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A circular platform finds new lives for used equipment
CategoriesSustainable News

A circular platform finds new lives for used equipment

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: In France, a recently enacted law prohibits companies from destroying their unsold non-food goods without first trying to resell, donate, or recycle them. To promote the circular economy and help companies meet this requirement, startup CircularPlace has created a platform that optimises the collection and management of unsold goods, second-hand equipment, and returns. The digital marketplace matches businesses and charities with available products that are either unsold inventory, returns, or used, non-food items.

Items are first offered for sale, then for donation. The marketplace is free to use, and CircularPlace takes a 10 per cent commission on every sale. Products listed for sale are auctioned, and after the seller confirms the condition of the items, the buyer receives a tax receipt and certificate of sale. Items available for donation go through a similar process.

After being listed for both sale and donation, CircularPlace provides owners of items unable to find a new home with a network of verified recyclers. And as a last resort if products are unable to be recycled, CircularPlace issues a certification that allows the owner to discard the products without falling foul of waste regulations.

For organisations large enough to utilise an internal marketplace, CircularPlace provides a white-label platform to rent, share, and exchange products. Gamification features help make it fun for employees to track team footprints, and for all users of the marketplace, CircularPlace provides reports on the volume of emissions prevented by every transaction.

Industries notorious for the volume of their waste are beginning to explore circularity, with innovations in Springwise’s library showcasing options for reusing electronics and deadstock material.

Written By: Keely Khoury

Reference

An easy-to-use platform for creating digital workers  
CategoriesSustainable News

An easy-to-use platform for creating digital workers  

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: Today, human employees spend hundreds of hours doing repetitive and mindless intellectual tasks such as data entry, client prospecting, and form-filling. Automation is the natural solution to this problem, but, traditionally, automation tools have been built by individual organisations to perform individual tasks, which creates bottlenecks for their deployment at scale. 

To tackle this, startup 11xAI has created Platform X, a user-friendly, no-code platform accessible to individuals from various professions. This technology allows for the creation and deployment of ‘digital workers’ that can streamline workflows, whether for tasks that are highly specific to an individual or organisation, or broad general purposes. 

Platform X is particularly beneficial for small businesses, which haven’t traditionally had access to automation at the scale that can be achieved by their larger peers. Without this access, small businesses risk being left behind as the economy is increasingly filled with automated agents. The ability to easily create digital workers is therefore especially important for this segment of the market.  

To demonstrate the power of its platform, 11xAI has developed Alice, a ‘digital’ sales representative that automates outbound sales efficiently and at a lower cost than humans. The company reports that Alice has so far sent over 10,000 emails, saving early adopting sales teams thousands of days of work. Its research also indicates that emails sent by Alice have three times higher response rates than those sent by humans. 

Although outbound sales were chosen to demonstrate the power of Platform X, the possible uses of the technology are extremely broad. And this potential has convinced investors, with the startup receiving $2 million (around €1.8 million) in pre-seed funding in August of this year.

Springwise has spotted other ways technology is transforming the workforce, including by predicting future skills gaps and supporting employee wellbeing online.

Written By: Matthew Hempstead

Reference

electric staircase and expandable platform modify meditation duplex in hong kong
CategoriesArchitecture

electric staircase and expandable platform modify meditation duplex in hong kong

By Zarkon Group,

Sim-Plex composes adaptable Meditation Duplex living space

 

The Meditation Duplex by Sim-Plex explores the integration of meditation spaces within compact urban living in Hong Kong. Addressing the desire for tranquility amidst hectic urban life, the project utilizes a transformable electric staircase and a detachable, expandable platform to create a flexible living and meditation space. The design accommodates various scenarios, allowing for a seamless transition between living and meditation modes. The concept particularly focuses on optimizing space and circulation in micro-unit living, often prevalent in densely populated areas. The clients, a young couple with specific lifestyle needs, influenced the project’s direction. Notably, the utilization of high ceilings for creating spacious areas and maintaining privacy became a central design consideration.

foldable electric staircase and expandable platform modify meditation duplex in hong kong
all images courtesy of Patrick Lam

 

 

