Impact Snapshot
August 2024
In this Impact Snapshot, read about EHF Fellows in action creating economic, environmental and social impact, plus recent recognitions and awards they’ve received during August 2024.
Fellows in action 🎬
Nathaniel Calhoun’s Amazon-based startup, Bioverse, has received significant international recognition, being named as a ‘Top Global Innovator in Biodiversity’ for Uplink - World Economic Forum’s Biodiversity Challenge 2024.
Bioverse was one of the 17 winning ecopreneurial solutions, selected from hundreds of global submissions for its innovative approach to biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic development. The startup uses drone and satellite imagery to create detailed Forest Inventories, helping Indigenous People and Local Communities (IPLCs) identify and sustainably harvest Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs).
The approach supports biodiversity, but also creates jobs and revenue streams for communities living in and around threatened forests. Bioverse's AI and machine vision tools also aid in feasibility studies and yield forecasts, enhancing the efficiency and profitability of bioeconomic projects.
This recognition opens up opportunities for Nathaniel and Bioverse to collaborate with the World Economic Forum's UpLink platform and its global ecosystem partners, further accelerating its growth and impact.
Fellows Rich Bodo, Sam Ng, and Alex Veiga have also played a role in supporting Nathaniel and Bioverse's growth and success.
Tim Derrick and Jeff Schlichting, co-founders of Helios Energy Limited, announced that Genesis is acquiring the development rights to their 114 MWac solar project near Edgecumbe, Bay of Plenty.
Jeff notes: “We are pleased to have signed this transaction with Genesis, a leading NZ electricity generator and retailer, that is strategically committed to solar development with the capital, experience, and capabilities to rapidly and responsibly deliver and commission this project.”
Jeff adds that the sale is a positive outcome for Aotearoa NZ, its energy markets and decarbonisation commitments, and supports Helios’s development of additional solar generation projects as they continue to advance a national pipeline of high-quality solar options across the country.
Nathan Doctor, founder of Infinite Capital, has joined the Board of H3X Technologies as part of his lead investment in their USD$20 million Series A funding round. His role will be pivotal in guiding H3X's mission to revolutionise aerospace and marine transportation through electric propulsion.
H3X Technologies, known for its high-performance electric motors, has achieved significant milestones in deeptech innovation. Nathan’s board position will help accelerate the company's growth and advance its ambitious goal of achieving ubiquitous electric flight.
This is a great example of the role EHF Fellows play in steering impactful organisations toward transformative advancements, by leveraging their expertise, resources and networks to drive meaningful change and innovation.
Kia Kotahi Ako, an alliance of EHF Fellows, led by Sarah Grant, working to activate education initiatives that will have the biggest impact for Papatūānuku (mother earth), hosted a transformative workshop in Ūawa, Tolaga Bay, focused on renewable energy and solar technology.
The ‘Skills Builder II: Understand More About Energy and Get Started on Solar Technology’ workshop was a collaborative effort with These Hands GSSE, founded by EHF Fellow Thabiso Mashaba, We Share Solar, and Tolaga Bay Inn Charitable Trust, led by EHF Fellow Lily Stender.
Participants gained hands-on experience with solar technology, including building a solar suitcase and creating a standalone solar system tailored to local needs, creating community resilience by addressing power supply issues and promoting self-sufficiency.
Building on the success of the workshop, Kia Kotahi Ako plans to explore additional training opportunities and expand the programme to other regions. The project has sparked new possibilities for community development and self-sustainability, highlighting the impactful role of EHF Fellows in driving meaningful change and fostering local entrepreneurship.
David Bent, an international strategy adviser and co-founder of Atelier What's Next, delivered a systems change seminar titled ‘Exploring What's Next: Generating a Better Future’, at the Wellington School of Business and Government, Victoria University.
