UW Launches Data Center Incubator to Address Climate Concerns
As concerns about the environmental impact of AI data centers grow, the University of Washington is launching a startup incubator to support climate tech innovations addressing those challenges. The UW CoMotion Labs initiative is partnering with Microsoft and investment network E8 to create a four-month program targeting technologies in areas including backup energy storage, grid improvements, efficient data center cooling, electronics waste reduction, and low-carbon building materials.
The new effort is the first to focus on a specific industry within the climate space. Organizers are seeking early-stage applicants with technologies ready to commercialize, deploy as pilot projects, or scale. E8 will provide an investor-in-residence to advise founders and a representative on the startup selection committee. Microsoft will share technical and industry expertise and other support.
The initiative coincides with a poll finding that 53% of Americans are 'extremely or very concerned' about the environmental impacts of AI, up from 41% a year ago. The survey found that 80% of adults are concerned about data center effects on electric bills, power outages, or water supply.