The Altru Institute, founded in 2017, aims to tackle some of the world's most complex challenges by fostering collaboration among individuals and organizations capable of making a significant impact. With a strong focus on Climate, Energy, Sustainability, and Health and Wellness, Altru connects change-makers working on similar issues, facilitating the flow of information to accelerate effective solutions. By conducting research to identify those making the greatest impact, Altru convenes them into collaborative communities that drive progress. Each January, the Institute gathers thought leaders at its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, to discuss and promote global collaboration for a better future.
Conclusion of 2025:
Family Impact: Direct Investment in Sustainable Initiatives
Family offices, which derive 60-70% of their wealth from businesses founded or operated by the family, are increasingly directing their industry expertise into sustainable investments. Younger generations are particularly championing impact-driven strategies, leading to an allocation of 10-15% of family office portfolios toward sustainability.
This session examined best practices for identifying and evaluating investment opportunities that align financial returns with long-term impact, led by Dr. Alexandra Cook, specializing in sustainable investments.
Corporate Venture Capital: Optimal Exit for Impact
Corporate venture capital (CVC) has seen significant growth, with the number of CVC units rising from fewer than 500 a decade ago to 2,753 in 2022. Corporations play a critical role in providing startups with essential resources, mentorship, and global sales channels, making them valuable partners in scaling impact enterprises.
This session, led by Paul Burgon, founder of Exit Ventures, focused on strategies for startups to engage with corporate investors prior to Series A funding to maximize impact and mitigate early-stage risk.
Mental Health and Wellness: Unique Challenges Faced by Women
Women’s mental health is influenced by various biological factors, societal expectations, and often underdiagnosed conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, and postpartum depression. Advances in neuroscience, coupled with holistic practices, provide new avenues for support. Led by Emilė Radytė (Harvard, Oxford, Samphire Neuroscience) and Ash Moraca (Founder of Retreat), this session explored integrative approaches to mental wellness and stigma reduction.
The discussion highlighted the Nettle device developed by Samphire Neuroscience, designed to enhance mental well-being through innovative neurotechnology. Additionally, Ash Moraca's wellness platform, Retreat, offers resources and support aimed at addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by women, promoting a comprehensive approach to mental health care.
From Waste to Clean Energy
Landfills are a significant source of methane, a greenhouse gas that is 80 times more potent than CO2. Converting waste into clean energy presents challenges but also offers transformative potential for mitigating pollution and supporting a circular economy.
James Milner from Wild Hydrogen led a discussion on recent advancements in waste-to-energy solutions, including anaerobic digestion and hydrogen production, as well as the regulatory frameworks shaping the industry’s future.
The sessions at Davos Klosters were an invaluable opportunity for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among leaders committed to addressing pressing global challenges. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, speakers, and partners who contributed to the success of these discussions. Your insights and expertise are crucial as we strive to drive meaningful change in sustainability, impact investment, and mental wellness.
Thank you for joining us in this important dialogue. Together, we can continue to foster innovation and collaboration, paving the way for a sustainable future. We look forward to seeing you at future events and continuing our collective journey toward impactful solutions.
Altru Institute
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