Entrepreneurship in the service of the climate emergency

So.cool

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'Team points' are awarded according to the adequacy of the solution with the type of innovations sought by Team for the Planet. They correspond to the analysis of several factors :

impact potential: impact average score > 4 => 0,5 point / if > 4,15 => 1 point.
global consistency: all average score of the 6 selection criteria > 2,5 => 1 point.
the favourite: % of assessments judge the innovation as a top one to act on a global scale against greenhouse gases > 20% => 1 point
the targeting: validation of Team for the Planet scope of action higher than 90% => 0,5 point + innovation level of maturity is enough => 0,5 point
social acceptability: semantic analysis score of comments > 0 => 0,5 point/ if > 3500 => 1 point

1 evaluation

Submitted for assessment : After checking that an innovation is within the scope of the 20 issues Team for the Planet targets and that it has reached a sufficient maturity, the innovation is being assessed.

So.cool is developing the world's first plug-and-play air conditioner for offices and workspaces. It features integrated thermal energy storage and AI-managed climate control, offering installation-free, energy-efficient cooling that reduces electricity consumption by up to 40%. The system eliminates the need for permits, construction, and complex setup, providing quiet and office-ready operation.

Submission date July 26, 2026 Development location Vienna, Austria

Detailed project

NB: this form is filled entirely by the ones submitting the innovation.

What is the issue addressed?

As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, cooling is no longer a luxury but critical infrastructure. However, conventional air conditioning is expensive to install, difficult to retrofit into existing buildings, and energy-intensive to operate. As a result, millions of buildings still lack access to an efficient and scalable cooling solution.

How is the problem solved?

So.cool provides a plug-and-play air conditioner with no outdoor unit, no exhaust hose, and no permits or construction required. It utilizes a proprietary PCM-based thermal battery system that stores heat during the day and regenerates overnight. This system delivers cooling for 6-10 hours, reduces electricity consumption by up to 40%, and operates silently.

What is the customer target?

So.cool has validated demand with paying pilots, first revenues, and a successful live demo with 70+ participants. There is a ~€300k waitlist and a growing pipeline. Current traction includes 5 paying pilots and 20 units directly sold. Future projections include ~€1M revenue by Sept 2026 (750 pre-sales) and €2.5M revenue by June 2027 (750 units delivered).

How is this solution different?

So.cool offers installed HVAC comfort with portable AC simplicity and lower operating costs. Key differentiators include being installation-free, having low total cost (no installation CAPEX and up to 40% lower electricity consumption), and being quiet and office-ready.