Business Case Studies & Business Publications

Calera: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, an...

Larson, Andrea, Me...

Case

Calera: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Sustainability

Larson, Andrea; Meier, Mark

ENT-0160 | Published September 21, 2010 | 27 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

Add To Cart Buy Now

Product Details

A high-risk, highly capital-intensive start-up had confirmed its product's scalability and must then decide what business model made sense. It's biomimicry-inspired, environmentally sustainable cement product and related processes had the potential to lower greenhouse gas emissions, possibly sequester carbon, and even assist in potable water production. If everything worked as hoped, Calera's method seemed like a magic sponge capable of absorbing multiple pollutants and transforming them into desirable products. The reality, though full of possibilities, was complex, with many practical hurdles.