Alternō

Alternō emerges from a confluence of innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for a sustainable future. The company's founding narrative reflects this spirit, with Hai Ho, Kent Nguyen, and Nam Nguyen, each bringing their expertise in engineering, software development, and environmental sustainability, to the table. A chance encounter amidst a growing urgency to address global environmental challenges and the need for renewable energy solutions sparked their collective journey.

Hai and Kent's prior experiences foreshadowed Alternō's path. Hai's off-grid living project highlighted the limitations of existing battery technology, while Kent delved into the realm of energy storage solutions. Their recognition of this critical need for innovation in sustainable energy storage ultimately led to the creation of Alternō.

Alternō's groundbreaking technology leverages a unique combination of insulated sand and custom heat-conducting tubes. This solution not only facilitates a low-carbon transition for agricultural practices but also offers significant cost savings for farmers compared to conventional grid energy or lithium-ion battery alternatives. Recognizing the increasing demand for thermal energy in agriculture alongside the challenges of climate change, Alternō prioritizes the development of clean and sustainable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions. Their industrial-scale sand battery systems, ranging from 250 kWh to 1.8 megawatts, have the potential to revolutionize energy consumption within the agricultural sector worldwide.

Alternō's dedication to sustainable innovation has garnered recognition and support from various entities. Their status as a winner of the Net Zero Challenge 2023, a Vietnamese climate innovation competition, stands as a testament to their groundbreaking approach. Furthermore, they have secured grants from international foundations and established partnerships with prominent organizations like JETRO, Qualcomm, and the National University of Singapore. Through continuous innovation and collaboration, Alternō positions itself as a frontrunner in shaping a more sustainable energy future, particularly within the agricultural sector.

In April 2024, Alternō secured over $1.5 million in a seed round co-led by leading impact and venture capital funds The Radical Fund and Touchstone Partners.