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Amazon To Test AI-Created Material For Carbon Capture In Data Centers

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 4, 2024

Amazon is stepping up its environmental efforts by testing a groundbreaking carbon-removal material for its data centers. The company, which is tackling the growing emissions linked to the artificial intelligence systems powering these centers, has partnered with Orbital Materials, a startup that used AI to design the innovative substance.

Jonathan Godwin, CEO of Orbital Materials, explained that the new material acts like an atomic-level sponge, with cavities precisely sized to capture CO2 without interacting with other elements. This targeted approach could be a game-changer in carbon filtration.

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One of the appealing aspects of the new material is its cost-effectiveness. Godwin estimates that the material could account for just 10% of the cost associated with renting a GPU chip for AI training, significantly less than the price of traditional carbon offsets.

Meanwhile, the demand for energy in data centers is rising, as AI’s rapid development requires more power and cooling solutions. This surge poses a challenge for Amazon, which is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world’s largest cloud provider by revenue, plans to begin piloting the AI-designed carbon removal material in one of its data centers starting in 2025. This initiative is part of a three-year collaboration with Orbital, which will also gain access to AWS’s technology and open-source AI tools for further development.

Howard Gefen, General Manager of AWS Energy & Utilities, stated that the partnership would promote sustainable innovation, but financial details remain undisclosed. Orbital, with offices in Princeton, New Jersey, and London, began its journey about a year ago by setting up a lab to synthesize AI-designed materials. The startup aims to work with AWS to test additional AI-generated solutions, addressing water usage and cooling requirements in data centers. Godwin co-founded Orbital, which currently employs 20 people and is supported by investors such as Radical Ventures and Nvidia’s venture arm. Before this, Godwin contributed to materials science work at Alphabet’s DeepMind until 2022.

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State Grant Fuels Cyprus Innovation Hub Ambitions

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 20, 2026

State Support Strengthens Cyprus Innovation Ambitions

State Aid Commissioner Stella Michaelidou has approved a government grant for the Plug and Play Cyprus Innovation Centre, supporting Cyprus’ ambition to position itself as an innovation hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. Funding will cover operational needs and strategic initiatives, reinforcing the development of the local startup ecosystem.

Robust Funding Framework

Approved support is structured to cover a wide range of costs, including staff salaries, administrative expenses, promotional activities, and specialised services. An agreement signed between the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) and Plug and Play Cyprus also enables access to expert consulting and mentorship, strengthening the centre’s operational capacity.

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Sustainable Operational Support

Additional funding will support facility management and the organisation of training programmes, workshops, and industry events. These initiatives are expected to enhance knowledge exchange, expand professional networks, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the innovation ecosystem.

Strategic Vision For Eastern Mediterranean Innovation

Grant aligns with broader national priorities aimed at strengthening Cyprus’ role in technology and business innovation. Focus remains on three core pillars: business acceleration, corporate innovation, and research collaboration. This approach is designed to support local startups while attracting international partners and expertise.

EU Regulatory Alignment

The measure is implemented under the European Union’s regulatory framework, specifically Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014, which defines state aid compatible with the internal market. Funding validity extends until December 31, 2026, ensuring compliance with EU economic policy standards.

Implementation And Next Steps

Plug and Play Cyprus, as the sole beneficiary, is expected to use the funding to expand services, strengthen operations, and deepen ecosystem integration. Decision Number 481 has been published in the Official Gazette of the Republic on April 17, 2026, confirming formal approval of the measure.