This MIT climate tech startup helps businesses optimize decarbonization with AI

Climate tech startup Sesame Sustainability is developing an integrated AI platform to help organizations analyze and optimize their decarbonization strategies through unified data modeling.

The core innovation; Sesame’s platform combines plant-level data, curated databases, and customizable models to assess the technical, economic, and environmental impact of different sustainability choices.

• The system enables rapid scenario analysis across hundreds or thousands of potential options to identify optimal decarbonization pathways
• Traditional approaches relied on fragmented analysis methods that were time-consuming and less comprehensive
• The platform visualizes the entire journey to net zero emissions while accounting for infrastructure requirements and supply chain considerations

Real-world applications; The technology can evaluate complex decisions like transitioning vehicle fleets to alternative energy sources.

• Options like battery electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and synthetic fuels can be compared simultaneously
• Infrastructure needs such as charging stations and fuel supply chains are factored into the analysis
• What previously took months of research can now be analyzed “in moments” using the integrated AI system

Technical foundation; The platform emerged from research at the MIT Energy Initiative, where founder Emre Gençer spent a decade developing the underlying approach.

• The system integrates customizable technology modules with analytical tools and collaboration features
• Global data insights are combined with techno-economic analysis capabilities
• The platform aims to transform sustainability challenges into opportunities for organizations

Implementation considerations; While AI shows promise for climate solutions, important factors must be addressed.

• High-quality data inputs are essential for system effectiveness
• AI’s own massive energy consumption raises environmental concerns
• Grid stability and carbon footprint optimization require careful planning

Looking ahead; The development of unified interface AI platforms represents a potentially transformative approach to achieving emissions reductions, though success will depend on responsible deployment that addresses AI’s own environmental impact while maximizing its benefits for climate action.