesses, utilities, communities and governing bodies with their water intelligence platform to reduce waste. Their values of transparency, sustainability, and performance are triggering their passion. Today, their value proposition is to provide businesses with retrofit solution to efficiently manage their fleet of water-driven assets and buildings. Their solutions are not only designed to increase benefits, they also take into account related social and environmental impacts. Through their solutions, they are committed to reduce plastic waste with water fountains, reduce CO2 footprint thank to on-time maintenance and grant the quality of drinking water with adequate replacement of water filters for most people.

SmartFish offers quality marine products to the market and contributes to good fishing management and sustainability. It markets seafood products that have a sustainability guarantee, reducing the number of intermediaries and seeking that more steps in the value chain remain in the cooperatives. It also negotiates with cooperatives with an open book policy to make the profits transparent at each link in the chain.

To be an innovative and sustainable company offering our clients biotechnological alternatives for the treatment of residual water, capture and recycling of greenhouse gases, for the generation of sustainable products from these residues.

Manufacturer of modern earth-friendly period care products based in Boston, Massachusetts. The company's products are biodegradable corn and bamboo fiber-based pad that is antibacterial, allergy-free, BPA-free, non-toxic, pollution-free, breathable, comfortable and super absorbent, helping women to use eco-friendly menstrual products.

Solutum Ltd. develops and produces biodegradable products that replace plastic. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.

Cleancult is a company focused on creating sustainable cleaning products that reduce reliance on single-use plastics. It manufactures refillable items in aluminum bottles and offers all-natural laundry detergents in the form of cleaning pods. These pods contain powerful stain-fighting ingredients and a non-toxic formula, making them suitable for customers with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. By promoting eco-friendly practices and providing effective cleaning solutions, Cleancult aims to support a sustainable lifestyle for its consumers.

BUHO is a sustainable fashion & lifestyle platform with products for women, men, kids & home under one banner for the first time. We're rooted in an uncompromising commitment to sustainable contemporary fashion that’s easy to find, fun to wear, and earth-loving. Our company was born out of a belief that fashion can do better, because we know better. By combining fashion and social impact, BUHO provides consumers the opportunity to shop by the values most important to them. As an active member of 1% For the Planet, BUHO commits to donate 1% of all sales to support environmental programs and is a fully circular business with biodegradable packaging and an easy recycle program that distributes items to one of our non-profit partners repurposes it into new materials. We are currently going through our B-Corp Certification Process.

LEDsafari SA, founded in 2014 and based in Lausanne, Switzerland, specializes in sustainability education and training, particularly in schools and educational institutions. The company has developed an innovative solar kit aimed at empowering students to create solar lamps, successfully selling 15,000 units across 15 countries through its online platform. LEDsafari has invested in a state-of-the-art learning platform that features high-quality animations, graphics, and games, making the educational experience engaging and effective. Looking ahead, the company plans to incorporate augmented reality and mobile technology into its offerings. Through its programs, LEDsafari seeks to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to address climate change and promote sustainable living.

Greenastic operates an online platform focused on creating eco-friendly gardens, balconies, and terraces tailored to individual client needs. The company specializes in pesticide-free gardening solutions, providing personalized services that encompass design, product selection, and maintenance. By offering expert advice and customized options, Greenastic enables users to cultivate sustainable outdoor spaces that reflect their preferences while promoting environmentally responsible practices.

Social Fabric operates as a sustainable textile center with a focus on promoting ecological and socially responsible practices in the textile industry. The organization emphasizes a circular economy, innovative technologies, and decentralized manufacturing to provide customers with meaningful and customized garments. Additionally, Social Fabric is committed to work integration for refugees in Switzerland, creating opportunities for individuals while ensuring that the production of textiles remains sustainable. Through its community-based approach, the organization aims to foster greater awareness and usage of textiles and clothing that have a minimal ecological and social footprint.

Concord Spirits reduces the environmental footprint of the spirits industry.

LeCycle is a company that specializes in producing gastronomic oyster mushrooms using repurposed coffee grounds sourced from local restaurants in Lausanne. By collecting used coffee grounds, the company not only creates high-quality mushrooms but also contributes to waste management efforts. The process involves transforming the coffee remnants into fertilizer, which can subsequently be reused to enhance soil quality. This innovative approach highlights LeCycle's commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency, turning food waste into valuable products.

