Building an Environmental Innovation Engine at the Nicholas School of the Environment
The Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University is pioneering a transformative model that bridges cutting-edge environmental research with practical, market-ready solutions to tackle today’s most pressing climate challenges. This is not a research project; it’s an engine for innovation. Our “Lab-to-Market” approach, inspired by Duke’s successful Coulter Translational Partnership, accelerates groundbreaking environmental technologies from the lab to the market. Through proven methods, we work through rapid prototyping, market validation, and scalability, catalyzing real-world products and services and providing returns on both financial and environmental fronts.
Our Advantage
- Mission-Driven Focus: Our mission is to enable enduring solutions that protect communities and advance human and planetary well-being.
- Proven Leadership: Led by technology entrepreneur Jesko von Windheim, we draw expertise from Duke’s top minds in environmental science, engineering, and entrepreneurship while collaborating closely with experts in the startup community.
- Design Climate Methodology: Leveraging design thinking principles, we curate promising technologies being developed at Duke that prioritize triple-bottom-line solutions (people, planet, profit) to drive impactful, marketable innovations.
Current Projects
BioCoastal Solutions
BioCoastal Solutions is an innovative startup born from cutting-edge research in the Silliman Lab at Duke University, specializing in coastal climate resilience. Leveraging breakthrough technology being developed at the Nicholas School, BioCoastal Solutions focuses on restoring and preserving vital coastal habitats, addressing critical challenges like erosion, biodiversity loss, and decarbonization. With a mission to harmonize environmental sustainability and economic development, BioCoastal Solutions works with local communities, governments, and industry to implement scalable, eco-friendly interventions. By harnessing the power of nature, the company aims to protect coastlines and enhance ecosystem services for future generations.
GridSeer
GridSeer is a Duke University-based startup revolutionizing energy management through advanced risk analysis and optimization. Originating from the GRACE Project in the Dalia Patino-Echeverri Lab, GridSeer leverages machine learning and stochastic models to provide highly accurate energy forecasts and real-time risk assessments. Its cutting-edge platform enhances grid reliability, optimizes renewable energy use, and reduces operational costs for utilities and industrial energy users. With a focus on addressing the volatility of renewable energy integration, GridSeer targets sectors like smart cities and industrial energy management, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient energy future.
Meet Our Team
Jesko von Windheim
Professor of the Practice, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Chair, Business & the Environment
Dr. von Windheim is a Duke Professor of the Practice and a technology entrepreneur focused on early-stage innovations in the physical sciences. He was a co-founder of Cronos Integrated Microsystems (acquired by JDS Uniphase), CEO and founder of Nextreme Thermal Solutions (acquired by Laird Technologies) and CEO and co-founder of Tyrata, Inc. (acquired by Bridgestone). At Duke, Dr. von Windheim works with faculty and students to identify, fund and commercialize early stage technologies benefit the planet, help people and create profit.
Shannon Parker
Executive in Residence, Sustainable Operations
Shannon Parker is an Executive in Residence at Duke University, specializing in building sustainable operations, supply chains, and circular business models. In 2024, Shannon was recognized as an Exceptional Performer and Rising Star with NC Tech’s NEXT Tech Awards. She spearheaded commercial supply and sustainability strategy at Circ, a textile-to-textile recycling start-up. Before Circ, she founded and successfully sold Carbon Insights, a fintech startup specializing in environmental analytics. Shannon earned her Master of Environmental Management from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment and her MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business.
Judy Ledlee
Executive in Residence
Dr. Judy Ledlee, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of Design Climate. She developed her passion for cleantech innovation during her doctoral studies at Duke University where she researched emerging water treatment technologies. From her work, she co-founded a startup for hydraulic fracturing wastewater recycling. After graduating, she continued her cleantech career in the water industry working for Evoqua (now Dupont and Xylem), Black & Veatch, and ZwitterCo. She is excited to return to Duke and create opportunities for new generations of students to develop innovations for addressing climate challenges.
See Highlights from the Environment is Business event
Join Us!
Be part of the change. By supporting the Nicholas School, you’re not just funding research—you’re helping create the sustainable solutions of tomorrow. Connect with us to learn how you can make a difference. Contact Jesko von Windheim at jesko@duke.edu or (919) 949-8970.
