Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Meta have joined a data centre climate initiative led by Elemental Impact to test clean technologies in AI infrastructure.
Elemental Impact said the effort will use data centres as pilot sites for advanced cooling, energy storage and low-carbon building materials.
The nonprofit will invest $500,000 to $5 million in up to 10 startups through 2027. The tech companies helped launch the effort and will pay annual membership fees.
Elemental Impact founder and CEO Dawn Lippert said data centres can help startups bring long-tested technologies to market.
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Microsoft Chief Sustainability Officer Melanie Nakagawa said many promising technologies struggle to move from pilots to wider use.
The initiative also has grant support from Breakthrough Energy and Builders Vision Philanthropy.
Startups can submit proposals for cleaner materials, copper alternatives, energy storage and new cooling methods.
