Background & Challenge:
The cement industry, responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions and valued at approximately $400 billion worldwide, poses a significant environmental challenge due to its carbon-intensive processes. Traditional Portland cement production releases substantial amounts of CO2, contributing to climate change and environmental degradation. Despite growing awareness and regulatory pressure to reduce emissions, finding alternatives that balance sustainability with performance and affordability remains a pressing challenge for the industry.

Solution:
CemVision’s innovative technology enables the production of fossil-free cement with a CO2 reduction of over 95%. By utilizing raw materials recycled from industrial waste and employing kilns powered by green electricity at lower temperatures, CemVision achieves a substantial reduction in emissions while maintaining durability and performance. In addition, Cemvision’s cement builds early strength up to 5 times faster than Portland, allowing for increased productivity.

Impact thesis:
CemVision’s products have the potential to revolutionize the cement industry by providing a sustainable alternative to traditional Portland cement. By significantly reducing CO2 emissions in cement production while maintaining durability and performance, CemVision aims to mitigate the environmental impact of construction materials. This shift towards fossil-free cement not only aligns with global efforts to combat climate change but also presents an opportunity to drive the transition towards net-zero emissions in the construction sector.

Background & Challenge:
In China, it is easy for hardware startups to get their first batch of products made. They can simply buy it over counter and have their products ready within a day or two. However, considering trends like deglobalisation, an increased emphasis on local manufacturing and self-sufficiency, Sweden needs to ensure it can provide similar opportunities.

However, in Sweden hard-ware startups lack access to facilities and support for low-volume manufacturing and assembly, which is a big challenge in their industrialization journey. There is a need for a physical space where startups can prepare and develop prototypes and processes for industrialization, as well as test small-scale production before scaling up.

Solution:
Establish a physical space, “Produktionsacceleratorn”, at Södertälje Science Park to provide startups with the necessary facilities and equipment for small-scale
manufacturing and assembly. “Produktionsacceleratorn” will complement the existing program “Produktionsänglar” that Södertälje Science Park run, by offering startups the opportunity to learn through experimentation and test their production processes before scaling up.

Impact thesis:
The Polar Structure Initiative Foundation, together with Region Stockholm, is funding the project to enable the establishment of “Produktionsacceleratorn”. By providing financial support, PSIF contributes to addressing the challenges faced by hard-ware startups in accessing facilities and support for industrialization. The project aims to bridge the gap between startups and manufacturers, facilitating the transition from prototyping to production and fostering innovation and economic growth in the region.

Background & Challenges:
The transformation of Sweden’s energy system since its deregulation in 1996 has shifted control to the EU and the European deregulated electricity market. This transition, coupled with a historic expansion of wind power and ongoing electrification across industries, presents challenges. The nation faces significant differences in energy pricing and infrastructure. Amidst the intense debates surrounding the current energy crisis, it has become evident that there is a lack of ownership of the capacity challenge in the energy sector, as well as fragmented ownership with regards to the future of the Swedish energy sector. Recognizing this, PSIF initiated a dialogue with Linköping University (LiU), resulting in an application for funding from PSIF for the research project “Vision 2050 – a Swedish resilient sustainable energy system.”

Solution:
The research project is based on the premise that the ongoing energy transition radically affects the design of future electricity systems and the need for Sweden as a country to rally its efforts. As no single actor holds the entire solution, it is important to convene stakeholders for dialogues with the vision of obtaining a more comprehensive picture of the electricity system of the future by 2050. Stakeholder collaboration involves representatives from various disciplines, including the private, public and academic sector. The project utilizes resilience theory to analyze the dynamic nature of the energy transition.

Impact thesis:
The PSIF’s funding of the research project at Linköping University aims to address the fragmented ownership of the energy question and foster a more comprehensive understanding of Sweden’s energy system dynamics. By facilitating stakeholder dialogues and interdisciplinary collaboration, the project endeavors to contribute significantly to shaping a resilient and sustainable energy system for Sweden by 2050.

Background & Challenge:
Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are promising for stationary storage of renewable energy, offering scalability and durability. However, current RFB technology faces challenges in cost-effectiveness and resource availability. Vanadium-based RFBs, though effective, are expensive due to the scarcity of vanadium and temperature sensitivity, limiting their deployment in varying climates.

Solution:
To address these challenges, research at KTH focuses on advancing RFB technology with manganese electrolytes, aiming to create cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to vanadium-based systems. Collaborating with Imperial College London and RFC Power, the project explores the H2/Mn concept, utilizing manganese’s abundance and low toxicity as an electrolyte. This approach significantly reduces costs and enhances scalability, making RFBs more economically viable and environmentally sustainable.

Impact thesis:
Funding from the PSIF contributes to the development of RFB technology with manganese electrolytes, driving innovation in energy storage. By addressing cost and resource challenges, the research project aims to accelerate the adoption of RFBs in renewable energy systems, contributing to a more sustainable energy future.

Read more about the final results of the research;
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1149/1945-7111/ad6cff/meta />

Background & Challenges:
The weather in tropical regions are often unpreditictable, which significantly impacts agricultural activities. Without reliable forecasts, farmers face heightened risks and potential losses, undermining their livelihoods and food security.

Solution:
Ignitia specializes in providing hyper-local, highly accurate weather forecasts tailored for farmers in tropical climates. These forecasts are delivered daily via SMS directly to subscribers’ phones, offering a 48-hour prediction window.

Impact thesis:
By leveraging Ignitia’s forecasts, farmers gain increased predictability, allowing them to make informed decisions, minimize risks, and optimize their agricultural practices. This empowerment leads to proactive strategies that mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions, potentially resulting in substantial boosts in agricultural productivity. With farmers able to expect up to 80% higher yields on their crops, Ignitia’s impact on livelihoods and food production could be significant, ultimately contributing to improved food security in the regions served by Ignitia.