Green Plants and Eco-Friendly Materials optimize living setting

 

The duplex incorporates smart technology for remote home management, enhancing energy conservation. The inclusion of green planting, environmentally friendly materials, and natural ventilation adds a touch of nature to the living environment. The detachable and expandable platform, made from E0 grade fine-grained plywood, ensures sustainability and facilitates easy relocation without waste. The design prioritizes high-capacity storage and diverse functionalities to prevent clutter in the open layout. Sim-Plex Studio also integrates sensory control and comprehensive voice control into the smart home features, providing a holistic approach to technology.

foldable electric staircase and expandable platform modify meditation duplex in hong kong
transformable space achieves a balance between urban life and tranquil atmosphere

foldable electric staircase and expandable platform modify meditation duplex in hong kong
the project addresses the limitations of micro-units in Hong Kong

foldable electric staircase and expandable platform modify meditation duplex in hong kong
flexible design utilizes smart technology for a versatile living experience

foldable electric staircase and expandable platform modify meditation duplex in hong kong
the design integrates meditation zones for contemplation in compact living spaces

foldable electric staircase and expandable platform modify meditation duplex in hong kong
floating resting area accommodates private spaces within a limited footprint

Reference

A subscription platform for high-end electronics
CategoriesSustainable News

A subscription platform for high-end electronics

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: The global subscription e-commerce market size is growing at a rate of more than 64 per cent each year, with analysts predicting a value of more than $904 billion by 2026 (around €850 billion). With consumers able to access many products so quickly and directly, adding circularity to the process could help reduce substantial volumes of waste and pollution. With many people keen on updating their devices as regularly as possible, e-waste is a mountainous problem affecting almost every region of the world. 

Australian and Singaporean-based Circular is a subscription service designed to completely change how people consume technology. The company offers the latest devices at affordable monthly prices, and when someone wants to upgrade, the phone, laptop, or other device doesn’t just languish in a desk drawer. Instead, Circular refurbishes the device and offers it for lease to someone wanting a newer device that isn’t necessarily the latest model. When a device reaches the end of its useful lifecycle, Circular recycles it via sustainable, traceable processes.  

Customers choose the length of their subscription and after being approved by Circular, receive their chosen device. Subscriptions are available for individuals and businesses, and Circular covers 90 per cent of all damage repair costs. After paying an initial launch fee for the chosen subscription length, customers pay a monthly cost that ranges from around A$44 to A$180 (from around €27 to €109), depending on the type and power of device chosen.  

Despite the ubiquity of subscription services, innovators continue to find new ways to update the idea for new products and processes. In Springwise’s database, examples include a subscribe and recycle model for kids’ bikes and toys and a subscription app that provides access to electric vehicle charging availability.

Written By: Keely Khoury

Reference

A fashion re-commerce platform tackles textile waste in Africa
CategoriesSustainable News

A fashion re-commerce platform tackles textile waste in Africa

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: Reports that consumers buy around 60 per cent more clothing than they did at the beginning of the century help to explain the vast amounts of textile waste generated around the world. Much of that waste ends up in the global south, compounding the problems those countries have with their own production excesses. While researchers expect the global textile recycling market to grow significantly in the next few years, to just under $10 billion (around €9.6 billion) by 2030, more still needs to be done to extend the life of clothing. 

In South Africa, startup Faro has partnered with a number of different fashion brands to create a new supply chain. Rather than dilute current markets with unsold goods, the company redirects overstock and returns to markets throughout the African continent. Pieces are sold for up to 70 per cent less than the original retail price. 

Faro helps reduce textile waste by preventing goods from being sent to landfill while also reducing the reliance that many communities in developing economies have on fast fashion. With much of fast fashion made from virgin fibres and synthetic materials, the re-commerce model brings products from reputable brands to communities that would otherwise buy knockoffs.  

Faro manages the entire process, beginning with buying from international fashion brands. The clothing is then sorted and, if needed, reconditioned, before being distributed to micro-merchants for direct-to-consumer sales. Such retailers are able to reach customers who are farther away from urban hubs and who generally have less disposable income. In addition to reselling clothing, Faro pledges to save an equivalent amount of textile waste from landfill through repurposing and upcycling by local artists.  

