Microsoft has announced a strategic investment in Fortera, a green cement manufacturer, through its Climate Innovation Fund (CIF). The deal secures Microsoft access to Fortera’s ReAct™ low-carbon cement and environmental attribute certificates (EACs), marking a decisive step in the company’s effort to reduce embodied carbon in its datacenter construction footprint. Cement accounts for roughly 7–8% of global CO₂ emissions, making this sector one of the most critical targets for deep decarbonization.

e-Zinc, the company pioneering sustainable, long-duration energy storage with its zinc-air battery technology, today announced it has secured an additional USD $31 million in follow-on funding to its $25 million Series A round. This oversubscribed Series A2 round was spearheaded by Evok Innovations, with additional investments from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Export Development Canada (EDC), and Ultratech Capital Partners. The round also saw participation from e-Zinc’s existing shareholders, including Toyota Ventures, Eni Next, Anzu Partners, BDC, and Graphite Ventures.