May 2024
In this edition, we want to express gratitude to those who joined us for our Dine Around event during the Mission Investors Exchange Conference. Thanks to the generous support of the Annenberg Foundation, we were honored to host top leaders in impact investing and philanthropy for a night of discussion on how philanthropy can shape a new economy and drive market solutions to address some of our most pressing global challenges.
As a valuable member of our ecosystem, we look forward to sharing the many opportunities ahead with you. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our Road to ECO – Nature Preservation & Repair Mixer on July 23 — and keep reading to explore the latest advancements, initiatives, and groundbreaking ideas, driving progress and redefining what it means to build a sustainable planet.
— Latest News —
Larta Institute Welcomes 2024 Venture Fellows Cohort
In its second year, accelerator supports innovators in Los Angeles and Miami who are developing solutions to combat the impacts of climate change in communities that are most at risk.
Read the Press Release
Meet the Cohort
Larta Institute Announces 2024 Heal.LA Bioscience and Healthcare Accelerator Cohort
Accelerator welcomes 30 companies working to improve the health and wellness of underserved, urban communities in Los Angeles County.
Read the Press Release
Meet the Cohort
— Events & Opportunities —
Meet Our Team at These Upcoming Gatherings
- Road to ECO – Nature Preservation & Repair Mixer (July 23, Los Angeles) — Join Larta Institute for our upcoming ecosystem mixer to explore interdependent initiatives and groundbreaking solutions dedicated to sustaining and improving life on our planet. Register here.
- VERGE 24 (October 29-31, San Jose) — A leading climate tech event. Register here.
- ECO 2024 (December, Los Angeles) — ECO, hosted by Larta Institute, is multidisciplinary festival and ecosystem gathering designed to foster innovation for a sustainable planet. By engaging with communities on the frontlines of today’s most urgent climate change and environmental challenges, we aim to identify and accelerate groundbreaking innovations that can make a real impact. Check out our 2023 festival recap and stay tuned to learn more.
Funding Opportunities
Explore the resources available and apply directly through the links below.
- The Department of Energy (DOE) announced $45.8 million in new funding for projects to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. Learn more here.
- Larta Institute and TurboSBIR are partnering to help you take advantage of federal funding opportunities, from Phase I SBIRs to Phase II SBIRs and beyond. Find and apply for new SBIR opportunities here.
— Alumni Spotlights —
Program: Ag Innovation Showcase
Impact Area: Food, Water & Energy Systems
Congratulations to Mi Terro for partnering with Lipton to Launch Dissolvable Tea Pods!
Mi Terro is a pioneering company that transforms agricultural waste into sustainable, high-performance fibers using advanced biotechnology. By extracting proteins from dairy waste, like spoiled milk, and converting them into eco-friendly fibers for textiles and packaging, Mi Terro reduces food waste and offers sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. Their innovative approach promotes a circular economy and environmental stewardship, highlighting the importance of sustainability and innovation in addressing global waste issues.
Program: Heal.LA
Impact Area: Equitable, Healthy & Resilient Communities
Linggo is an assistive technology and training solution that helps make communication accessible for people who have difficulty speaking, such as individuals with profound autism, or individuals suffering from aphasia due to stroke or traumatic brain injury. Linggo supports the learning of language, speech, communication, and literacy skills.
Program: Venture Fellows
Impact Area: Nature Preservation & Repair
Gradible offers Fractional Chief Sustainability Officer services, strategic social impact enhancement, and grants access to a diverse array of eco-friendly products, services, and technologies. This 100% female minority-owned enterprise collaborates with reputable global companies, targeting sectors like hospitality, healthcare, education, and sports to deliver measurable sustainability solutions.
— Alumni Showcase —
Our Alumni Companies in the News
- IsoTruss® carbon fiber tower named winner of JEC Composites Innovation
- Mi Terro Partners with Lipton to Launch Dissolvable Tea Pods
- Ola Brew partners with Symbrosia to create low-methane burger in honor of Earth Day
- The Unseen Teams Up with Living Ink for Algae Black Cosmetics Line ‘Absorption’
- CalWave to Provide Wave Energy Tech for British Columbia Project
- Blue Forest Launches New Forest Resilience Bond (FRB) to Address Catastrophic Wildfire Threat
- Continuum Ag Partners with Siouxland Energy to focus on low-CI corn
- Arete’s Modular Drone Detection System showcased at SOF Week
- Cuberg receives external validation of lithium-metal battery module
- Pivot Bio Named to Fast Company’s 2024 List of World Changing Ideas
— Our Impact —
and Other Resources
Larta Institute’s 2023 Impact Report
On Larta Institute’s 30th year anniversary, we are proud to share a glimpse into our transformative journey through the lens of our 2023 Impact Report.
Did you know that Los Angeles is on the cusp of a major food justice revolution? Read our Rooted Horizons Report, a groundbreaking research collaboration between Larta Institute and Los Angeles Food Policy Council, funded by California Community Foundation.
— Our Growing Team —
Join our Team
Visit our Careers page to learn more.
Partner with us to support or sponsor Larta’s programs and initiatives!
Contact Carlos Gutierrez, Chief Development Officer, at cgutierrez@larta.org.
Our mission is to foster science & technology innovation for a sustainable planet.
Let’s feed, fuel, and heal the world.
Connect with us.