The company recently secured pre-seed funding and plans to open its first retail outlet in October 2023. Up to 20 stores are already being planned for, with at least five to open by mid-2024.  

Other solutions showcased in Springwise’s archive of ways in which innovators are reducing textile waste include an easy-to-remove yarn for fast disassembly and artificial intelligence (AI) size recommendations to help reduce returns.

Written By: Keely Khoury

Reference

Detecting cancer cells with an AI-powered web platform
CategoriesSustainable News

Detecting cancer cells with an AI-powered web platform

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: Urbanisation may prove highly beneficial for increasing employment and educational opportunities, but scientists are increasingly noting the negative impact of urban environments on our health, including rising instances of cancers. And according to researchers, the burden of cancer is set to rise faster in developing countries in the coming years, including in Nigeria. 

At the same time, the country’s health system is woefully understaffed, with a ratio of less than 100 clinical oncologists for every 100,000 cancer patients. A team of data scientists and healthcare students saw an opportunity for artificial intelligence (AI) to help reduce that gap. Working together, they built TensorScan, a web-based tool for real-time detection of malignant cells in histology micrographs.  

With the power of AI at hand to help review cancer scans, oncologists can order more tests for more patients, thereby contributing to a reduction in waiting and diagnosis times. As patients begin to move through the healthcare system more quickly, the potential for earlier identification of malignant cells grows, further increasing the rate of positive care outcomes.  

TensorScan also provides additional services for scientists and patients. The developers built a native token called $CARE with blockchain technology to ensure the security of research data and the privacy of patients. Doctors upload scan results and receive payment in $CARE tokens. Researchers use the tokens to buy data, and patients are able to connect with others in support groups and receive payments for their time. The payments to patients can be particularly helpful in countries with less developed or accessible national health systems. 

The team envisions up to 70 breast cancer screening centres spread throughout Nigeria. After participating in the FuelAfrica 2.0 hackathon held in early 2023 and earning second runner-up, the team plans to continue developing the strength of the algorithm and rolling out the technology as quickly as possible.  

AI’s ability to handle volumes of data and tasks far greater than a human’s capacity makes the technology of particular interest to many nations struggling to provide equitable, high-quality healthcare to their populations. Springwise’s archive contains additional examples of AI improving healthcare by prioritising patient cases according to the probability of illness and examining scans for areas of secondary concern.

Written By: Keely Khoury

Reference

A platform for LGBTQ+-friendly travel
CategoriesSustainable News

A platform for LGBTQ+-friendly travel

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: For most people, picking a place to holiday is pretty easy – but what if you also had to consider that your freedom or even life could be at risk?  

There are 67 jurisdictions still criminalising private and consensual same-sex sexual activity, while 14 countries criminalise the gender identity and/or expression of transgender people. In response, French company Misterb&b has developed a travel platform that provides a level of safety and confidence for LGBTQ+ travellers. 

The platform collates vetted LGBTQ+-friendly hotels and hosts, while the chat function allows members to connect with each other in a real community. When users book through Misterb&b, they also receive vouchers, credits, and cashback. 

Beyond a travel database, Misterb&b is also committed to helping vulnerable LGBTQ+ individuals with its Mister for Good scheme, wherein the company partners with local non-profits to provide free emergency housing from within its community to help LGBTQ+ people in need. It also donates some of its profits to positive impact projects. 

The platform currently boasts a 1 million strong community. And, in January 2023, the startup was selected by Expedia’s new One World Accelerator programme, which will help it to expand its services further.

Many LGBTQ+ individuals around the world still face prejudice and discrimination, but luckily innovators are working to strengthen social equality. In the archive, Springwise has also spotted a platform that connects social activists and a credit card for the LGBTQIA+ community in Europe.

Written By: Amanda Simms

Reference

A TikTok-style platform for gamified workplace learning
CategoriesSustainable News

A TikTok-style platform for gamified workplace learning

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: Employee training is essential, not only for ensuring that companies have the right skills to thrive, but also for keeping employees satisfied and engaged. In fact, according to Deloitte, organisations with a strong learning culture have 30-50 per cent higher engagement and retention rates. 

