How can SaaS/AI be leveraged to enhance environmental justice and community engagement? The scale and urgency of the transformation required to fight climate change has never been more clear. Building hardware and software products, acquiring the funding and creating a diverse community to enhance talent capacity and to drive innovation, is essential to tackling this global environmental crisis. In this podcast, host and Silicon Valley Bank (a division of First Citizens Bank) Climate Tech & Sustainability SVP Maggie Wong will be interviewing Unified Ground Founder & CEO Jamil Ellis to discuss building SaaS technology to enhance environmental justice and community engagement, best practices utilizing AI for data analytics and relationship development, as well as leveraging the climate ecosystem to optimize partnerships and growth.
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Show Notes
- Jamil Ellis is the founder and CEO of Unified Ground, a company using technology to connect community organizations and businesses to environmental and sustainability investments.
- Unified Ground’s main products are Green Bridge, a SaaS platform that helps utilities and green developers strategically engage with communities, and AI Empower, an open-source AI toolkit for climate-focused community organizations.
- Jamil’s background includes working in large consumer tech companies like the NFL and HBO, before transitioning to mission-driven companies in the energy efficiency and sustainability space.
- A key challenge Unified Ground faced was launching right before the Inflation Reduction Act, requiring nimbleness and iteration to adapt to the rapidly changing policy landscape.
- Jamil emphasizes the importance of focus and not trying to do everything. Additionally, get external product design expertise to refine the business proposition.
- Diversity is crucial for building better products and solving complex climate problems, requiring diverse coalitions and perspectives.
- The incoming administration’s potential rollback of climate programs presents a setback. It’s also an opportunity to drive more local, community-based climate solutions.
- Extreme weather events can bring people together and drive adaptation and resilience, which is a key opportunity.
- Jamil is most excited about the launch of AI Empower and empowering mission-driven organizations with AI capabilities.
- Jamil recommends that those interested in transitioning to climate tech get involved in the local community. Also network, and don’t be deterred by lack of direct experience.
- Great product managers have strong user empathy, combined with a deep understanding of the underlying technology.
- Empathy is a critical skill for building products, engaging stakeholders, and making positive change.
- Unified Ground’s mission is to use technology to bridge the gap between communities, sustainability investments, and environmental initiatives.
- The complexity of the energy and climate space, as well as the rapidly evolving policy landscape, require nimble and iterative product development.
- Bringing in external product expertise can help refine the business proposition and product strategy.
- Diversity in the founding team and product development process leads to better products and more effective climate solutions.
- Leveraging SaaS/AI to enhance environmental justice will become increasingly important as top-down support may diminish.
- Extreme weather events present an opportunity to drive adaptation, resilience, and collaborative climate solutions.
- A key focus for Unified Ground is empowering mission-driven organizations with accessible AI tools.
- Networking, community involvement, and an openness to learning are valuable for those looking to transition into the climate tech space.
About the speaker
Jamil Ellis is the CEO of Unified Ground, a technology platform connecting community-based organizations and local businesses to environmental and sustainability investments. Previously, he served as CTO at NYC-based cleantech firms Bright Power and BlocPower, where he developed software solutions to decarbonize buildings nationwide. On the creative side he has worked as a producer, writer, and performer for stage, film, and television. Today, he co-hosts the podcast "Ellis Conversations," exploring race, law, and history, and is gearing up to launch a comedy/music podcast, "Brooklyn Dad," this fall.
About the host
Maggie Wong is an accomplished product management and capital markets leader with over 15 years of experience in driving product strategy, delivering global products, fundraising & capital allocation, and leading cross-functional teams. Outside of her role at Silicon Valley Bank to support New York / East Coast based climate tech companies and investors, she is also experienced in increasing program impact, growing community reach and implementing DEI initiatives at travel and fintech non-profits. Maggie is passionate about making a social impact for the next generation, tackling climate change and traveling. She is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese and a beginner in Spanish.