At LabStart, we support brilliant entrepreneurs willing to bring bold climate ideas to market. Our 2026 Launch cohort includes six fellows with outstanding talent and hustle, and they inspire us every day. 

Let’s get to know them better!

‍

Warren Ndlovu: Sotera Materials

From: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Currently: Oakland, CA

‍

Warren is developing low-carbon, high-performance wall panels that reduce construction waste and increase building reliability and fire resistance. 

‍
Q: What first sparked your interest in entrepreneurship?
A: I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, so I wouldn't say there was a spark as much as there was gradual conditioning. I've always assumed that I would be an entrepreneur, but I needed to feel passionate about the problem I am solving and confident in the commercial potential of the market. 

I came across the LabStart program at a time when I was looking to dive deeper on a few markets of interest, and it felt like a great way to do it in conjunction with other aspiring entrepreneurs. The timing of [LabStart Program Director] Troy's advertising messages felt too serendipitous to ignore, so I took the dive.

Q. What problem is your startup solving?
A. We are developing a cleaner and healthier way to protect the lives and property within buildings by commercializing a novel concrete with superior performance properties.  

Q. Why are you excited about this LabStart cohort?
A. I am excited about the cohort because we are all working to build a future our descendants can be proud of. Everyone is forgoing the comfort of a regular job in order to do something extraordinary. I don't how anyone can be anything but excited about this.

Q. Why did you apply to the LabStart fellowship specifically?
A. I was already looking to do some of the work that I have been doing in the program, so the idea of getting support from people who have experience and a network in the space was very enticing. 

I am even more excited about the Launch phase because I had the pleasure of meeting everyone and getting to know them during the Discover phase.

‍
Q. How is LabStart transforming your journey?
A. I've always heard that the first check is the hardest to get, so that is the most obvious way that LabStart has transformed my journey. 

The less obvious ways are by providing a community of people who are going along a similar journey as well as extensive support via [curriculum developers and mentors] Fractal Climate and guest speakers.

‍

Meet our other fellows!

‍