But corporate training courses are too often delivered in a dry manner, which limits their effectiveness. Now, startup 5Mins claims to have found a way to boost course completion rates from 5-20 per cent, which it claims are typical today, to 85 per cent. Its secret: video micro-lessons delivered in bite-sized increments.  

The platform, which bills itself as ‘the TikTok of workplace learning,’ uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create personalised daily learning recommendations for each employee. These match employees to the skills their roles demand based on their specific needs and interactions. The platform then delivers lessons from its library of more than 15,000 options. These are delivered through a scrollable social-media-style feed.

Video source 5Mins

In addition to its focus on personalisation and wide selection of content, the platform offers a variety of gamification options aimed at making learning fun and keeping employees engaged. There are also options to purchase long-form courses from favourite instructors. And subtitles in more than 20 languages ensure that training is accessible across an organisation’s different operations.  

Techniques rooted in scientific research, such as spaced repetition, chunking, and active recall, are key to the stickiness of the company’s content and integrations with calendar notifications and email nudges help employees develop a learning habit.

Springwise has spotted other innovative training platforms in the archive, including one for budding venture capitalists and another that uses holograms to train doctors.

Written By: Lisa Magloff

Reference

A platform overcoming the ESG data gap in real estate
CategoriesSustainable News

A platform overcoming the ESG data gap in real estate

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: Real estate is responsible for around 40 per cent of total global emissions, with around 28 per cent of that total generated by existing buildings. But the question of how to ensure that any modernisation is sustainable and meets environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements is not an easy one to answer. This is what startup Predium aims to tackle, with its ESG software platform for the real estate industry.

The Munich-based company has developed a platform that provides building owners and managers with a comprehensive overview of the ESG status of the property. The platform collects information on energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and other building information from a wide variety of sources. Then, the system performs a precise profitability check of various modernisation measures.

The platform is designed to allow users to prioritise the measures that best meet ESG benchmarks and cost savings, while allowing them to track implementation. Predium also supports reporting of any measure taken, and their effects, to investors, boards, and regulators.

Founded in 2021, Predium raised €1.6 million last year in a seed funding round, and has been growing fast since. 

Improving the efficiency of the built environment is crucial to reaching net zero. Luckily, there are no shortage of ideas on how to achieve this. Take a look at our archive for some that Springwise has spotted, including environmentally friendly concrete and wood-based, fossil fuel-free insulation.

Written By: Lisa Magloff

Reference

A platform helps producers track and collect post-consumer products
CategoriesSustainable News

A platform helps producers track and collect post-consumer products

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: According to the World Bank, each year 4.9 million tons of plastic waste in Indonesia is goes uncollected, is left in open dumpsites, or is leaked from inadequately managed landfills. This ‘wasted waste’ blights neighbourhoods, damages wildlife, and leaches chemicals into the water. To find a solution, Jakarta-based startup Octopus has developed a circular economy platform to collect and dispose of waste. 

Octopus offers two main kinds of service. In one, consumers download an app and book a time slot for waste pickers – called pelestari – to collect their trash. The rubbish is then sold on to recycling businesses.  

The role of waste picker already exists in Indonesia. However, by taking waste directly from consumers instead of sifting through landfills, the pelestari can work in a safer way and earn higher prices. And, because the app formalises their labour, the pickers can build a verifiable employment history, making it easier to open bank accounts and gain access to credit. Octopus also provides a training programme through its app.  

The other part of Octopus’ business model is to provide data on waste collection and recycling to fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands that help them meet their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets. Octopus also runs a deposit refund system for larger producers and brands. The startup already has more than 150,000 users and raised $5 million (around €4.7 million) last year, in a funding round led by Openspace and SOSV. 

Plastic waste is a huge concern, so it is no surprise that Springwise has spotted a lot of energy being put towards developing innovative solutions. These range from recycling tyres into green roof panels to using fungi to break down hard-to-recycle plastics.

Written By: Lisa Magloff

Reference