Causeartist Weekly #297: Food Waste AI, Global Climate Funding, and $100K Accelerator Grants

Hey friends,

As we enter November, it’s incredible to see how innovation continues to accelerate across the impact ecosystem. From AI startups reshaping industries to climate funds scaling restoration and clean energy, the common thread is clear, purpose-driven technology is no longer niche, it’s becoming the foundation for the next economy.

Some of the most inspiring impact stories start not in boardrooms, but in classrooms. This week’s feature takes us back to one of those moments, when a group of Georgia Tech students turned a senior design project into a sustainability startup that’s now changing how universities think about food waste.

We’re also tracking a strong lineup of funding rounds in AI, education, and sustainable food systems, alongside major new opportunities for founders building at the intersection of technology and social good.

Let’s get into it.

— Grant

Featured Interview

How Raccoon Eyes AI is Redefining Food Waste Reduction on University Campuses

Every year, universities across the world throw away thousands of pounds of perfectly good food, from untouched entrees to overproduced menu items.

For Raccoon Eyes AI, a startup born out of Georgia Tech, this isn’t just a statistic. It’s a challenge to be solved through data, design, and behavioral science.

Founded by a group of engineering students who turned their senior capstone project into a full-fledged impact company, Raccoon Eyes helps dining halls measure, understand, and reduce food waste through a blend of smart hardware, analytics, and playful behavioral nudges.

In this interview, CTO and Co-founder, Ivan Zou, shares the story behind Raccoon Eyes, how the team transformed a student project into a scalable sustainability solution, and the role technology can play in shaping more mindful dining experiences.

🔗 Full interview →

🙌 Events and Opportunities

CrowdStrike / AWS / NVIDIA Startup Accelerator

A global accelerator supporting cloud and AI security startups. The program provides access to world-class mentorship, enterprise partnerships, and capital. Applications close November 15.

🔗 Apply here →

Robin Hood Catalyst Accelerator

Offers $100K grants for impact tech startups tackling socioeconomic challenges through scalable, tech-driven solutions. Deadline November 21.

🔗 Learn more →

Plug and Play Silicon Valley November Summit

Dates: November 18–20, 2025
Location: Sunnyvale, CA

Major gathering of 300+ startups and 75+ corporate partners, spotlighting AI for good, sustainability, fintech for inclusion, and new venture demos.

🔗 Learn more →

📰 News & Headlines

Grow-NY Finalists Drive Sustainable Food Innovation

Twenty agri-food startups will pitch their business models in upstate New York, competing for funding to advance regenerative agriculture, local food systems, and circular supply chains. Learn more

The Irish government launched the €2.8 million New Solutions Social Innovation Hub to accelerate projects fighting poverty, exclusion, and youth unemployment. Learn more

Global Climate Tech Investment Hits Record High

Clean energy companies and electric vehicle manufacturers have attracted $56 billion in the first nine months of 2025, already surpassing total 2024 investments and signaling renewed investor confidence in climate innovation.

🔗 Read more →

💰 Funding & Capital Watch

MyEdSpace (UK) Raises $15M Series A
Scaling personalized learning tools for educators and students globally.

speakX (India) Secures $16M Series B
Expanding AI-powered language learning access to millions of learners in emerging markets.

Starbridge (US) Lands $42M Series A
Reimagining civic education and public sector innovation at the intersection of government and AI.

FruitScout (US) Raises $4.8M
Developing automated crop-load management solutions to improve farm productivity and sustainability.

Ridepanda (US) Secures $12.6M Venture Round
A circular mobility platform focused on expanding e-bike adoption and advancing sustainable transport systems.

Mondra (UK) Raises $13.3M Series A
A climate-tech platform building circular supply chains for the food and agriculture sector.

$400M Fund for Ecological Restoration(US)
Baltimore-based Ecosystem Investment Partners raised $400 million for large-scale wetland and habitat restoration projects generating verified environmental offsets.