Revolutionizing Battery Recycling: The Future of Sustainable Energy Management

As the world embraces the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, with 1.3 million EVs sold in 2023 alone—a 40% increase from the previous year—the issue of battery disposal and recycling is becoming increasingly critical. The demand for lithium-ion batteries, essential for EVs and other electronics, has skyrocketed, yet the challenge of managing these batteries at the end of their life remains largely unaddressed.

The Circular Economy and Battery Recycling

The concept of a circular economy, where products are reused, recycled, and remade into new products, is gaining traction as a sustainable solution to the growing battery waste problem. Traditional fossil fuels are consumed and discarded, but batteries, composed of valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, present an opportunity for continuous reuse. This shift from a linear to a circular model could significantly reduce the environmental impact of battery disposal.

Cling Systems: Pioneering Circularity

William Bergh, the Founder and CEO of Cling Systems, is at the forefront of this transformation. Cling Systems aims to revolutionize the battery supply chain through closed-loop recycling, ensuring that used batteries are efficiently reclaimed and repurposed. This approach not only reduces landfill waste but also conserves valuable raw materials, contributing to a more sustainable energy future.

Bergh's vision extends beyond recycling. He advocates for urban mining, a process where waste batteries are harvested for their raw materials, effectively replacing traditional mining. This method capitalizes on the fact that batteries, unlike fossil fuels, are not consumed but stored, making their materials available for repeated use.

Challenges and Innovations in Battery Recycling

Despite its potential, the battery recycling industry faces significant hurdles. One major challenge is the lack of standardization in battery design, which complicates the recycling process. Unlike lead-acid batteries, which are standardized and widely recycled, lithium-ion batteries vary greatly in their composition and design. This variability makes it difficult to develop efficient recycling processes that can handle the diverse range of batteries in use today.

Additionally, the supply of end-of-life batteries is highly fragmented. Batteries reach the end of their life in various locations, often ending up in drawers or being exported to different countries. This dispersed supply chain complicates the logistics of collecting and recycling batteries. Cling Systems addresses this challenge by creating a comprehensive database of battery types and conditions, enabling more efficient tracking and management of used batteries.

The Future of Battery Recycling

Looking ahead, the future of battery recycling hinges on continued innovation and collaboration. The industry must scale up recycling processes, standardize battery designs, and develop more efficient logistics systems. As urban mining becomes more prevalent, the reliance on traditional mining for battery materials could diminish, leading to a more sustainable and self-sufficient supply chain.

Bergh envisions a world where the environmental and commercial value of batteries is maximized through seamless recycling

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The Power of PR: Navigating Today’s Media Landscape with Sneha Saigal

In our hyper-connected world, the stakes for corporate reputation are incredibly high. Remember Cristiano Ronaldo's simple gesture that caused a $5 billion drop in Coca-Cola's market value? Or the backlash against Pepsi's Kendall Jenner ad? These moments remind us how quickly public sentiment can shift.

Today on the "Things Have Changed Podcast," we welcome Sneha Saigal, founder and CEO of Geeks&Experts, who has pioneered PR solutions that empower startups to turn crisis into opportunity. Her innovative approach helps startups navigate these volatile waters by providing scalable PR expertise, crucial for maintaining a positive public image.

Join us as Sneha shares her invaluable insights into the vital role of PR in shaping public perception and brand integrity. We'll explore how effective PR strategies can help startups not just manage crises but also build enduring relationships and a robust corporate identity. Stay tuned as Sneha reveals the transformative potential of PR in the digital age and how it can make or break a company's reputation overnight.

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Bringing Coding to the Masses with AI.

Can programming become accessible to all? This week on Things Have Changed podcast we have Filip C. Kozera (CEO) and Robert Chandler (CTO) from Wordware AI, a startup that's simplifying app creation and making it more user-friendly for both experienced programmers and complete beginners!

AI is the hottest topic in tech right now, and for good reason. Filip and Robert break down how they see the software landscape changing – moving away from traditional coding toward simply using plain English instructions with advanced technology.

Imagine you have the next million-dollar app idea – and you're going to build it yourself! But instead of writing complex code, you're simply using...English. That's the vision driving the Wordware team, who are developing these impressive capabilities in a seamless, easy-to-use interface.

Today's episode dives into topics like the rise of "prompt engineering" as a vital new skill, the wide-ranging impacts of easily accessible AI development, and a future where creativity and clear communication are more valued than traditional programming languages. Don't miss this fascinating look into making software development more intuitive and user-friendly!

00:00 The Dawn of AI in Software Development

00:46 The Evolution of Programming: From Code to English

01:50 The Impact of AI on the Software Industry

05:02 Exploring the Future of AI and Software with WordWare

05:18 The Challenges and Innovations in AI Development

07:48 WordWare: Revolutionizing Programming with AI

09:33 The Expanding Role of AI in Various Industries

10:02 The Future of Work: AI Engineers and Domain Experts

12:31 Unlocking Creativity and Efficiency with AI

18:49 WordWare: A New Paradigm for AI Development

25:05 Empowering the Next Generation of Developers and Creatives

30:09 WordWare's Vision: Making AI Accessible to All

36:26 Closing Thoughts and Opportunities with WordWare

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When ChatGPT was launched in December 2022, few could have predicted the rapid transformation the world would undergo in the following months. It emerged as the fastest-growing consumer technology in history, catching many by surprise.

In the year since its launch, ChatGPT has revolutionized nearly every aspect of the tech industry. It enables computers to create articles, finish homework assignments, and generate art, fundamentally altering our understanding of work, creativity, and the very notion of 'search'

As companies explore advanced AI, they often struggle with managing the necessary infrastructure, including the specialized chips that power these technologies, which can slow their progress. Brev, led by Nader Khalil offers a strategic solution that simplifies the complex landscape for companies striving to leverage AI.