Organised by the Institute of Public Administration New Zealand (IPANZ), the seminar addressed the pressing global challenges of conflict, climate crisis, and technological threats like AI. David provided insights and frameworks for navigating these interconnected crises. His key messages emphasised the urgent need to transform social, political, and economic systems so that people can lead fulfilling lives amidst these challenges.
He noted that while there is no definitive blueprint for this transformation, it will require a learning-by-doing approach and will be complex and political. However, he also highlighted the potential for this journey to be galvanising, meaningful, and generative, drawing on humanity's capacity for adaptation.
David's seminar offered attendees a sense of direction, encouraging them to engage with cutting-edge ideas on socio-economic transformation and how to apply these insights to their own work. The event, which included participation from EHF Fellows, provided an opportunity to explore strategies for creating a better future in challenging times.
Sean McGrail launched his new venture in the US called Home Sweet Homeshare, a home-sharing platform that connects older homeowners living alone with younger adults seeking affordable housing.
This innovative service provides younger tenants with the opportunity to reduce their rent in exchange for providing household help each week, giving them access to affordable housing in high-rent areas. Homeowners benefit from a reliable income, assistance with daily tasks, and companionship.
The venture addresses two critical issues: combating social isolation among older adults and providing affordable housing for younger generations. By generating intergenerational connections and creating mutually beneficial living arrangements, Home Sweet Homeshare is intended to make an impact on both the housing crisis and the wellbeing of seniors, contributing to more connected, supportive communities.
Kaye Maree Dunn, Managing Director and founder of Making Everything Achievable, partnered with the NZ Canadian Embassy to host a delegation of companies specialising in data visualisation, organisational development, and indigenous storytelling and consultancy, creating a platform for meaningful exchange and collaboration.
Kaye Maree organised a ‘matchmaking’ event designed to facilitate connections and collaboration among the businesses, with a focus on fostering indigenous-to-indigenous trade.
The event offered a unique opportunity to explore synergies and share knowledge; a vital step toward building a robust network of indigenous-led businesses, enhancing capacity to thrive in the global market.
Erik Zydervelt, founder and CEO of Mevo, launched Mevo Subscribe, as part of their mission to help build more beautiful and liveable cities by providing a better alternative to car ownership.
The innovative new service offers users flexible, month-to-month access to a diverse range of vehicles, including EVs and low-cost compacts, complementing Mevo’s existing car-sharing options. It also provides an alternative to traditional car ownership, catering to both short-term and long-term transportation needs.
By allowing users to easily switch between full-time vehicle access and car-sharing, Mevo is helping to reduce both the financial and environmental costs of car ownership while supporting a shift towards more sustainable transportation solutions.
Sasha Lockley, founder and CEO of Money Sweetspot, has secured a $5 million debt facility from The Tindall Foundation, significantly advancing her mission to provide ethical debt consolidation solutions for Kiwi families.
This funding, alongside contributions from Soul Capital’s impact fund and BNZ, will expand access to Money Sweetspot's innovative financial reset loans, helping an additional 300-400 families across Aotearoa NZ to manage and overcome unmanageable debt.
Having already provided nearly NZD$13 million in financial reset loans to around 550 families, Sasha and Money Sweetspot continues to drive positive change, enhancing social inclusion and financial resilience throughout the country.
Mohan Nair received the prestigious Medal of Excellence for his contributions to the field of technology management at PICMET 24 (Portland International Centre for Management of Engineering and Technology).
PICMET is a world-renowned conference that gathers over 300 attendees from across the world, including researchers, academics, and industry professionals.
During the conference, Mohan delivered a keynote address on ‘Business Transformation and its Personal Impacts’, where he explored the intersection of market dynamics, momentum, and value in technology management. His presentation emphasised the importance of insight, instinct, and the intangibles in driving transformation, particularly in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Receiving the award and providing the keynote at such a distinguished event reflect Mohan’s impact and leadership in the global technology management community.
*Images have been provided by Fellows or sourced from the Internet. EHF does not claim to own the images.