Evocco is your eco-friendly shopping assistant that helps you find the most nutritious food for the lowest environmental impact. Snap your receipt, build a basket, and track your progress over time. Evocco gives you all the sustainability tips and tricks you need to educate your inner eco-warrior and align your beliefs with what you buy.

Sukriti Social Foundation is a non-governmental organization focused on improving sanitation conditions for approximately 800 million Indians, primarily women. The foundation develops eco-toilets that provide safe and hygienic sanitation spaces, utilizing smart prefab toilet cabins that are automated for self-cleaning and maintenance. These innovative solutions consume fresh water and treat waste on-site, operating on solar energy to enhance sanitation in both urban and remote areas. In addition to sanitation, Sukriti Social Foundation aims to address broader issues such as waste management, energy sufficiency through alternative energy sources, low-cost housing, healthcare, skill development, and agricultural sustenance. By leveraging engineering solutions, the foundation strives to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges in an economical manner.

Umo is the Google analytics for Smart Cities Sustainability.

Creating a waste management system in secondary cities that collect urban waste for composting and anaerobic digestion to produce Fertilizer and Energy. We imagine a world in which cities obtain social, economic and environmental value from waste and are therefore healthier and more sustainable places. Our mission is to change how cities in sub-Saharan Africa view their waste. Through innovation of waste systems in small and medium-sized African cities we will provide fertilizer to farmers, energy to businesses, improve the local environment and community health, and create jobs to reduce poverty.

Superb Smoothies provides delicious, healthy and convenient foods that help to reduce this food waste. Their products are packed with delicious, healthy, fruit and vegetables, super seeds and superfoods with no added sugar, salt or preservatives. These Superb mixes are stored in a cupboard for up to 2 years and are much less likely to be wasted. Not that They will need 2 years to use them. They are confident that they are so delicious and easy to use that they won't last in your cupboard for long.

Safi Organics specializes in producing organic fertilizers designed to enhance agricultural yields for rural farmers. The company utilizes a carbon-negative approach by converting locally sourced agricultural waste into fertilizers through proprietary low-cost, decentralized biomass conversion reactors. This innovative process not only increases farmers' productivity and income but also addresses environmental concerns by reducing waste and mitigating pollution linked to traditional waste burning practices. By providing quality organic fertilizers, Safi Organics supports sustainable farming and promotes environmental stewardship in the agricultural sector.

Planet Hort - learning sustainability in a playful way“ is the first organization in Switzerland that aims to integrate Education for Sustainable Development into after-school care. Their activities and courses deal with the five main sustainability topics biodiversity, cultural plurality, consumption, energy and waste. With their program they want to encourage children at an early stage to engage in a sustainable interaction with the environment. And empower day-care personal to adopt their approach. Planet Hort - learning sustainability in a playful way“ wants to integrate Education for Sustainable Development into after-school care.

SunCity is disrupting irrigation practices by developing and building affordable solar energy solutions that help small farmers switch from diesel pumps.

SaveOhno.org is a web-based gamified platform for climate change activism. It allows its users to take actions on environmental issues and get rewards from environmental brands. SaveOhno.org was launched on September 22, 2014, and is based in Babson Park, Massachusetts, United States.

RethinkResource operates a smart-sourcing platform designed for producing companies to promote circular economy practices. The company focuses on transforming industrial side-streams into sustainable products, providing services such as innovation management, product development, and circular engineering. By facilitating responsible management of material streams, RethinkResource aims to empower producers and brand owners to enhance resource stewardship and innovation within their industries. Through its platform, RethinkResource seeks to drive the development of sustainable practices across various sectors.

We’re problem-solvers and technologists dedicated to strengthening local, sustainable food systems. Sustainability is about much more than how food is grown… it’s also about economic sustainability. Is it profitable for the farmer entrepreneur, can they pay their workers a living wage, and, ultimately, can the system be self-sustaining? We’ll be working on the economic sustainability of local food systems in New England during the 2014 growing season.

Saathi is a next-generation consumer packaged goods company offering zero-plastic, compostable alternatives for consumer absorbents: diapers, sanitary pads, incontinence pads. Founded by graduates from MIT, Harvard Business School and Nirma University, they are innovators in the use of alternative materials and zero-waste production. Their mission is to create products that are good for the body, environment, and community.

