Rooted in Change

Supercapacitors aren’t as well-known as batteries, but they play an important role in the energy storage landscape. Unlike batteries, they can charge and discharge almost instantly, making them ideal for applications that require short, powerful bursts of energy. In this episode, I chat with Lars Stegmann, CEO at CAP-XX, the company behind the world’s thinnest supercapacitors. We explore how the technology works, why it matters for the energy transition and how CAP-XX powers a green transition.

What if we could build without cement? In this episode, one of the world’s most used, yet climate-damaging materials makes an appearance: cement. Gnanli Landrou, co-founder of Oxara, explains how the ETH Zurich spin-off turns demolition waste and clay into clean, circular building materials. With cement-free binders that cut emissions and reduce construction waste, Oxara opens the door to affordable, low-carbon housing. Tune in to hear how the team is building a future that’s cleaner and smarter - without cement.

Enhanced weathering uses finely ground minerals spread on farmland to speed up a natural process: rocks reacting with CO2 to form stable carbon compounds. This process not only captures and stores C02 for thousands of years but also improves soil health and crop yields. Hannes, COO and co-founder at ZeroEx, explains how the company closes the loop in the enhanced weathering space. To issue the right carbon credits, the company models the expected CO2 sequestration potential based on data collected, implements the projects and has each certificate verified. ZeroEx is at an exciting moment in the scale-up journey. Tune in...

What if materials could (almost) magically repair themselves? When I witnessed it firsthand, I thought it was magic - it's "just" science in action. We cover how CompPair is revolutionizing composites with their self-healing technology. CEO Amaël shares how their materials extend the lifetime of composite parts, reduce waste, and unlock new economic opportunities. From aerospace to sporting goods, CompPair’s approach sets the stage for a smarter, more sustainable future in materials science.