Connexus is a workforce development venture launched after ten months of stakeholder engagement with nonprofits, clean energy companies, and community organizations in rural NC. Our mission is twofold: (1) address the growing shortage of skilled tradespeople in the renewable energy sector, and (2) create pathways to high-quality employment for youth in underserved rural communities.

Targeting the 2026 projected $4 billion cement repair market, EFcem’s plant-derived biocement can be made with 90% fewer emissions than traditional cement. The product also has self-healing potential, making it resilient to cracking and erosion, further enhancing its sustainability.

Seagrass ecosystems are vital for coastal resilience; they prevent erosion, reduce wave energy, sequester carbon, nurture aquatic ecosystems, and bolster fish stock. Yet seagrass beds are rapidly declining, with some places losing up to 1.5% a year, and the key to their prolonged restoration lies in the hands of local communities.

The Design Climate Seagrain Farms team took a comprehensive, innovative approach to studying seagrass restoration. This included techno-economic analysis, investigating technological monitoring, and community outreach solutions before building a business plan to support the Duke Marine Lab seagrass restoration efforts.