Brev’s platform is designed to allow companies to focus on leveraging AI for innovation without the overhead of managing hardware, ensuring they can harness these powerful technologies efficiently.

In the midst of this GPU capacity shortage, the need for more efficient resource management is highlighted. The lack of GPUs or the GPU availabilities out there in the world is not only affecting the largest customers in the world, but also startups and midsize companies that really need access to it.

Today, on Things Have Changed Podcast, we're diving deep with Nader Khalil, Co-Founder and CEO of Brev into how they support the generative AI boom, ensuring that businesses can innovate freely with AI, reducing the trouble of managing high demand GPUs like A100, H100 and others.

Here are some helpful links:

• Nama Ventures Investment
• Infrastructure as a Service (IAAS) Article on BrevDev
• Generative AI Statistics

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Tech companies today are building bigger and bigger campuses. Think about Google's sprawling complex in Mountain View, Facebook's expansive headquarters in Menlo Park, and Amazon's new HQ2 in Arlington, VA. These are not just workplaces; they are mini-cities, pulsating with thousands of employees every day. Just trying to get around campus becomes a rather daunting task and that’s a problem that Jeral Poskey, founder of Swyft Cities, thinks about a lot:

Swyft Cities was founded in 2019 by some Google Alums, behind the real estate and transportation programs for Google Campuses! The problem they were trying to solve? How do you move massive amounts of people in an increasingly growing campus?

Jeral envisions a future where getting around tech campuses and cityscapes is as seamless as hopping on a ski lift, but with the urban flair of downtown gondola rides.

Swift Cities isn't just about easing commutes; it's about transforming how we interact with our urban environments, making them more accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable. As Jeral puts it, it's about creating a 'Goldilocks density' of urban living, where communities thrive without the clutter and pollution of cars.

Helpful links:

• Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-35-why-swim-when-you-can-fly/id1687567073?i=1000645351345
• TechCrunch Win & Pitch
• https://www.holmessolutions.com/whoosh/
• https://www.businessinsider.com/america-parking-lot-spaces-addiction-economy-housing-costs-inflation-2023-4

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Picture this: You're kicking back, watching one of those jaw-dropping SpaceX rockets launch into the cosmos, carrying astronauts or top-secret cargo to the space station. Yeah, that's the same SpaceX we're talking about today on Things Have Changed. They've been lighting up the skies and our feeds with a whopping 96 launches last year alone. Impressive, right?

But here's the kicker: even with all that rocket-fueled spectacle, we're left wondering, does all this bankroll Elon Musk's dream of an inter-planetary human?

Enter the game-changer: Starlink. Imagine thousands of tiny satellites zooming above us, bringing high-speed internet across the globe. In just a blink (A few years), Starlink's morphed into a giant slice of SpaceX's revenue, raking in nearly 40%.

And let's face it, in a world where the internet's as essential as the air we breathe, Starlink's looking to shake things up big time. So join us on Things Have Changed Podcast as we dive deep into the Starlink saga. It's more than just a tech tale; it's about connecting corners of the Earth that have been left in the digital shadows.

Here are some helpful links:

• How Much Money Will Starlink Make?
• How Elon Musk’s Starlink Is Bringing In Billions For SpaceX
• More than 14M households across the US don’t have internet
• Design Flaw - 100 Satellites
• Starlink Satellites
• Starlinks Rapid Growth
• Broadband Gaps Dirty Secret - redlining in Digital Form
• Starlink Subsidy Denial
• Military Importance

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We've all been there: mid-conversation or deep into a work session, only for our digital lifeline to suddenly drop, leaving us stranded in a sea of silence. It's these moments of unexpected disconnection that highlight a pervasive gap in our modern, connected lives.

Well, Today on Things Have Changed Podcast, we're joined by Damien Garot, CEO, and Hassan Aouisse, CTO of Stellar, a deep tech startup on a mission to perfect internet while on the move.

Through their innovative blend of cellular, Wi-Fi, and satellite technologies, they're tackling the universal challenge of reliable connectivity, promising a future where digital accessibility knows no bounds.

Join us as we delve into the journey of Stellar, uncovering the inspirations, challenges, and breakthroughs that mark their path towards a seamlessly connected world. This episode is more than just a peek into the future of technology; it's a conversation about how bridging the digital divide can reshape our daily lives, making every moment of connection count.

So stay curious, and let's explore together how Stellar is lighting up the dark spots on our digital maps, ensuring that no call, no message, and no byte of data is ever lost in transit again.

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Ever wondered how startups grow by buying other companies?

Today on Things Have Changed, we're delighted to host returning guest, Dylan Terrill, Chief Business Officer of Asaak, as he discusses his company's remarkable expansion, now spanning two continents.

Asaak, founded in 2016, is a fintech company offering loans for motorcycles and smartphones to people who couldn't get traditional bank loans. This approach not only addressed a critical financial gap but also spurred economic empowerment in Uganda.

Now they've set their sights on to Mexico, through a strategic acquisition of FlexClub Mexico. With over 300,000 active Uber drivers and a smartphone penetration of 93%, yet with less than half the adult population banked, Mexico presents a fertile ground for Asaak's mission-driven approach.

This move raises several questions: How will Asaak's experience in Uganda's unique market translate to Mexico's diverse economy? With Mexico's significant unbanked population, what new opportunities and challenges will Asaak encounter?

Join us on Things Have Changed for a deep dive into Asaak's groundbreaking journey and the visionary leadership steering it into new frontiers.

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