1. Hitachi announces $400m fund to develop sustainable tech and growth

The strategic corporate venture capital unit of Hitachi Ltd., Hitachi Ventures, says it will be funding up to $400 million of “strategic investments in startups with cutting-edge digital technologies”. It aims to accelerate and promote the development of sustainable tech for data centres, future of work and industrial AI and distributed energy systems.

2. IBM partners with nearly 100 mayors across the globe to build AI-powered sustainable cities

IBM plans to collaborate with C40 Cities, a global network of leaders from 96 cities, to tackle climate issues. To face the predicted growth of urbanisation in the coming years, IBM claims to have fielded over 100 applications from businesses for funding to support projects aiming at making cities more resilient, secure and sustainable with AI-based technology.

3. Former VP Al Gore’s firm secures $175m in funding with Microsoft and calSTRS to invest in natural climate solutions

Just Climate, a specialist investment business established by former US Vice President Al Gore’s Generation Investment Management company, has raised $175 million with Microsoft and the California state retirement system (calSTRS) for its Natural Climate Solutions strategy – a global investment strategy aiming to improve land use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The latest investment will go towards NatureMetrics, a UK-based biodiversity monitoring company.

4. KPMG: 44% of UK business leaders name sustainability as an investment priority in 2025

KPMG surveyed 1,500 business leaders across the UK to gauge views on key corporate issues, strategies and investments for its inaugural Private Enterprise Barometer report. The report found that 44 per cent of respondents are eyeing sustainability as a top investment priority, believing there could be financial benefits from focusing on the agenda, thanks to an increased attractiveness to investors and/or buyers.

5. Chipotle ‘Cultivate Next’ fund invests in aquatic plant-based tech to minimise carbon emissions and reduce cattle methane emissions by up to 90%

Chipotle’s $100 million Cultivate Next venture fund is investing in biotech company Plantible to support the manufacturing of its plant-based protein, Rubi Protein, intended to replace synthetic emulsifiers and binders. The fund is also invested in tech company CH4Global and the manufacturing of its Asparagopsis-based feed additive with the goal of reducing cattle methane emissions by up to 90 per cent.

6. Deloitte report highlights need for lithium-ion battery recycling as electric vehicle sales rise

Deloitte has teamed with Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) – a division of the American Chemical Society – to deliver a holistic analysis of the lithium-ion battery industry and its impact on renewable energy. The report highlights the importance of lithium-ion recycling methods in response to rising sales of electric vehicles and growth in renewable energy storage, and explores the use of tech innovations and digital solutions to do so.

7. 25% of Gen Z car shoppers say environmental impact and sustainability are most important – more than any other generation

Peugeot UK  surveyed 2,000 respondents across five generations (Silent, Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z/Post-millennials) and found that Gen Z was the most environmentally minded: 25 per cent of Gen Z respondents named environmental impact and sustainability as the features most important to them when selecting a new vehicle. This was more than any other generation, with design and technology taking precedence among most groups.