Sword & Plough is a socially conscious brand founded in 2012 by sisters Emily and Betsy Nunez, who were inspired by their military upbringing. The company focuses on recycling military surplus materials, transforming them into stylish bags and accessories. Sword & Plough aims to employ veterans, reduce waste, and foster a greater understanding and appreciation for veterans among civilians. By merging fashion with a meaningful mission, the brand appeals to socially aware consumers looking for products that reflect their values. The company's commitment to supporting veterans and promoting sustainability distinguishes it in the marketplace.

Points4Green is a new loyalty program that makes it easy for businesses to reward environmentally-conscious shoppers. For the first time, businesses can link customers’ everyday shopping decisions to making a measurable impact on climate change. They buy CO2 credits at auction and turn them into a patent-pending loyalty currency. Members earn Points for every dollar spent on participating products and services. Each Point eliminates 1 lb of CO2 plus provides an additional $0.01 in rewards.

Solar Tri-Gen is dedicated to the idea that innovative, affordable, renewable energy is the only solution to the growing tension between the aspirations of the developing world and concern over global climate change. They transfer technology and build capacity through partnerships that manufacture, own and operate novel distributed energy infrastructure based on micro-CSP, and provide an affordable micro-utility service and trigeneration to health clinics and schools in remote areas.

ZanaAfrica is a Kenyan organization that integrates non-profit initiatives with business strategies to empower women. The company aims to develop a sustainable and replicable model that supports women's growth and well-being. Profits generated by ZanaAfrica contribute to an endowment for the ZanaAfrica Foundation, a non-governmental organization focused on social impact. Additionally, American Friends of ZanaAfrica, a U.S.-based public charity, supports the organization's mission by facilitating tax-deductible donations that are allocated solely for charitable activities. Through this dual approach, ZanaAfrica seeks to create lasting change for women in Kenya and beyond.

Sanergy is a waste recycling company based in Nairobi, Kenya, founded in 2010. The company aims to improve sanitation in urban slums by establishing a network of low-cost sanitation centers that provide essential facilities like toilets and showers. Sanergy franchises these centers to local entrepreneurs, supported by financing from microfinance institutions. The company collects organic waste, including food and sanitary waste, and processes it at a central facility. This waste is transformed into valuable byproducts, such as organic fertilizers and insect-based animal feed, while also generating biogas through anaerobic digestion. The biogas is used to produce renewable energy, which is sold to the national grid. By promoting affordable and hygienic sanitation solutions, Sanergy seeks to address the sanitation crisis in Nairobi while fostering a sustainable waste management cycle.

LiveProud is a collection of sportswear brands focused on creating high quality, innovative performance clothing, all from eco-friendly and recycled materials sourced in North America. Our steadfast commitment means energy conservation, CO2 emissions reduction, & diminishing landfill/litter through our production process, everyday. While our work is focused on providing this great apparel, we work to protect the environment and save fragile natural eco-systems and their inhabitants. At LiveProud we stand ready for the challenge, and dream of our goals – continued stewardship of environmental protection, conservation, and an eco-friendly lifestyle. By purveying the finest clothing to those who understand the “green” lifestyle most of all, we’re poised to really make a difference – and hope you’ll join us in making the world a better place.

SolSolutions mission is to simultaneously generate clean electricity and improve the quality of education in underprivileged schools.They adapt the proven, for-profit, solar Power Purchase Agreement model to make SolSolution a high-impact social enterprise. Instead of distributing profit to shareholders, they reinvest it into school budgets. They are planning a Dorchester, MA pilot installation.Their vision is to install 1GW of capacity by 2020 and shift >$800M to educational budgets by 2040.

Clean water is difficult to come by; plastic soda bottles are not. Today, they clutter our planet, but they could become invaluable life savers in the very near future. OsmoPure’s bottle top filtration device screws into used soda bottles filled with dirty water and turns them into simple and effective water filtration systems. These systems are designed to be accessible in an emergency and to operate as easily as squeezing a bottle. Simply put, they give you clean water in a pinch.

Pearl's Premium specializes in creating an ultra low-maintenance lawn seed mixture designed to significantly reduce water usage and maintenance efforts for consumers. The product is all-natural and offers exceptional drought tolerance, allowing users to cut watering needs by at least 75%. With its slow growth rate, the lawn only requires mowing once a month in sunny areas and once every six weeks in shaded regions. Additionally, Pearl's Premium promotes year-round greenness without the need for chemical fertilizers, providing an eco-friendly solution for homeowners seeking to establish a sustainable lawn. The company also offers resources on installation and care to further support environmentally conscious landscaping practices.