AI + Climate Innovation Lab with Cisco, Azolla Ventures, & IDEO.org
This event will gather an intimate group of participants to co-explore and surface tangible opportunities, identify barriers, and strengthen collaboration at the AI-Climate nexus. The interactive, solutions-focused lab brings together active climate investors, AI startups, and sustainability leaders on curated, sector-specific tables to collaboratively uncover AI’s role in accelerating climate innovation. Rather than a passive discussion, this session is structured around dynamic, facilitated roundtables where participants will engage deeply on emerging AI climate applications, investment trends, and critical gaps in specific climate frontiers including clean energy, carbon dioxide removal, regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, and climate-smart infrastructure.
AI is rapidly reshaping climate tech, unlocking new frontiers in energy, carbon management, agriculture, biodiversity, and infrastructure. Yet, AI’s continued success depends on how we address its growing energy footprint and sustainability challenges. The explosive rise of AI is putting unprecedented pressure on data centers, with energy demand projected to surge 160% by 2030 compared to 2023 (Goldman Sachs) and greenhouse gas emissions forecasted to reach 2.5 billion metric tonnes CO2e (Morgan Stanley). As AI adoption accelerates, the climate tech ecosystem must innovate to unlock the potential of AI and sustainability — optimizing energy efficiency, leveraging grid modernization, and integrating low-carbon computing solutions.
The event will be structured around an opening panel followed by an interactive workshop with focused networking and conversation opportunities and a reception. The panel will be moderated by Kelsi Doran, Global Head of Sustainability Strategy at Cisco and will feature:
Joost den Haan, CEO & Co-Founder of PlanBlue, is pioneering underwater satellite technology to map the seafloor, aiding in ocean conservation efforts(planblue.com).
Dr. Chelsey Walden-Schreiner, VP of Applied Science at Vibrant Planet, integrates natural resource management with geospatial data science to support inclusive decision-making in land and forest conservation (vibrantplanet.net).
Carl Hoiland, CEO & Co-Founder of Zanskar, utilizes AI-driven exploration to unlock geothermal energy potential, contributing to sustainable energy solutions (zanskar.com).
As part of the event, participants will be able to discuss the following topics around breakout table discussions:
Regenerative Agriculture and Land Management
Biodiversity Monitoring and Conservation
Climate Adaptation & Resilience
Carbon Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV)
Climate Finance
Materials & Minerals
Digital Infrastructure for the Energy Transition
Energy-Efficient Computing for Sustainable AI
Design & Construction of Low-Carbon Data Centers
Cisco is helping to build a more sustainable AI digital infrastructure and is actively deploying climate capital to harness the power of AI for the climate transition. Through the Cisco Foundation Regenerative Future Fund and Cisco Investments, Cisco is backing AI-driven innovations across energy, carbon, nature, and biodiversity to accelerate climate resilience, decarbonization, and circularity. Additionally, Cisco collaborates with leading venture capital funds across energy, nature, carbon, and biodiversity, supporting early-stage and growth companies that are defining the future of AI-powered sustainability.
Azolla Ventures is an early-stage investor in climate breakthroughs that could avert catastrophic climate change. At Azolla Ventures, we prioritize impact first: every investment holds the potential for large-scale greenhouse gas reductions and a more just climate for all. The team seeks out bold entrepreneurs from all corners and embraces opportunities outside of venture norms. Azolla Ventures manages the $239MM Azolla Fund I and the $50MM Prime Impact Fund.
IDEO.org is a nonprofit design studio on a mission to design a more just and inclusive world. We partner with nonprofit organizations, foundations, governments, companies, and communities to design programs, products, and services focused on improving health, economic mobility, and wellbeing.
By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of SF Climate Week.