Causeartist Weekly #297: Food Waste AI, Global Climate Funding, and $100K Accelerator Grants
This week’s Causeartist Weekly spotlights Raccoon Eyes AI, record-breaking climate tech funding, and major new opportunities for impact founders, including the Robin Hood Catalyst and AWS/NVIDIA accelerator programs.
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.
🙌 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.
Robin Hood Catalyst Accelerator
Offers $100K grants for impact tech startups tackling socioeconomic challenges through scalable, tech-driven solutions. Deadline November 21.
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.
📰 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
Ireland Launches New Social Innovation Hub
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.
💰 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.
Grant Trahant
Founder | Causeartist + Causeartist BackOffice
Host | Disruptors for Good + Investing in Impact
Venture Partner | Pay it Forward Ventures
Connect: LinkedIn | X
