Tech giants fund startup push to cool data centers and cut emissions

Elemental Impact is leading a new climate initiative backed by Breakthrough Energy and Builders Vision, with Microsoft involvement, to invest between $500,000 and $5 million in up to 10 startups through 2027. The goal is to pilot data-center innovations—such as advanced cooling, energy storage, and green building materials—and connect startups with developers to speed deployment, while also engaging communities and exploring potential broader funding. The effort emphasizes accelerating climate tech in data centers rather than funding expansion directly, and may expand beyond 2027 if successful.