Clean Earth Rovers cofounders named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list

Duo’s UC Venture Lab-backed startup is valued at $3 million

A pair of graduates of the University of Cincinnati’s Venture Lab program were recognized as being among the top entrepreneurs in North America as part of the 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

Clean Earth Rovers cofounders Michael Arens and David Constantine were named to the 13th annual Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the energy category. They’re part of the 600 honorees across 20 industries recognized by Forbes.

Clean Earth Rovers is developing autonomous rovers that clear debris, which Arens likened to “Roombas for coastal waterways.” The startup has deployed its rovers near San Francisco and in South Florida to clear plastic, hurricane debris, oil spills, dead fish, seaweed and more from coastal waterways. The startup also has developed DataPods that can monitor water quality.

According to Forbes, Clean Earth Rovers is valued at $3 million and projected to make $1.2 million in revenue in 2024.

See more from Forbes.

Featured image at top: Clean Earth Rovers CEO Michael Arens, left, works on the startup’s autonomous rover. Photo/Clean Earth Rovers

Innovation Lives Here

The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.

Related Stories

4094 Results
1

The entrepreneur’s guide to the power of networking

As an entrepreneur, connections with other business leaders can be just as valuable as the ideas and products that are brought to market. You can open doors to exciting opportunities, gain valuable insights and establish a robust support system through meaningful connections. Here’s why networking is essential and how you can leverage it to your advantage.

3

Bridging creativity and commerce

July 1, 2024

At the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, Victoria Mrofchak stands out not just for her academic excellence but for her remarkable blend of creativity and business acumen. A fourth-year marketing major with a minor in management and fine arts, scholarships help Mrofchak shape her future at the intersection of art and commerce.

4

Put down that beer; it's not a tanning lotion

July 1, 2024

The University of Cincinnati's Kelly Dobos joined WVXU's Cincinnati Edition to discuss what's fact and what's myth when it comes to sunscreen use, different kinds of sunscreen and a social media recommendation to use beer on your skin to help get a tan.

5

Get to know Lisa Huffman, new dean of UC's CECH

July 1, 2024

UC News spoke with incoming CECH dean, Lisa Huffman, about her past experiences, the role family plays in her life, academic philosophies, goals for her time in this position and more. As we welcome the newest dean to University of Cincinnati, we encourage you to read on to learn more about Dean Huffman.

6

Meet UC’s Miss Ohio

July 1, 2024

UC biomedical science student Stephanie Finoti credits UC for helping to prepare her for the Miss Ohio Scholarship Pageant. She will represent Ohio in the national competition in January.

7

UC alum visits campus to teach students about footwear design

June 28, 2024

A 2011 graduate of design, UC alum Charley Hudak has seen his career trajectory go from intern to creative director for Tiger Woods' new athletic footwear brand, Sun Day Red. While he may run with the biggest cat in golf, Hudak doesn't forget his Bearcat roots and comes back each summer to teach youth about footwear design at DAAP Camps.

9

Cincinnati researchers want to know if MRIs can work better

June 28, 2024

WVXU and the Cincinnati Business Courier highlighted a new collaboration between the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, UC Health GE HealthCare, JobsOhio, REDI Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s to create an MRI Research and Development Center of Excellence located on UC’s medical campus.