Nanotechnology Engineering alumnus Thomas Storwick makes Forbes 30 under 30 list
Nanotechnology Engineering (NE) alumnus Thomas Storwick (Class of 2019) has made Forbes prestigious 30 under 30 list. Storwick co-founded Coastal Carbon with University of Waterloo alumna Kelly Zheng.
“Being named in Forbes 30 Under 30 is a remarkable milestone,” says Storwick. “It has significantly raised our profile, attracting attention from potential partners, investors, world-class talent, and clients. This recognition has not only validated our work but has also opened new opportunities for growth and collaboration. Personally, it's been an incredible honor and a motivating factor to continue pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in environmental technology.”
Coastal Carbon is dedicated to empowering ocean restoration and fighting climate change. Storwick and Zheng recognized the significant role seaweed can play in carbon sequestration and understood the challenges in accurately quantifying its impact. To overcome this challenge, Coastal Carbon leverages AI and machine learning to create technology that precisely measures the ocean's carbon capture potential, starting with seaweed.
Coastal Carbon is also exploring the potential of blue carbon credits, which are carbon offsets generated from the preservation or restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems. This further strengthens commitment to the cause.
Coastal Carbon promotes ocean restoration and fights climate change by bridging technology and environmental sustainability. Its advanced AI provides precise data for ocean carbon sequestration, supporting seaweed farmers and stakeholders in the blue carbon market. This market allows entities to purchase carbon credits that help offset their emissions, incentivizing financial support for ocean conservation.
Storwick credits his experience as an undergraduate student in the NE Program as having influenced his career trajectory. He also feels that the University of Waterloo Velocity Incubator enabled them to refine their concept and create the foundation of their company.
“Being a part of the Nanotechnology Engineering (NE) program significantly influenced my career path. The program's interdisciplinary approach, combining engineering, physics, chemistry, and biology, provided a solid foundation for understanding complex environmental challenges. It also encouraged an innovative mindset, essential for tapping into entrepreneurial resources and establishing a profitable venture like Coastal Carbon.”
Coastal Carbon aims to continue strengthening its collaborations with seaweed farmers and environmental organizations to forge new relationships to maximize our impact on ocean restoration and carbon sequestration.