Microsoft Climate Fund Backs Robotic Recycling Startup

Microsoft’s climate innovation fund has invested in Amp Robotics, a Colorado-based startup creating robotic recycling and waste management systems.

The company recently closed its series C funding round with $99 million, with Congruent Ventures and Wellington Management leading the round and Microsoft’s climate subsidiary coming in as a later investment.

Amp has said the funds will be used to scale its operations, deploying its autonomous waste management technology at recycling centers and retrofitting infrastructure to accommodate for its technology.

The company recently unveiled its AI-enabled automated sortation system, which identifies and separates recyclable materials from waste. It also has an AI-powered system to recover disposable film and packaging. According to Amp, its platform identified nearly 75 billion objects in 2022, helping companies accelerate recycling efforts and make operations more sustainable.

Credit: Amp Robotics

Amp CEO Matanya Horowitz described the sorting technology as “category-defining” in allowing businesses to achieve sustainability goals and pursue a circular economy.

“As demand for automation in the waste industry continues to grow, we’ve expanded our capabilities to provide customers with solutions for both new and existing recycling facilities alike,” said Horowitz. “The modern recycling infrastructure we’re creating through retrofit solutions and facility expansion is helping more economically recover valuable commodities and increase recycling rates.”

The company’s recent funding round comes as investment into automation and sustainability efforts is seeing increased attention.

“There’s an urgent need for solutions and ongoing innovation to address our critical waste crisis,” said Brandon Middaugh, Microsoft climate innovation fund senior director.