Last week, students from Harvard Business School’s Energy & Environment Club traveled to the Bay Area for a Climate Trek, an immersive journey to connect Harvard students with the vibrant climate ecosystem on the West Coast. This trek was crafted to bridge a geographical and professional gap, introducing students to the trends, companies, and leaders driving recent breakthroughs in climate tech. For many, the West Coast’s climate community often felt somewhat distant and detached from life on our Northeast campus. By engaging directly with the Bay Area’s climate pioneers, we gained invaluable insights and connections with experts shaping the future of this critical space.
The journey began with a visit to Tesla’s Fremont manufacturing plant, where the automation and scale of electric vehicle production became strikingly clear. Tesla’s unique approach to vertically integrating its manufacturing process—from raw metal sheets to fully assembled vehicles—allows the company to streamline operations and move quickly to meet demand. The level of automation throughout the plant was remarkable, showcasing how Tesla’s strategic choice to control every stage of production has positioned it as a leader in manufacturing innovation itself.
Next, we visited Antora Energy, a company tackling industrial emissions through thermal battery technology, converting renewable electricity into reliable, affordable heat for heavy industry. It was inspiring to hear how Antora evolved over time, adapting to challenges and preparing for commercialization as they approach their first-of-a-kind project. We also met with David Mackanic of Anthro Energy, whose company is advancing safer, more robust lithium batteries. Hearing about his entrepreneurial journey, from fundraising challenges to recent support from the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, was both insightful and energizing for our own aspirations.
The trek also included a stop at Stanford GSB, where we engaged in a panel with Gigascale Capital and SE Ventures. This wasn’t just an opportunity to connect with companies; the group also met Stanford students and alumni equally passionate about the climate crisis. This experience underscored the potential for collaboration across institutions and regions, reminding us that the scale of the climate challenge requires breaking down geographic and institutional barriers.
In the final days, we met HBS alumni who are leaders of their respective sectors, spending a meaningful morning hearing from those who were once in our shoes, now pushing forward impactful change. We wrapped up the trek with a visit to a sustainable winery in Napa Valley, a reminder that every industry—regardless of tradition or scale—can be approached from a climate-conscious perspective.
Reflecting on the trek, this experience was about more than just visiting companies; it was about connecting with people whose vision and commitment drive real action. From breakthroughs in electric vehicles to advancements in energy storage, the Bay Area is alive with climate innovation. Meeting the people behind these efforts was an invaluable reminder of why so many dedicate their careers to this mission and why the fight for a sustainable future truly matters.