This is the story of “Isabela Tatu”

My innovation story began long before technology entered the picture , it began with a belief I carried since childhood. Growing up in Romania, equality felt like something natural. Women led, worked and shaped communities. It gave me a deep sense of possibility, the belief that we can build systems where everyone belongs.

Years later, working in the maritime industry, I came face to face with one of the biggest global challenges of our time: climate change. The shipping sector is responsible for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and ports are critical nodes of pollution, especially impacting vulnerable communities. In many countries, particularly small island states, there are no affordable, practical pathways to decarbonise. These communities are often on the frontline of climate impacts and women and girls are disproportionately affected, struggling with limited access to basic resources like electricity, clean water and education.

This is why I co-founded Clean Marine Shipping (CMS). Together with partners, we are developing modular waste-to-hydrogen fuel cell systems designed specifically for ports and vessels. Our solution turns local waste streams into clean energy, reducing emissions while creating reliable, affordable and replicable pathways for maritime decarbonisation.