In a context of growing environmental concern, technology is presented as a key tool for reducing the carbon footprint. Devera demonstrates how technological innovation can be an ally of sustainability, with effective and transformative solutions. Sebastien, its founder, tells us more about this revolutionary project.
The purpose behind the creation of Devera
Years ago, Sebastien created and sold a tech start-up in the fitness sector. ‘Having two children and seeing the current climate crisis, I decided to start a new business again and contribute my grain of sand,’ he says. He also points out that, having previously met Iker Alcaide, the match to co-found the project was immediate.
Key learnings and experience in business
The interviewee mentions a key learning: ‘Being close to the market allows you to build something that customers are willing to pay for, and thus ensure its viability’.
He also stresses the need to be resilient: ‘When faced with a rollercoaster, you can't sink when things don't work out, but you can't get too excited when you get victories’.
Finally, he shares his experience of international development: ‘I've learned that testing markets in software is quite easy, but it only works if you put in a lot of effort and resources´.
Transforming complex data into useful and accessible information
The founder explains that the start-up is dedicated to collecting unstructured data and organising it for product lifecycle analysis. In this way, the carbon footprint is calculated and its percentile is estimated using mathematical models. He clarify: ‘This is a 360° analysis and includes: raw material, manufacturing, transport, packaging, use and end of life.’
According to him, this offers advantages to consumers: ‘It allows them to understand whether the product they are buying is more or less sustainable than market alternatives.’
Every decision counts: moving towards a sustainable future
Sebastian comments that they support both companies and consumers in this process: ‘When a company wants to improve the carbon footprint generated by their products, we help them get the data, compare it and get recommendations for improvement. Then, we update the data in real time’.
Let's look at an example: manufacturing an electric car generates a carbon footprint almost double that of a gasoline car. However, during the use phase, the carbon footprint of the electric car is easily five times smaller.
The contribution of technology in the process
The interviewee highlights a key point: ‘In 4 years we expect to have reduced 1 million tonnes of carbon through the informed decisions of companies and individuals´.
This technology of impact levers offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows the most polluting processes to be improved. It also provides access to interest rate subsidies through green loans. Moreover, it offers clear and simple information to users, helping them to choose products with a lower environmental footprint.
ESG and data intelligence as essential tools
As Sebastien points out, the central idea is that what is not measured cannot be improved. Then, he adds: ‘Sustainability is laying the foundation for standard measurements, although there is still much to be done´.
Most relevant technology trends for the coming years
Considering the current context, he argues that local energy production will continue to grow: ‘The expansion of renewable energies such as green hydrogen, solar energy and nuclear fusion will be essential´.
On the other hand, animal welfare awareness will increase: ‘Alternatives to protein consumption such as 3D printer food and other plant-based alternatives will continue to grow and become massively accepted’.
On the field of food, he adds: ‘We will see regenerative agriculture as the mainstream practice, leaving organic farming far behind´.
Regarding consumer goods production, he stresses: ‘The norm will be the circular economy and the technologies involved in transforming and recovering materials to minimize waste sent to landfills´.
Finally, he points out that both robotics and artificial intelligence may have a negative effect on social and environmental progress: ‘I see it very likely that this will create even greater inequality between rich and poor, in addition to the production of materials needed for robotics´.
Keys to obtaining funding for projects with impact
The founder shares that Zubilabs was key in the early steps. The company supports projects with social, environmental and economic impact with up to € 1 million euros.
However, when he first started, the situation was very different, as venture capital was scarce in Spain. This made obtaining funding incredibly difficult.
He continues: ‘The sustainability sector is fortunate to have a growing wave of funds specialising in Climate Tech that understand this triple impact´.
Next steps in the short and medium term
Sebastien mentions that his aim is to deliver results in even shorter time, as well as to enhance market comparisons.
Finally, he stresses: ‘Our vision is to be the leading provider of market data on products, both for calculations and industry insights´.
The challenge of entrepreneurship in the sustainable sector
The interviewee comments that the desire for entrepreneurship usually comes from a desire to improve the world. However, as he points out: ‘The innovation component in sustainability and the circular economy has to go hand in hand with economic improvements for customers´.
He then sends an encouraging message to entrepreneurs, stressing that, despite the challenging path, you will never regret changing the world for the better.
DEVERA shows us how, by harnessing technology in a smart way, we can contribute to environmental and social well-being through more conscious and responsible consumption choices in our daily lives.
